Local Small Business Development Center Opens

February 23, 2009

After months of planning, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is proud to announce the opening of an office in Newberry, SC. The office is located in the Dufford House (Alumni & Church Relations building) on the campus of Newberry College.

Dr. Zais, President of Newberry College and Chuck Wendt recently approved a Letter of Agreement between Newberry College and the SBDC. Newberry College will provide office space and IT assistance. The SBDC Columbia office will provide training and operational oversight.

The effort is supported by Newberry College, the City of Newberry, Newberry County, the SC SBDC and several local businesses, organizations, and banks. Bob Pettit of the Columbia SBDC said "This is truly a community partnership."

After interviewing several people during December and January, the SBDC is proud to announce that Aimee Talbot will be the Business Consultant at the Newberry SBDC. Aimee has a Bachelor of Science in Communication (Summa Cum Laude) and a Master of Arts in Humanities from Florida State University. Additionally, Aimee graduated with a 4.0 GPA in the Master of International Business Studies (MIBS) from the University of South Carolina.

Aimee brings a wealth of business and management skills to the position. She has international business experience with more than a decade of marketing experience. Aimee is currently the President of EuroLux Antiques, a Downtown Newberry business, which sells predominantly through Ecommerce with national and international customers. EuroLux Antiques was named 2008 South Carolina Rural Business of the Year by the SC Department of Commerce. Aimee is actively involved in the Newberry community and served as President of the Newberry Downtown Merchants Association (NDMA) from January 2007 to August 2008.

Aimee is charged with carrying out the SBDC Mission, which is to provide quality managerial and technical assistance for new and existing business owners. The office offers free and confidential business consulting. Workshops will be presented on a variety of business topics for a nominal fee. Appointments must be made in advance by calling 803-321-5689 or by email at Aimee.Talbot@Newberry.edu. Suggestions for workshop topics are also welcome.

Contact Information:
Aimee Talbot, Business Consultant
Newberry Small Business Development Center
2100 College Street
Newberry, SC 29108
Phone 803-321-5689
Email Aimee.Talbot@Newberry.edu