Entrepreneurs, business professionals and people with impact-driven ideas in Chatham County and neighboring communities have a new way to create momentum around their enterprising efforts. Innovate Carolina is now a program partner of 79°West and is providing skills-based workshops and programs at the new innovation hub and coworking space located in the MOSAIC mixed-use community of Chatham Park in Pittsboro. During the sessions, people learn and practice skills that they can use to build startups, new programs and their professional connections. Although the full workspace at 79°West is slated to open in early 2023, anyone in the local community can immediately participate in Innovate Carolina’s programs offered at the hub’s smaller Launch Pod space located next door to the future – and full-size – permanent space.

Innovate Carolina, the central team for innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, kicked off programming at 79°West over the summer with a workshop series. Those who attended the summer sessions learned how to pitch their ideas, create online stories and content, and tap into economic development trends in Chatham County.

“We offer programs that are open to innovators and entrepreneurs at any stage of their ideas, ventures, startups or businesses,” says Kimi Yingling, Innovate Carolina’s engagement and events manager who oversees programming at 79°West. “Whether you have an early-stage idea, an established small business, want to connect with mentors, or just want to see what a coworking community is all about, you’ll benefit from coming to these events.”

Innovate Carolina’s innovation programs at 79°West are designed for entrepreneurs and innovators in the community who want to share ideas, grow their ventures and make a difference in their communities. These include educational and diverse sessions that introduce people to useful tools and resources that they quickly apply to create economic and social good in Chatham County and surrounding areas.

Continue reading on the Innovate Carolina website.

The post Innovate Carolina launches new skill-building programs in Chatham – here’s how to take advantage. appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

SILER CITY — Sue and Rich Szary have become staples in the downtown Siler City community. Their retail business, Twin Birch & Teasel, has sold handmade products, offered fiber weaving classes and made the storefront a space for local artists to collaborate and create together for the last 12 years.

“It’s about experiences,” Sue Szary said. “We’re really enablers in this community and we like it that way.”

The fabric filled brick-and-mortar store for Twin Birch is about more than just selling products, it’s about the community. That’s the case for many of the local businesses in and around Siler City — owners know their customers and the customers trust them. It seems simple enough, but Szary said it’s part of the character of the small town.

Continue reading on the Chatham News + Record website.

The post As Chatham’s growth looms, small businesses see opportunity appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

The purpose of the Chatham EDC Small Business Fund is to assist small businesses in Chatham County with their recovery from impacts of COVID-19 restrictions as well as to stimulate investment and business expansion in Chatham County.

The priority of the fund is to promote retention, expansion, and growth. Businesses with less than 50 employees that are located within the county and do not owe any taxes, fees, or fines are eligible for the program. Businesses may make small requests, $1,500 or less, or large requests, at $1,501 or greater, capped at $5,000.

Grants requests will be considered according to how many of the program criteria are met. As a grant, the award does not need to be repaid. Applications are due October 15^th and will be considered in the order received.

The full program guidelines, application portal, and additional information can all be found on the EDC website, at www.chathamedc.org/doing-business-here/small-business-fund/.

The post Applications Open for Chatham EDC Small Business Fund appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

The recording of the webinar is available here. The webinar begins around two minutes in. Additional resources are listed at the bottom of the page. See below for a recap of the presentations from Mike Zelek, Chatham County Public Health Director and Kathie Russell, Managing Partner of Russell & Associates.

Mike Zelek, Chatham County Public Health Director:

• You will be able to get a safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine. Each vaccine went through rigorous testing, and that is how we know it is safe and effective.
• The vaccine is free to everyone. Some providers may take insurance and bill insurance, but it is administered at no cost.
• It is important to keep practicing the Three Ws: Wear, Wait and Wash. Employers should continue to encourage employees to follow it as well.
• The Chatham County Health Department is working to ensure equitable access to the vaccine for marginalized and minority communities.
• Supplies of the vaccine are limited, which is why there is a structured roll-out.
• Severe allergic reactions to the vaccine are less than 5 per 1 million doses administered.
• There is 15–30-minute monitoring period following the vaccine where you will be monitored for any reaction.
• You could experience some temporary reactions to the vaccine, common ones being a sore arm and fatigue.
• You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine. The vaccine generates an antibody response to prevent you from infection. The second dose helps to boost the longevity of the vaccine.
• If you have COVID, stay home. Once you are recovered, you can get the vaccine.
• In the vaccination process, your privacy and personal information are protected at all times.
• Groups 1, 2, and 3 are all currently eligible for the vaccine.
• The Chatham County Health Department has a database you can enter your information in to get contacted about making a vaccine appointment. Link: chathamcountync.gov/vaccinetool
• Other providers do have the vaccine, and you are encouraged to pursue all options available. UNC Health, Walgreens, and CVS are a few offering the vaccine.
• Allow employees time off for receiving the vaccine and recovery time if possible.

