- November 23, 2024
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The Flagler County Chamber of Commerce & Affiliates Business Development Department formed in April. Its third member, Michele Morgan, joined staff this month.
The Flagler County Chamber of Commerce & Affiliates created a Business Development Department in April, with the hiring of Development Manager Catherine Groom and Development Consultant William Prater. This month, it added Michele Morgan, a consultant specialized in business marketing.
According to Groom, the department was created in response to increased community need. More than 200 companies, she estimates, have been reached with one-on-one consultations by Prater and her since the department’s opening.
“This is a newly formed team,” she said. “We definitely saw a need.”
Morgan, with a master’s degree in business administration in marketing from Keiser University, seemed like a perfect fit for the position, Groom said, considering the team’s high volume of requests from business owners concerning marketing plans.
“(Marketing) is one of Michele’s greatest attributes,” Groom said. She will aid in building individualized plans based on specific company requirements.
“We meet with every business on a one-on-one basis and assist them as best we can,” Groom said. “Every request varies from creating a 12-month increase in exposure plan to assisting someone with the business-license process.”
Between the three team members, the chamber’s Business Development Department has a combined 26 years in Flagler County. William Prater, a customer-service and training specialist, has lived in the area for six years. Groom, who has a background in real estate and consulting, has lived here for 16 years. Morgan, with 10 years of sales consulting experience, moved to Flagler in 2008.
As the business landscape changes, especially in its move toward digital and Internet-based operations, Groom believes adaptability is key.
“There’s been such a shift,” she said. “These business owners want to make sure their businesses stay on pace.”
Although chamber members are offered more services than nonmembers, membership is not required for use of the Business Development Department.
“As the chamber, we’re here to help all business ... (to) create more jobs, which helps all in the community,” Groom said.
The team is also involved in fundraising events, including a local blood drive, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 19, in the WNZF parking lot, at 2405 East Moody Blvd.
Free seminars, based on topics for local entrepreneurs, are also planned.
Groom said her department has received “an overwhelming” positive response from clients and plans to add to its team further in the near future.
Call 437-0106.
