ClassE is where we grow entrepreneurs and nurture success. This is what we have been learning this week.


ClassE would like to thank all of the investors, mentors, speakers, parents and advisory board members for their support of the class. Come join us on Valentine's Day and hear 1- minute business pitches about the 17 new businesses started this semester. After the presentations, mentors can meet with their mentee for a progress report. Please RSVP to [email protected].

Schedule

Monday, Feb. 5th - Super Bowl Commercial Review, Business Pitches

Tuesday, Feb. 6th - Learning About Food Regulations
with Gloria Spears, Coles County Health Department
1825 18th St., Charleston

Wednesday, Feb. 7th - Marketing Coles County
with Angela Griffin, Coles Together

Thursday, Feb. 8th - Fetcher's Pet Shop Tour
with Mike Corray
320 S. Sixth St., Charleston

Friday, Feb. 9th -  Composing Resumes and Cover Letters
at the LLC Workforce Development Center
305 Richmond Ave. East, Mattoon

ClassE meets daily from 8 - 9:20 am, Lifespan Center (unless noted above), 11021 E. Cty. Rd. 800 N., Charleston (Loxa Road - northeast of SBLHS). Class is open and everyone is welcome.
Learning About Mark's My Store

Did you know that the average customer buys $2.76 in impulse purchases per visit?We learned all sorts of wonderful facts like these from grocery store owner Mark Elliott. He and his wife also own Crave, the relatively new coffee shop in town. Mark shared that the bakery dept. is the most profitable  but the ready-to-eat dept. is the fastest growing. Everyone wants convenience and restaurants are actually their competitors. We also discussed private label branding, how the profit is located around the perimeter. They also are able to sell to restaurants because their meat department is certified.

Interviewing & Discussing Human Resources Issues

Andrea Applegate, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center's Human Resources Department, had all sorts of "what not to do" suggestions when in an interview. We also discussed what can and can't be asked in an interview, HIPPA  and ADA regulations and how much it costs to hire and train new employees. 
Visiting Myerscough Automotive

Rob Myerscough, father of ClassE student Caden, spoke to class about 
how he had to write a business plan to start the business and buy the building. He did his market research and realized that Charleston had less competition based on household population numbers. Rob worked 
many years in the industry and used those contacts to help him start his new business.

He discussed some of the EPA requirements, what services are lost leaders and which are the most profitable. 
Book Discussions and Sales Updates

Eleven student businesses have made some sales, so we are off to a good start. Each week we will update the progress in sales and profitability.

Students are also facilitating book discussions on business and management books and facilitating a discussion in class to share the knowledge.



We are so thankful for the generosity of the Coles County businesses that sponsor ClassE. For a complete listing and more information about these businesses, please click below.  We also appreciate the that the Lifespan Center serves as our home base throughout the year. We hope you support them as they support us!


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  Investors 
ClassE | 217-549-2564 | [email protected] | www.keepitclasse.org
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