Kathie Russell, Managing Partner of Russell & Associates. 

• Availability of the vaccine for all US adults over 18 is expected by the end of May.
• The time is now for employers to develop detailed vaccination plans to meet the goal of protecting workforces while remaining fully operational.
• Businesses should develop their plan with the help and advice of legal counsel to avoid potential legal pitfalls and given that many of these concepts are highly-fact dependent and need to consider industry, company philosophy, composition of workforce, community spread, and a whole host of additional factors.
• Consider the following ten steps when developing your plan:
  • Organize a vaccine committee- appoint the relevant people (HR or similar), make the committee the center point of contact regarding the vaccine.
  • Determine your place in line- Determine whether your business is determined as essential by the state or county to determine when your employees are eligible.
  • Consider if you will mandate the vaccine- It is legal to do so, but it can be complicated. It is better to encourage than mandate. If you chose to mandate vaccinations, consider engaging legal counsel for your circumstances. Please see the video for further considerations (timestamp: 35:40, 41:16, 43:20).
  • Consider if you will encourage the vaccine- If you do not want to mandate receiving the vaccine, consider encouraging employees to receive it.
  • Mount an effective education campaign- provide your employees with helpful and truthful information about the vaccine from reputable sources like the local health department or the CDC.
  • Will you incentivize the vaccine? If you want to incentivize your employees to get the vaccine, there are legal issues to consider such as IRS requirements, ADA accommodations, religious accommodations, and many others. If you chose to incentivize vaccinations, consider engaging legal counsel for your circumstances. Please see the video for further considerations (timestamp: 37:49).
  • Will you offer onsite vaccinations? Some larger employers may be able to establish an on-site vaccination center. Doing so may raise several legal issues related to premises liability, privacy and more. Consult with legal counsel if you are considering this.
  • Plan for post vaccination issues- Plan to allow for employees to stay at home if they are experiencing vaccine side effects. Consider staggering vaccine appointments.
  • Keep safety measures in place – continue to require masks, social distancing, and other COVID protocols.
  • Stay updated on vaccines and trends- because of the rapidly changing landscape of the pandemic and vaccines, it is important to continue closely monitoring the evolving developments and trends.
• Can employers require the vaccine? The short answer is yes, employers can require the vaccine, but encouragement instead of mandates avoids legal risks. See the video at timestamp 41:16 for more information.
• Requiring Proof- It is lawful for an employer to request proof of vaccination, despite the ADA’s restrictions on disability-related inquiries. Any subsequent questions may be subject to the restrictions. See the video at timestamp 42:30 for further explanation.
• Adopting a vaccine mandate for employees still carries legal and practical risks. For full considerations, see the video at 43:20.

Q&A Session

Q: How would you address the concerns of someone who is concerned about potential long-term impacts of the vaccine that we are unaware of?

MZ: The vaccine is built from science that has been around for a long time. The COVID vaccine is a mRNA vaccine, and after triggering the immune response, the mRNA aspect quickly leaves the system. Those that were in vaccine trials have continued to be monitored and there haven’t been any to date. The point of taking the vaccine is to prevent getting COVID, which has documented long term health effects.

Helpful Links and Resources

Find out your vaccine group: https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/findyourspot

Get in the Chatham County Vaccine Database: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6115069/COVID-19-Vaccine-Inquiries

Chatham County COVID-19 resources: https://www.chathamcountync.gov/services/health/coronavirus

COVID-19 Vaccine: www.chathamcountync.gov/coronavirusvaccine

COVID-19 Testing: www.chathamcountync.gov/coronavirustesting

CCPHD Website: www.chathamcountync.gov/publichealth

CCPHD Facebook: www.facebook.com/chathamhealth

Vaccine Poster for Businesses: Do you want the COVID-19 vaccine? 

