Tom McColley Workshop at Ashland Company Store a Great                                                  Success

              “Turning your Craft into a Business” was the topic of the workshop that was held at             the Ashland Company Store on September 18th. Artisans and crafters alike were             impressed as Tom McColley told the story of how he turned his basket making craft into             a profitable business.
               Tom and Connie McColley, renowned artist/crafter and consultant, spent two days in             Ashland WV at the Ashland Company Store. On Monday, September 17th, the McColleys             met with the staff of Travel Beautiful Appalachia, Inc and employees of the Ashland             Company Store in an effort to assist in store set-up, display, and over all retail             management. On Tuesday, September 18th, Mr. McColley met with local artisans and             crafters in a workshop setting to show them how their craft can become a profitable             business.
              “Self-confidence, self-motivation, and self-discipline are three key aspects of running             your own business”, stated Tom McColley. Legal aspects, record keeping, advantages, and             disadvantages were other areas of topic. Those attending the workshop were Mary Ann             Drake, Dolly Wolfe Comer, Priscilla Spurlin, Michael Mullins, Geneva Steele, Omey Payne,             Scott Bennett (TBAI) and Debbie Bailey (TBAI).
            In addition to the workshop, those attending were entertained by Michael Mullins’ musical             rendition of “Momma had style” and lunch was catered by Markella Gianato, owner and             operator of the Ya’Sou Deli in Kimball.
               Travel Beautiful Appalachia, Inc. is a non-profit organization with a mission to focus on             economic development and job creation for McDowell, Wyoming, and Mercer counties.             This is just one workshop that focuses on that mission and is made possible through the             WV Development Office Flex-E-Grant.
               TBAI is in the process of starting their fall Business Builder’s training course classes. An              information session will be held on October 1, 2007 at the Tug River Wellness/Fitness              Center in Wilcoe WV. For more information, please contact Debbie Bailey or Scott Bennett              at 304-862-4800.

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