August 4, 2006

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

  Contact:       Programming and Public Relations
                        410-996-1055 ext.129

 Cecil County Public Library Receives Chamber of Commerce Award

             The Cecil County Public Library has received the 2006 Education and Training Advocate Award from the Cecil County Chamber of Commerce for the library’s Small Business Information Center (SBIC).

“Having the business community recognize the efforts of the Small Business Information Center is very rewarding.  Even more satisfying is the growing number of small businesses opening in Cecil County that have worked with the library,” said Lera Chitwood, Small Business Librarian.    

The SBIC, recently recognized by the MicroEnterprise Journal as a model program, is dedicated to helping the small business community of Cecil County by providing accurate, timely, and comprehensive information on a variety of topics.  The Cecil County Public Library is an excellent starting point for researching business opportunities or handling business challenges.  Specially trained business librarians are available for consultations, and the library has an extensive collection of print and electronic business resources.  The library also has a strong working relationship with the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) and is a member of the Cecil Business Resource Partners.  The library’s collaborations provide an effective and supportive network to foster entrepreneurial development.   

“We are very proud of the service we have developed at the Cecil County Public Library,” said Carol Starzmann, Small Business Services Manager.  “We have an exceptionally strong and highly skilled team that works diligently to help small business owners achieve their goals.  We are helping our community increase their knowledge of techniques and practices necessary to successfully develop and manage small businesses.”

To learn more about the Cecil County Public Library's Small Business Information Center, please call 410-996-5600 ext. 128 or visit our website at www.cecil.ebranch.info.

The Cecil County Public Library operates six branches located throughout Cecil County, MD.  The library serves over 45,000 registered borrowers.  The mission of the Cecil County Public Library is to provide access to educational and cultural resources for all and to promote individual and community success.

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