COVID-19 Vaccine Checklist for Businesses: Checklist for Businesses

Group 3 Info: Group 3 – Vaccine Info

Group 3 FAQ: Group 3 – Vaccine FAQ

The post Recap: COVID-19 Vaccine Briefing for Chatham County Employers appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

If your business has been negatively impacted by COVID-19, you may be eligible for free 1-on-1 virtual consulting with an expert to help your business not just survive during COVID-19, but to thrive moving forward.

“We are really excited about the potential for the Central Carolina Recovery Program,” said Jon Spoon, CCCC Small Business Centers Director. “These past few months have been truly unprecedented for our local business community. Many people are facing difficult choices that they had never anticipated.

“We really appreciate our Small Business Center Network leadership and the State of North Carolina for recognizing the need for more intensive small business support and allocating funding. This program will allow us to deliver targeted assistance for small businesses based on their particular needs. We have always provided business counseling, but the CCRP will enable us to connect business owners with the subject matter expertise they need to survive the crisis and come through it ready to thrive,” said Spoon.

These are some of the areas in which specialized expert help is available:

• Selling online
• Cost savings/streamlining
• Social media
• Bookkeeping/Accounting assistance and training
• Business startup process (New business)
• Using online platforms for training / service offerings
• Technology consulting
• Legal assistance
• Customer retention
• Marketing plan development
• Complying with SBA funding requirements (for those who have received PPP funding and want to maximize loan forgiveness)

Funding is limited for this program. Apply now at www.cccc.edu/u/ccrp.

Those who have questions can email to: sbc@cccc.edu.

To learn more about the Central Carolina Community College Small Business Centers, visit www.cccc.edu/sbc/.

The post CCCC SBC Implements Central Carolina Recovery Program for Small Businesses appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

Chapel Hill, NC: Now more than ever, local businesses need our support. The coronavirus crisis has dealt a serious blow to small businesses, but a new #LocalStimulUS campaign makes it safe, easy, and rewarding for residents to support these enterprises now and as our community re-opens. 

Why Buy Local: Every time we make a purchase at a local business, we support local jobs and help preserve the local character of our community. In fact, 67 cents of every dollar we spend at a local business stays in our community. When we spend it here, we keep it here, so keep it local. 

#LocalStimulUS: More than a dozen chambers of commerce and economic development organizations serving Orange and Chatham Counties have teamed-up on the #LocalStimulUS campaign. The campaign encourages residents to buy local as they receive COVID-19 stimulus checks and navigate these trying times. The campaign includes a logo and tagline, “Keep it local, y’all!” as well as the hashtag, #LocalStimulUS, and a website with more information, www.LocalStimulUS.org. The campaign is designed for our region, but flexible for use by communities across the country.

Mother’s Day Contest: Mother’s Day weekend is traditionally a big weekend for our local businesses. To promote more local shopping and dining over the weekend, #LocalStimulUS partners will amplify the buy local message on social media and through local media, put out #LocalStimulUS yard signs and balloons, and host a contest with prizes. 

For the contest, all residents are invited to share an original song, poem, or work of art that captures the importance of buying local around Mother’s Day. Gift cards to local businesses will be given as prizes to the entries that bring the biggest smiles to the faces of the volunteer judges (up to $400 in total available in smaller increment gift cards to Neal’s Deli, Open Eye Cafe, Caffe Driade, Red Pepper, Pittsboro Roadhouse, and Pickle Jar Cafe). For your entry to be considered, simply share your original creation via social media (facebook, twitter, Instagram, or youtube) using the hashtag, #LocalStimulUS. For questions, contact Katie Loovis at KLoovis@carolinachamber.org. 

Five Ways to Support Local Business: When making a purchase, please consider a local business. Although many storefronts and offices are closed, there are ways you can support them right now: 

1. Order online for delivery, take-out, or curbside pick-up.
2. Buy gift cards to be used on a special occasion at a later date. 
3. Shop at the farmers’ market and sign up for a CSA.
4. Book service appointments now or for a later date with local vendors, such as car and bike repair and dog grooming, and remember local shopping options for prescriptions and other supplies. 
5. Share your love of a local business through a #LocalStimulUS social media post and a positive review online. 

