The Women's Business Center is proud to announce the 2007 SAL Award Recipients.  Entrepreneurship isn’t easy.  If it was easy, everyone would do it.  What these individuals have done is reach for their dreams.

When told that the Women’s Business Center wanted to recognize them for their efforts, many of them said something like, “I don’t deserve an award, I haven’t done anything.”  Well, some of them had to be convinced that they had done something – something most people only talk about.  They took action.  They did the hard work.  They did the research; they made the plans.  In some cases they changed the plan, and then changed the plan again.  But that’s what it’s about, finding your niche and using your resources.  Each of them needs to know that what they have done is remarkable.  Anyone can buy a business license, and “go into business” that’s the easy part.

The SAL award is unique.  It was conceived by the Women's Business Center advisory committee and created by the staff of Simply Shutters.  It represents those first small steps to business success which our SAL recipients have taken.  The certificates read “Success is not a destination, but a journey…  One step at a time.”

ABC Trophy Center, Inc.

Angel Noel was a team mom getting trophies for her team when the owner told her she was selling her shop.  Noel thought about buying the shop and two weeks later in June 2006 she became the proud new owner of ABC Trophy Center, Inc.  Although she knew nothing about the business, she was not    going to back down from the challenge.  She has spent the past year learning about the business and enjoying the happiness her products bring her        customers.  ABC Trophy, Inc. offers a wide variety of trophies and awards, including plaques, crowns, medallions, resin figures, custom ribbons, name badges, signs, and various other gifts.

Airport Family Chiropractic

 Dr. Dixon’s drive for her profession began as a young triathlete when she realized chiropractic care helped her perform better in all her activities. She began her practice in January 2007.   Airport Family Chiropractic is a private practice and family centered office where people of all ages can receive alternative healthcare that does not utilize drugs and surgery.  Dr. Dixon   specializes in the detection and correction of spinal imbalances, allowing the body to heal itself by freeing the nervous system from any interference created by vertebral misalignments. 

Betty’s Best Image Consultant and Etiquette

In October 2006, Betty Robinson started Betty’s Best Image Consultant and Etiquette.  Robinson says that “etiquette is not what I do; it’s who I am.” Moving out of corporate America was not easy for her, but once she made the financial obligation her   vision came to fruition.  Betty’s Best Image Consultant and Etiquette is a coaching service that teaches business etiquette and International protocol at all levels of life from youth to seasoned professional.

Caples & Associates Legal Nurse Consultants

 After 15 years in the healthcare field, 8 of which she was a registered nurse, Michelle D. Caples decided to research other job opportunities for nurses.  She read an article in a monthly paper published by the   Alabama Board of nursing about consulting and how to become a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant.  Caples completed the Vickie        Milazzon Medical-Legal Consulting      Institute’s 6-day seminar to become a CLNC.  She started business in June 2006 and got her first client earlier this year.

Caples & Associates Legal Nurse Consultants assists attorneys, insurance companies, or other related entities by providing them peace of mind making their workload manageable, allowing them time to concentrate on the legal aspects of the case.  They screen cases for merit, do research, attend independent medical examinations, and locate testifying experts.

Express Personnel Services

 Christopher and Angela Ashcraft opened the franchise office of Express Personnel Services on July 10, 2006.  Express Personnel offers custom human resources solutions for all types of businesses.  From light       industrial and clerical to professional, this local office assists job seekers.    Express also offer full-time recruiting and interviewing, as well as   temporary traditional staffing in the areas of office services, technical, professional and light industrial services.  Their mission is to help as many people as   possible find good jobs by helping as many clients as possible find good people. 

Quantum Sales Training

 Gail McKenzie started Quantum Sales Training (QST) after seeing an episode of Oprah in which Oprah discussed a video called “The Secret”.  The program changed her perspective on what her purpose was and inspired the name of her company.  McKenzie looked up the definition of quantum, a word used in the video clip.  Meaning “a sudden and significant change,” quantum was the perfect name for her company because she wants to make a difference in people’s lives. QST offers a sales focused curriculum, customer service, and customized programs for your industry.

Turner’s Home Health

 After 10 years as a nursing assistant and caring for her great-grandmother suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, Sovervia Turner took her love for working with the elderly and started her own business.  Turner’s Home Health Service is a Home Health Service specializing in Adult Care, Alzheimer and Dementia, Nursing Home and Hospital needs to give in-home caregivers a break.  Operation began January 3, 2006.  Turner’s first client came 6 months later.

W.I.N.N.E.R.S., Inc. (Women In Need of Nurturing Education and   Recovery Services)

 Working two jobs and pursuing a bachelor’s degree did not deter Lisa Brown from realizing her dream of providing transitional housing to women 18 and older making the transition from prison back to society, homeless, or needing substance abuse services.  W.I.N.N.E.R.S.       celebrated its grand opening on March 24, 2007 and serves the rural   communities of Grand Bay, St. Elmo, Irvington and Bayou La Batre. 

 
The WBC has been providing small business support services to women and men in Mobile and Baldwin counties since 1993. Services include counseling, training, and networking opportunities. For more information, call 251-660-2725 or visit www.womenbiz.biz.

The Women’s Business Center is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact LaToya Brooks at 251-660-2725, 1301 Azalea Rd, #201A , Mobile , AL 36693 . info@womenbiz.biz.

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