2019 Mel Bedwell Small Business Person of the Year Award Luncheon

“Downtown Momentum” – Join us for the 26th presentation of the Mel Bedwell Small Businessperson of the Year Award at our annual luncheon presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners on Wednesday, May 15, during Small Business Month. This year’s program will focus on the upcoming downtown redevelopment efforts and the effects on small business growth and economic development in our community.
 
The luncheon will feature a discussion panel moderated by Garry Rodgers, Rodgers Group. Members of the panel will be Cleveland City Mayor Kevin Brooks, City Manager Joe Fivas, Chamber Vice President for Economic Development Doug Berry and the director of the Small Business Development Center at Cleveland State Community College Jennie DeCook. The panel will discuss how a vibrant downtown affects development efforts throughout our community and spurs development in other areas. The format will allow time those in attendance to ask the panelists their own questions about plans and processes.

The Mel Bedwell Small Business Person of the Year Award luncheon honors an outstanding small business person in Cleveland and Bradley County for their success in six areas: staying power, growth in number of employees, increase in sales, innovativeness of product or service offered, response to adversity, and evidence of contributions to the community. 

The Chamber board of directors renamed the Small Business Person of the Year Award to honor the memory of Mel Bedwell, who was known for his energy, determination, ingenuity, honesty, enthusiasm and loyalty—all traits necessary for a successful small business owner.

An integral aspect of this event is the opportunity for Chamber members to have a tabletop business display to showcase their services and products to fellow Chamber members. A limited number of tables are available, so members are encouraged to reserve their table early. Each display registration provides one luncheon ticket. Members who would like to use admission credits should call the Chamber office at 472-6587 to register.