Find a Local Business: Many local businesses are still operating but with safety adjustments, including virtual classes, online ordering, and delivery, take-out, or curbside services. Find a local business now: 

• Carrboro: CarrboroUnited Food Hub | Carrboro Business Alliance Member Directory 
• Chapel Hill: Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership List 
• Hillsborough: Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce Member Directory 
• Chatham County: Chatham County Chamber of Commerce Member Directory 
• Orange County: Orange County Farms | Orange County Restaurants (See upper left corner for link to updated list)
• Regional: The Chamber For a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro Member Directory | The Chamber’s Hot Deals 
• Additional: Chapel Hill Magazine’s list | 97.9 The Hill WCHL/Chapelboro.com List | #LocalListNC | NC COVID Support

If you are a Local Business: Local businesses and nonprofit organizations are encouraged to get involved and join the buy local movement. Download the logo and share it in your emails and social media posts, and print it out for display in your store window. Also, use the #LocalStimulUS hashtag in your customer updates and deals on social media so that we can see it and share it, too. 

“Buying local has never been more important,” said Aaron Nelson, President and CEO of The Chamber For a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro. “When we spend it here, we keep it here, so let’s keep it local now more than ever.”

About: This campaign was designed and developed by The Splinter Group, ignited by The Chamber For a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro, the Carrboro Business Alliance, and CarrboroUnited in partnership with the Town of Carrboro Economic Development; the Town of Chapel Hill Economic Development, Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership, and Launch Chapel Hill; Orange County Economic Development and Orange County Visitors Bureau; the Town of Hillsborough Economic Development and the Hillsborough Orange County Chamber of Commerce; the Chatham County Economic Development Corporation and the Chatham County Chamber of Commerce; and the Small Business Technology and Development Center, serving Alamance, Chatham, Lee, Orange, and Person Counties.

Contact: For questions about the #LocalStimulUS campaign, contact Katie Loovis, Vice President for External Affairs, The Chamber For a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro, (919) 696-0781 (cell), KLoovis@carolinachamber.org. 

The post Local Businesses Call on Community to Buy Local appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

The past couple of weeks have been the most difficult of my professional life. I have heard from many people that are struggling desperately to keep their businesses and lives on track. The uncertainty can be debilitating. However, with some creativity and grit, we will make it through this. Here are a few tips for small business owners during the crisis.

Come up with a plan: If you have never had a business plan, you will need one now. At the very least, write out what your business will need to do to operate for the next six months. Explain how your business operated before the crisis, how it will have to adapt during the crisis and what benchmarks you will use to know if things are going well enough.

Reach out for assistance: Seek out webinars and help from support organizations. The Small Business Center, Chatham EDC and Chatham Chamber of Commerce are here to help. Check their websites for information and register for online trainings.

Continue reading on the Chatham News + Record website.

See additional resources from the CCCC Small Business Centers.

The post Perspectives: Practical advice for small businesses when a pandemic hits appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

• Entertainment facilities without a retail or dining component are ordered to close, though any retail or dining component may continue to operate in the establishment solely for that purpose. The facilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Bingo parlors
  • Bowling alleys
  • Indoor exercise facilities (e.g. gyms, yoga studios, martial arts facilities)
  • Health clubs
  • Indoor and outdoor pools
  • Live performance venues
  • Movie theaters
  • Skating rinks
  • Spas
  • Gaming businesses (e.g. sweepstakes, arcades, computer lounges)
• Because of the challenge of practicing social distancing, personal care and grooming businesses establishments must also close. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Barber shops
  • Beauty salons (including waxing and hair removal centers)
  • Hair salons
  • Nail salons
  • Massage parlors
  • Tattoo parlors
• Gatherings of 50 or more people in one place are prohibited. This includes indoor and outdoor spaces. This does not include normal operations at airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, offices, factories, child care facilities and retailers.
• Visitors and non-essential health care personnel are restricted in long-term care facilities. This does not include compassionate care. Long-term care facilities include skilled nursing homes, adult care homes, family care homes, mental health group homes and facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• Chatham EDC is sharing information on our website about financial assistance, resources and recommendations related to COVID-19 for businesses. https://www.chathamedc.org/news/covid19/

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the state placing new restrictions on local businesses?

