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Chapter Successes |
| A
SCORE success story represents the
success of a long-term
counselor-client relationship that
has produced tangible results in
aiding the start-up, growth or
success of a small business. |
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| Rebecca's
Family Restaurant |
Barb Hogan as a child sat in the
old Linesville Islay's Ice Cream
Shop and often wondered what it
would be like to own and operate a
restaurant. Now with the
help of SCORE, she is doing just
that, in the exact same location
as the old Islay's Ice Cream Shop.
After taking an early retirement
from the State's labor and
Industry Department, this
Harmonsburg native started Rebecca's
Family Restaurant in May
2007. From the start, SCORE
was able to assist her. leading
the SCORE assistance team was Art
Cocolin, a restaurateur armed with
over 60 years of restaurant
experience. His team mates
included Dan Leech and BJ Smith
from the Meadville Branch of the
Erie SCORE Chapter. Together they
helped Hogan bring many business
principles into light.
SCORE was able to assist this
business owner in menu selection,
controlling food costs, kitchen
design and layout, insurance
requirements, advertising and
marketing, pricing, equipment
selection, and incorporating some
of the latest technology impacting
the restaurant field.
Despite the high wash out rate in
the restaurant field, Rebecca's
family Restaurant has constantly
held a steady market share.
The owners owe a debt of gratitude
to the entire SCORE organization.
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| To find out how your local SCORE
office can assist you, visit www.score.org.
Meadville
Branch can be reached by
calling (814) 337-5194. Armed with
over 50 counselors, the Erie Chapter
is here to assist all small and
medium sized business owners. |
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| Simply
Beautiful Interiors |
SCORE was contacted to discuss ways for the
business to grow and expand their customer
base. The discussion immediately started
with the need for a business plan and
definition of their Unique Selling
Proposition (USP) In addition, their initial
attempt at developing a electronic marketing
presence was discussed. At the same
time the business was working to relocate to
another location. This took place in
the summer of 2009 and has proven to be a
great success with increased store traffic
and existing clients continuing to patronize
the business.
The discussion has yet
to result in a formal business plan but it
is clear that the discussions have focused
the owners business direction. Because
of the increased sales volume, the web site
presence is being revised and expanded
resulting in the site being more accessible
and product life focused. Counseling
will continue with focus on the formal
business plan, content review for the web
site and attention on new issues that
present themselves with business expansion.
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|
.General
Exterminating Co. |
Donna Reese, owner of General Exterminating
Co. became aware of SCORE in a circuitous
fashion. As a woman small business owner,
she was accepted into the Athena Power Link
program thereby able to take advantage of an
experienced advisory team. One of the
advisors was SCORE counselor Larry
Brown.
Involved in ownership of the 87-year old
company for 20 years, Donna accepted advice
from Larry and others to sell her ownership
in another unrelated company and concentrate
on enhancing and branding the core pest
control business. When she had
trepidations about undertaking some market initiatives,
Larry introduced her to SCORE counselor Tony
Ciampa. Based upon his experience, he
outlined tactics that gave Donna great confidence
which ultimately enhanced the business.
Competition in the pest control business has
become formidable. Donna estimates that 20
years ago, there were 4 Erie firms involved
- now there are more that 20.
She has met this challenge by expanding her
business to offer options other than the
traditional services, providing
do-it-yourself products though on-line
shopping and a diagnostic service. In
a downward economy, the firm has been able
to maintain stable employment. Donna
has established herself as a media "go
to" person for expert comments such as
advice on dealing with a local bed bug
outbreak.
Beyond her business, Donna is active in
business and community affairs. She
currently chairs a fundraiser for Erie Homes
for Children and Adults. Recently
named Global Erie person of the year, she
also works at the Erie City Mission. She is
a vocal support of SCORE encouraging other
owners to utilize the free, confidential
service.
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