Business Spotlight

Stepping inside Blossom is an experience that dazzles the senses with the sweet aroma and bright flowers in every corner.
Carol Straight, CEO of the Chatham Hospital in Siler City, shares why the organization has been committed to the Opportunity Chatham campaign, why economic development is important, and information about the new hospital facilities.
Mariah Wheeler was tired of her job, but she wanted to work with her hands and continue interacting with people. With experience in accounting, she felt confident in being her own boss and began selling her beadwork and other handcrafted goods. This is what she did.
With more than a decade of experience under her belt, Joan Thompson has produced and sold just about everything short of fresh meat at farmers markets. She likes the markets so much she started her own: Joan is the president of the Siler City Farmers Market, a weekly market she and a handful of farmers commissioned six years ago this July.
After significant success in its first five, Galloway Ridge at Fearrington is moving forward with an extensive overhaul and expansion. The growth isn’t even the most impressive part of this retirement community.
The approach of the holiday season is particularly exciting for one of Chatham County's most well-known businesses: Southern Supreme. Since 1985, the Scott family has been serving up fruitcake and other holiday delicacies by mail and from their retail store in Bear Creek.
Bob Welch is what you would call a serial entrepreneur - he's always on the lookout for a good business opportunity, like reopening the Sportsman Lanes Bowling Alley in Siler City.
In an economic downturn, luxury goods are often the first thing to go from the average person’s budget; JC Dooley and his partner, Lawanda Norwood, know this first hand. Dooley owns and operates JD Powersports, where he sells and repairs motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs and watercraft in Siler City. It has been his goal to have his own shop since he started working on motorcycles at 12 years old. To get there, Dooley has faced unexpected challenges and setbacks; however, he and his partner are confident that they are now ready to be successful business owners.
During tough economic times, manufacturers have two options: adapt or fall behind. Olympic Steel, a contract fabrication shop in Siler City, chose the former and they are only beginning to reap the benefits of their innovative new business model. Last fall, employees at the Siler City branch stumbled on a problem in their industry and acted fast to turn it into an opportunity.
The Chatham County Economic Development Corporation recognizes that entrepreneurs and small business owners are a vital source of Chatham County's economic growth. In 2008, the Chatham County Board of Commissioners granted the EDC $275,000 to start a revolving loan fund to support local small businesses. The EDC is proud to announce that the Chatham Loan Fund, operated in partnership with Self Help Ventures in Durham, has made its first loan to Chatham business owner Terri McClernon.