• To help slow the spread of the virus and protect the public, to flatten the curve and prevent a spike in cases that would overwhelm our medical system and jeopardize the health of those who are ill.

What are the restrictions?

• This order bans mass gatherings of more than 50 people.
• This order closes gyms, movie theaters, sweepstakes parlors, health clubs, and other similar facilities.
• The order takes effect Wednesday, March 25. Because of their inability to conduct social distancing, this order also closes hair and nail salons, barber shops, and massage therapists as of 5 p.m. Wednesday.
• Grocery stores will remain open, as will restaurants providing takeout and delivery. Please do not overbuy at the grocery store. Grocery store officials say that supply lines are open.

How will these safeguards help slow the spread of COVID-19?

• The measures the Governor has taken use the strongest weapon we have at the moment to fight COVID-19 – social distancing. That is why we were one of the earliest states to make mandatory the limit on large gatherings – and went even further today. The more we practice staying 6 feet apart, washing hands, coughing into elbows, the better the position we will be in.  We expect that folks in North Carolina are going beyond our mandates – and doing their part to limit the spread of the virus.

Where can impacted businesses find support resources?

• Chatham EDC is sharing information on our website about financial assistance, resources and recommendations related to COVID-19 for businesses. https://www.chathamedc.org/news/covid19/

What do I do if I’ve been laid off from work due to COVID-19?

• Individuals can apply for unemployment through the NC Department of Commerce: https://des.nc.gov/apply-unemployment Under Governor Roy Cooper’s executive order signed on March 17, unemployment benefits will be easier to access during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How long will these safeguards be in place?

• These measures will be in place for 30 days, unless superseded by another Executive Order. Chatham County and North Carolina leaders will continue to monitor the situation.

The post NC Issues Safeguards to Help Combat COVID-19 appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

The Chatham EDC, with support from partners at the Chatham Chamber of Commerce and Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro, is compiling resources and advice for businesses amid the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. This page will be updated as resources become available.

Reopening Your Business

The Chatham EDC worked with our local partners to create a resource to provide businesses with the best-known guidance to ensure consumer confidence, promote community health, and protect you and your employees as your reopen your business in the age of COVID-19. The guide can be found at reopeninghelp.com. 

Access to Capital

In addition to your traditional sources of capital, these resources may be of interest:

• The Small Business Administration (SBA) has streamlined its Economic Injury Disaster Loan application. All business entities are eligible. *Currently EIDL loans are only available to agricultural businesses.* 
  • 10 Commonly Asked Coronavirus Small Business Loan Questions from the US Chamber
• The U.S. Treasury announced guidance for the Paycheck Protection Program, which was authorized through the CARES Act.
  • For the latest information on the PPP, visit the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s website. 
• The Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro provided information on the available funding for businesses, including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), the Economic Injury Disaster Grant, debt forgiveness, and the Express Bridge Loan. 
• The North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) has provided an overview and comparison of the different SBA emergency loans. 
• Golden LEAF Foundation and the NC Rural Center have introduced a loan program called NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loans to provide businesses with the capital they need. 
• Communication is key: talk with your landlord (or tenants) and lenders about expectations and flexibility.

Operations

Preparing for every scenario will ease transitions.

• Practice good hygiene to keep customers and employees comfortable.
• Prepare for disruption of services, including scenarios with mandated closure. What does 60% operation look like? 20% staffing? Temporarily closing?
• The Foundation for Manufacturing Excellence has COVID-19 resources for small and medium manufacturers.
• Prepare your supply chain. Register on Manufactured NC to localize your supply chain.
• EDPNC has guidance for manufacturers who can pivot to making critical medical equipment and supplies.
• Check your insurance to understand coverage.

