Odds & Ends

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March 25, 2013
Odds & Ends

I decided to start Odds & Ends in January, 2013, after careful thought and encouraging support from my Family. Starting a small business is always risky; competition and cash flow are constant threats and it is estimated that half of small businesses fail within the first five years. However, I felt strongly that Odds & Ends could fill a need in the community, as the business is geared partly toward concierge services for Seniors and partly toward pet services for the furry members of a family.

This risk is what made me think carefully before joining the Cartersville – Bartow County Chamber of Commerce. I was not sure what benefits could be gained, what I would learn, who I would meet, and whether this involvement would positively impact the business. I finally decided to join for a year and, after being a member for not quite three months, already know that it was one of the smartest business decisions I have made so far. Judy Frink, a Mary Kay Cosmetics Consultant, was one of the first Chamber members to welcome and guide me in getting involved with Chamber activities, including the Ambassador Committee. The Ambassador Committee, chaired by Todd Browning of State Farm insurance, is the welcoming arm of the Chamber and works with new businesses in Bartow County in getting established and involved in the community. It became clear during the first Ambassador meeting I attended that the Chamber really cares about not only the businesses in Bartow but about the people that run them.

New businesses are joining the Chamber of Commerce almost daily and all of the Chamber members and business leaders feel the momentum and excitement of a growing and thriving community. The Chamber is always very busy planning and participating in various events in the area, including Ribbon Cuttings, the upcoming Steeplechase, and Business Showcase.

A Ribbon Cutting ceremony marks an important milestone for a new business launch and the Chamber supports the planning and execution of these. Odds & Ends will have their Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Thursday, April 11, 2013 at the Chamber of Commerce building and I cannot wait to celebrate this special occasion with Family, friends, and Chamber members.

Odds & Ends has two sides – one side that focuses upon concierge services for Seniors; services such as transportation, errand running, computer support, meal preparation, yard work, and housework. The other side focuses upon Pet services; services such as pet sitting, dog walking, bathing, and transportation. Initial client visits are at no charge and are encouraged to ensure a good ‘fit’ between provider and client but to also provide an opportunity to ask questions and understand details about services and expectations.
Odds & Ends can be found on the web at http://SeniorsAndPets.com, on Facebook at Facebook.com/SeniorsAndPets, and on Twitter at @SeniorsAndPets.

A hearty Thank You to the Bartow County Chamber of Commerce and everyone involved for welcoming and supporting Odds & Ends and other businesses in the community. I am proud to be a Chamber and Ambassador member and look forward to growing not only Odds & Ends but helping other businesses in the area to grow as well.

Article by Linda Crist, Owner of Odds & Ends
Thank you to The Daily Tribune for publishing!
Contact:
Chamber of Commerce
770-382-1466