Dr. Dewayne Thompson
The luncheon also features the annual presentation of the Mel Bedwell Small Business Person of the Year Award.
The Small Business Committee of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce sponsors Business Development Month each year in May as part of the Chamber’s commitment to increase the profitability of member businesses through education, networking and services, according to Lois Egan, chairman of the Chamber’s Small Business Committee.
The luncheon kicks off at noon at the Museum Center at Five Points.
“The vast majority of businesses in Bradley County are small businesses,” Egan said. “These small businesses, and the entrepreneurs behind them, play a significant role in boosting the economy of Cleveland and Bradley County.”
Thompson is serving his third year as chairman of the Department of Business at Lee University. He has been listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers and received Lee’s prestigious Excellence in Teaching Award. He has served in leadership positions at the university for nine years and is in his 27th year as a faculty member.
Thompson has traveled extensively and has taught or led seminars around the world. He volunteers for several organizations in the community, including Westmore Church of God, United Way of Bradley County and the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce. He is past president of the board for the Family Resource Agency and continues on that board along with serving as a member of the board of directors for The Caring Place.
“What better expert could we bring to speak to small business owners than someone who is directly involved in the education of our future employees?” noted Bernadette Douglas, Chamber executive vice president.
The luncheon marks the start of a month of activities for small businesses listed on the Chamber’s event calendar at www.clevelandchamber.com. Tickets for the luncheon, along with tabletop exhibit spaces to showcase the products and services of local small business Chamber members, are still available.
Reservations may be made for the luncheon or for providing exhibits for the showcase by calling the Chamber of Commerce at 472-6587.