Staffing

• Staffing: Continue to refine your contingency plans for varying levels of customers, revenue and staff availability. Check, modify, and communicate HR policies regarding remote working, sick-leave, and compensation during health crisis.
  • Protect your employees.
  • Reduce your exposure risk.
  • Practice smart travel.
• Cross-train employees for key functions so that daily schedules can continue relatively uninterrupted by potential employee absences. Where relevant, consider staggering start and end times to reduce large numbers of people coming together at the same time. Create and test remote employee collaboration systems.
• Reduction of Workforce: NCWorks.gov can assist businesses with closing, layoffs and layoff aversions and provide information for employees on how to file for unemployment insurance and apply for job opportunities.
  • Contact information: Malinda Marsh, Manager, NCWorks Chatham County,  984-484-8496, 919-545-8058, 919-214-2902 (mobile) or mmarsh@cccc.edu.  
• Due to COVID-19, there are changes in North Carolina unemployment insurance program.

Additional Resources

• OSHA: Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for an Influenza Pandemic
• The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association: Resources for the hospitality industry
• The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina: Business relief resources

How You Can Help

• Care for your community:
  • Chatham Magazine has a list of local restaurants providing curbside and to-go service. 
  • Chatham Arts has created CARE – Chatham Artist Relief Effort – to support local artists.
  • Buy gift cards/certificates.
  • Buy merchandise online.
  • Order takeout.
  • Tip well if you can.
  • Cancel reservations if you can’t go.
  • Consider donating to local food assistance programs.
• Care for yourself:
  • Eat well, sleep, and exercise.
  • Wash your hands.
  • Don’t touch your face, or anyone else.
    

North Carolina Executive Orders

• Executive Order 121, effective March 30, is a stay at home order that limits public gatherings and certain business operations.
• Executive Order 120, effective March 25, orders select businesses closed.
• Executive Order 118, effective March 17, limits the operations of bars and restaurants.
• All Executive Orders and details are on the Governor’s website.

Stay Updated

Monitor the situation and availability of public services through official sources.

• Chatham County Government
• Town of Siler City
• North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

The post Business Resources During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

That kind of technology is the focus of CTI Systems, which manufactures, sells, installs and services automated conveyer systems. Alotech, a contract manufacturer, has a wide range of services, including prototyping, machining and fabrication, and retrofitting and remaindered services. Together, the manufacturing capabilities of Alotech, and the innovation and technology of CTI Systems create a powerful synergy that led to the two brands operating under the same roof.

Their impressive range of service has not escaped the notice of state industry leaders. Late last year, Alotech won a North Carolina Manufacturing Leadership Award in the innovation category, for the solutions that their custom manufacturing services provide clients.

“It was very humbling, I always thought we had something special, but you don’t want to read your own press,” Tommy Kirk, Chief Operating Officer of Alotech and CTI Systems, said. “It is really tough to realize when you start out, how long the cycle is to really make an impact. It was a huge uplifting piece. When I brought the award back, I wanted everybody to take a picture with it and everybody got to hold it.”

Kirk recognizes that the success of the companies largely depends on the employees. So much so, that the companies use a diagnostic tool to create a unique approach that helps to connect with each employee, depending on their specific preferences and needs. This approach is used to instill two of the companies’ biggest values: accountability and a sense of urgency.

“The one we impress upon the most is accountability,” Kirk said. “Truly being accountable- doing what you said you were going to do, when you said you were going to do it, how you said you were going to do it. A sense of urgency is important because we are in a fast-paced world.”

Although the Innovate Group companies operate within relatively niche markets, it doesn’t affect their level of customer service. They are dedicated to both the relationship with their clients and the quality of what they promise.

“They’re always going to have the opportunity to choose somebody else,” Kirk said. “We just want to give them all the reasons to stay with us. It is a personal relationship with those people, it’s all about relationships.”

Kirk sees both of the Innovate Group companies being “fierce problem-solvers.” There’s no doubt that it’s true, given the wide range of industries the companies are involved in (telecommunications, aerospace, automotive, and medical to name a few) and vast client list.

As the Innovate Group companies prepare to celebrate big anniversaries, CTI Systems will celebrate 30 years later in 2020, while Alotech will follow suit in 2021, they have big plans for the future.

“We want to be a worldwide leader in our laser equipment,” Kirk said. “We want to really branch out of surface mount technology. Lasers will be a huge focus for us going forward, because it’s a huge market. So many people need it, and we can integrate it fairly quickly in any type of product.”

The post Small Business Spotlight: Alotech and CTI Systems appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.