The Tennessee Small Business Development Centers at Chattanooga State is presenting the 2008 Rising Star Award for excellence in business to The Concierge Level, LLC President and CEO Denise Reed.
TCL is a full service office business center, which offers private office, virtual office and virtual staff services in the central business district of Chattanooga.
The TSBDC, administered through Chattanooga State Technical Community College, is partnered with the State of Tennessee, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Tennessee Board of Regents Community Colleges & Universities and the private sector for business advancement and development.
Director of the local TSBDC, Kevin Maxfield, said, "Each year we give this award to a company that we feel deserves recognition for excellence in growth and progress." TSBDC Vice President of Economic & Community Development Jeff Olingee was also on hand to lend his support in recognition of TCL's "progress and success and for their contribution to our business community."
TCL has been in business since 1995. In 2006, Ms. Reed purchased the business she has worked for since 1999, with dreams to "take it to a new level of distinction."
According to TSBDC Counselor Mr. Jules Doux, "The biggest challenge, when purchasing the business, was money." With the TSBDC guidance, Ms. Reed was able to use creative financing to overcome many obstacles that would have stopped most entrepreneurs. The TSBDC has given Ms. Reed "a shoulder to lean on" for her business bookkeeping, accounting, and training opportunities. MS. Reed says, "If every new business would start with the TSBDC, they would be a step ahead. The fact that I am being recognized by a jury of my peers for excellence in business is an amazing honor. I am equally as happy when my clients excel in business right along with me."