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CCCC REAL graduates entrepreneurs
Dec 19, 2007
SANFORD – Would-be entrepreneurs Rose Orange and Brian Walshaw, both of Sanford, got REAL about their plans to start their own businesses.
On Dec. 12, they were among the students graduating from Central Carolina Community College’s REAL (Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning) program. The quality and depth of the business plans Orange and Walshaw created earned them top awards at the graduation.
Bob Joyce, president of the Sanford Area Chamber of Commerce, presented the awards at the graduation in the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center. Orange received the Top Business Plan Award for “Topiary Rose,” her sculptured plant and gift business that is on schedule to open in March in Sanford.
Walshaw was runner-up with his plan for “Southeastern Martial Arts,” a martial arts school he wants to open in Sanford in a few years. Both are currently business administration students at the college.
REAL, a 16-week program offered in the spring at the college’s Chatham County Campus, in the fall at the Lee County Campus, and online, taught the students important successful small business principles such as business idea development, marketing, finances, personnel, legal issues, insurance, and knowing who is their clientele. The CCCC REAL program is a partnership between the business administration degree program, the college’s Small Business Center, and NC REAL Enterprises.
The Dec. 12 ceremony was primarily for the Lee Campus and online students who just completed the program. Those who took the program in the spring at the Chatham Campus received their graduation certificates then, but were recognized at the graduation. Most of the graduates are CCCC business administration students.
“It’s very exciting,” Orange said, both of her award and starting her own business. “I took REAL because I’ve always wanted to be a business owner. I have butterflies in my stomach because this graduation is really the start.”
Speakers for the graduation were: Joni Pavlik, CCCC dean of Business, Technology, Early Childhood Education, and Developmental Studies; Malinda Todd, assistant director for N.C. REAL Enterprises; and Jody Argote, REAL Class of 2006, owner and operator of Mobile Creperie in Pittsboro. Argote won the REAL Best Business Plan award at the 2006 graduation. Other REAL business owners participating in the graduation were Herman Morris, REAL Class of 1995, Manna Christian Resources; and Faye Shultz, Class of 1995, and Chad Potts, Class of 2005, Mrs. Lacy’s Restaurant.
“Remember what you’ve learned,” Argote told the graduates. “You’ve learned more than you think to help your business be a success. Take it one day at a time.”
She also encouraged the graduates to take advantage of help offered to small businesspeople through the college’s Small Business Centers, area chambers of commerce, and other organizations.
Diane Kannarr, CCCC REAL/ business instructor, reminded the graduates of “D.O. I.T.”: Dream; remember Obstacles will make them stronger; find Inspiration to continue; and remember there’s a Team of people willing to help them succeed.
Since CCCC started offering REAL in the 1994-1995 school year, about 300 people have graduated from the program. Of these, about one-third started their own businesses that are still successful.
“REAL graduation is a big deal for us as a college, a big deal for NC REAL Enterprises, and a big deal for the community because the business that graduates start means more jobs,” said Jim Felton, Director of CCCC’s Small Business Center–Lee County, located at the Wicker Center.
The other graduates and their business plan projects were:
Lee Campus program:
Alex Boone, of Raleigh, Mahogany's, custom furniture and woodwork;
Angela Jones, of Sanford, Michael Angela’s restaurant, featuring home cooked meals;
Rachel Martin, of Sanford, Paw-sibilities, a pet store;
Charlotte McLean, of Sanford, Stop ‘N’ Drop day care center; and,
Kris Vogler, of Sanford, Dance Etc., a dance supply store;
Online graduates:
Ramon Acosta, Fayetteville, Coffee Importing;
Bess Antes, Sanford, Decorative Stair Risers;
Delois Berryman, Lillington, Plus Fashions;
Danesha Chalmers, Sanford, Gabriel’s Spa & Salon;
Jefferson Clark, Sanford, JC’s Restaurant;
Nykeeia Heath, Raeford, Special Events; and,
Ashe, Hinnant, Pittsboro, Natural Body Products;
Chatham Campus spring graduates:
Kyle Hager, Pittsboro, Sustainable Farms;
Seth Harmon, Graham, Green Consulting;
Hillary Heckler, Pittsboro, Bee Keeping;
Laura Lauffer, Pittsboro, GreenStep CSA;
William Mitchell, Chapel Hill, Billy’s Home Service;
Phil Roof, Bahama, Blue Devil Farms; and,
Jennifer Siegel, Apex, Clay Ways.
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