Small Business

Q: We are just a month away from opening our new small business and are suddenly aware that we really need a better marketing plan, especially as it relates to targeting our customers. Can SCORE help us? A: Good timing! For starters, we recommend that you attend the next SCORE roundtable, scheduled for Thursday from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Always Ron's restaurant, 29 N. Burhans Blvd. in Hagerstown. This is a free event but food will be available for purchase. The roundtable will acquaint you with some local marketing research resources available through the Washington County Free Library system.

Three years ago, Vickie Hrabal found herself without a job - so she created one. The interior designer had been working for a kitchen and bathroom design company in Hagerstown when the economy tanked, and she was laid off in February 2009. Finding that no one was hiring designers in the area, she established Oak Hill Interior Design at 114 N. Potomac St. "Crazy or not, I decided to open my own business," the former Texan told the members and guests at Friday's SCORE Hagerstown annual awards dinner.

A local development group wants to create a business incubator that would help small companies and foster potential new growth in and around Hagerstown's struggling downtown. At an informational meeting Monday, James A. Mills, chairman of Cascade Management Group Inc. of Hagerstown, said a business incubator could help bring jobs and new economic development opportunities to Washington County. On average, successful incubators add about 90 jobs to an area, he said. “Our downtown is decaying,” Mills said.

On Tuesday, the Hagerstown-Washington County Economic Development Commission hosted a festive dinner, celebrating milestone anniversaries of dozens of local businesses. After picking up plaques, honorees posed for keepsake photos with EDC Executive Director Timothy R. Troxell. The next morning, Troxell was told he was being dismissed from his job. County officials have declined to talk specifically about Troxell's departure, calling it a personnel issue. But some Washington County commissioners said they're looking forward to a stronger approach to economic development.

Editor's note: This is another in a series of Eastern Panhandle candidate previews that The Herald-Mail will be running over the next several months. The announcements also will be posted on our website, www.herald-mail.com, through the West Virginia primary on May 8. To submit announcements, email them and a color photo (preferably a jpeg) to billk@herald-mail.com or matthew.umstead@herald-mail.com . Any questions? Call 301-791-7281. Larry W. Faircloth is a candidate for the 60th District seat in the West Virginia House of Delegates.

Democratic candidates National economy: What, if anything, should the federal government do to strengthen the national economy and create jobs? Raymond Levi Blagmon - Work with other countries to increase trade of both American goods and services. Ben Cardin - The federal govt has to invest in programs that boost job creation & help small business while still protecting/supporting our children, seniors, clean air/water, & important values we hold dear.

On Feb. 29, I attended the 13th annual Washington County Business Awards, which was held at Hager Hall Grand Ballroom in Hagerstown. The event was co-hosted by the Hagerstown-Washington County Chamber of Commerce and the Hagerstown-Washington County Economic Development Commission, and is one of the most anticipated events of the season. I am also pleased to announce that two of the award winners were farms. Yes, family-farm-based businesses. Creek Bound Farms, the Jim and Bonnie Weddle Family, won the Leading Edge Award, which is awarded to a Washington County business that leverages technology to advance its organization.

Q: My husband and I are considering starting a new small business. What is the first thing we should be doing? A: Ask more questions. That might seem like a rather flip response, but it's true. Success in small business hinges on gathering as much information as possible in order to make sound, informed decisions. That includes understanding your target market, your resources and - perhaps most importantly - yourself. Entrepreneurship has many rewards, but also many responsibilities.

Q: I have what I think is a wonderful idea for a start-up small business. My parents disagree, saying that I don't know the first thing about running a business - and they are right about that. What are the possibilities of my being successful? A: It sounds like your parents are being sincere about protecting you from failure. A good idea is a great start, but it does take hard work, research, planning and successful implementation strategies to turn your ideas into a business.

The Washington County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday presented the 2011 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Awards to two schools, two nonprofit businesses and one small business for their “outstanding local community efforts in the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle arena.” The winners were Clear Spring Elementary School, Williamsport Elementary School, Antietam Creek Watershed Alliance Inc., The Arc of Washington County Inc. and Recycled Crochet. The award was introduced last year. It is coordinated by the Washington County Solid Waste Advisory Committee, which reviews nominees and recommends winners to the commissioners.