The April Small Business Mixer took place on the 25th and served as an informative gathering for local entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners. The highlight of the event was a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring two distinguished local business owners: Chuck James, the founder and managing partner of Serious Injury Law Firm, and Lorraine Ritchie, the passionate owner of Lorraine’s Bakery. This interactive discussion not only provided valuable insights into the myriad of business opportunities available in downtown Montgomery but also delved into the essential steps involved in establishing a single-member Limited Liability Company (LLC).
During the discussion, Lorraine Ritchie, who made the deliberate decision to relocate from another city to Montgomery, shared her inspiring journey and the reasons behind her investment in the area. She emphasized the supportive community, the potential for growth, and the unique character of Montgomery that motivated her to establish her bakery there. Lorraine’s personal anecdotes resonated with many attendees, highlighting the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.
The success of the event was made possible thanks to the collaboration of numerous supportive partners, including the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce, Auburn University Montgomery (ASU), the City of Montgomery, The Lab on Dexter, TechMGM, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and the Montgomery County Commission. Notably, both Serious Injury Law Firm and Lorraine’s Bakery played instrumental roles in making this mixer a reality, demonstrating the tight-knit support network available for small businesses in the region.