Building W.Va.’s Economy One Entrepreneur at a Time
Written by Jason Keeling on September 28, 2007
Large employers such as Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Charleston Area Medical Center, and Verizon provide a significant foundation for West Virginia’s economy, but the small business community is equally important. Business ventures are a continuous challenge, and fortunately the Advantage Valley Entrepreneurial League System (ELS) is working with 100 business owners who receive coaching, professional collaboration, and technical assistance at no cost. The ELS is modeled after baseball’s farm system, and participants are classified as “Rookie,” “Single A,” “Double AA,” or “Triple AAA,” based on their business and entrepreneurial skills. Participants meet weekly with a “business coach” and monthly within their respective team settings.
In fact, the creation of aBetterWestVirginia was heavily influenced by fellow “Rookie” team members and Jean Ann Franke, an ELS coach who assisted my business with goal-setting, planning, and accountability. After two years of involvement, Keeling Strategic Communications advances to the “Single A” team level today, and this post is part of a demonstration to my new team members, who have been encouraged to share their thoughts on the Entrepreneurial League System.
Small business owners interested in becoming involved with the ELS may call the Advantage Valley office at (304) 760-0950 for more information.
Posted in Business, Economy, West Virginia
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September 28th, 2007 at 1:09 pm
Jason-
Excellent post! You know that I have drunk the “Kool-Aid” from the entrepreneurial pitcher. I really respect your dedication to the ELS program. Congrats on your advancement!!
By the way, I encourage all entrepreneurs who read this blog to pledge their support to Building West Virginia’s Economy One Job at a Time by going to a special Web site http://www.30000jobs.com . Check it out! See who’s committed to adding jobs.
October 1st, 2007 at 10:39 am
Hudson-Gillmor Associates is a WV business and also a participant in the Advantage Valley ELS program. We are so thankful that the Kellogg Foundation developed this program to support small businesses with coaching and networking.
Hudson-Gillmor Associates is the only Certified Marketing Representative in WV. We are certified and represent yellow page publishers local, national and international. Our services benefit all businesses that advertise in multi-state directories and ELS has strengthened our services.