Three business experts provided money-making advice at a free seminar put on by the Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Corporation. The tips were aimed at businesses in the area.

Speaking to the group on Feb. 4 were Jennifer Galloway, owner of Thirsty Mona Lisa on Main St. in Stone Mountain, Kerry Wright, owner of Calabar & Grill at Redan & Indian Creek, and  John Ernst, experienced business owner and consultant with the Georgia Small Business Development Center.

They emphasized that first impressions matter. With people shopping online or driving to fancier neighborhoods to shop, businesses need curb appeal. The panel suggested simple, inexpensive ways that owners could make a more positive impression:

 

*Add flowers and plants to the front of the store

*Clean the windows

*Eliminate clutter on the windows – customers like to see what’s inside

*Showcase merchandise outside the front door

*Make the door a focal point

The experts also encouraged local business owners to meet frequently and network with each other.

All three experts donated their time to the event. Crossroads Presbyterian Church, at Redan and Panola, donated meeting space for the event.

The event launched the first annual Wow! Winning First Impressions contest. All businesses in the Greater Hidden Hills Community are invited to compete. The most improved businesses will win a grand prize – a beautiful, tall planter filled with attractive perennials – and be recognized in a ceremony on March 17. Two businesses will receive honorable mention awards.

Entry forms are available at this link  Contest Info and Entry Form

or  by writing to GHHCDC@gmail.com

The events are put on by the Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Corporation, a 501(c)(3), committed to improving economic development and quality of life.

 

This contest is made possible by a grant from the Neighborhood Fund. The Neighborhood Fund, an initiative of The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, empowers community members to positively impact neighborhoods at the local level.