Hey everybody!
Purple Butterfly Pages reached an exciting milestone this week!
Back in 2010 at the beginning of my college journey, I was given an assignment by my small business class instructor to list and explain different ways to network from the view point of a business owner. This assignment was particularly inspiring to me as I had just begun my own small business! I began my list with a goal to join the local Chamber of Commerce. I detailed that as a grass-root sole proprietor business, I was not in a position to join the Chamber at the time.
Becoming a member of one’s local Chamber of Commerce would provide any business with networking opportunities, offer support and resources for the business, and provide a network of support from other local business owners. Becoming a member of the Chamber of Commerce was especially important to me, even as an individual member prior to joining as a business owner.
My connection to my local Chamber of Commerce began in 2007 when I had just turned sixteen-years-old. I was an intern at the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce while my uncle, being a British antique store owner in the historic downtown area, was a member. After my internship of almost one year, I finished high school with plans to attend college. I always knew I would go to college, but had not yet quite figured out my major. As I thought more and more about a major, I remembered the work and all the experiences that I had been exposed to at the Chamber of Commerce and knew that I wanted to pursue a degree in business. I signed up for classes majoring in Applied Business Technology. I went to work with my studies and a few months later an opportunity came before me. I took the risk and started my own business.
Throughout my college experience, I held a student membership with the Chamber of Commerce. I did this to stay informed about and involved with my community and its businesses. After graduating college, with business growth at the forefront of my business plan, I knew I had to be more involved in my community and know the local business owners on a more professional level. This would also introduce my own business-that has now expanded- to my community on an entirely different level.
So, on March 13, 2014, I joined the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce as a business owner!!
Another goal on my list checked off!
Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President, Wendi Bailey (whom I have known since I was a teen), shared my excitement as I met with her and completed the paperwork. The tradition at the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce is to ding a silver bell every time a new member joins the Chamber. It was a very exciting and proud moment when that bell rang for me as my business, Purple Butterfly Pages, joined my local Chamber of Commerce!
I am thankful to Chamber President, Wendi Bailey (pictured here on the right) and Executive Assistant, Vicky King (not pictured) for the knowledge they have shared with me over the years. I feel blessed to know these two professional women!
Be involved.
You never know where it may lead!
Believe!
Caitlin Ayers
Owner, Purple Butterfly Pages
