MSBDC Stakeholder Newsletter 042011

Data compiled since October 1, 2010 Initial Counseling Forms.

Small Business Spotlight

Fulmer's General Store

Owner: Jeanette Fulmer

510 A WingateRoad, Beaumont MS 39476

(601) 964-8220

Twenty two years ago the Fulmer Family began the annual Mississippi Pecan Festival. This event, held the last week of September is now one of the fastest growing festivals in the South, drawing over 23,000 people for a three day event. The theme of the festival has been to bring people of all ages together to celebrate our traditions, preserve our culture, and learn about our heritage. Their passion for farm life has led them to share their farmstead with the public year round. It is a living history of life experiences, also including educational workshops for children and school classes.

During the festival many people asked if they could buy the items available at three day event during the rest of the year. This led Jeanette Fulmer and her son Carey, to visit the Mississippi Small Business Development Center at Jones County Junior College to determine if opening a full time, year round general store was feasible. Pro forma report benchmarking was used to determine if their ideas and predictions would produce a positive cash flow, and they did. The MSBDC then assisted the Fulmer family in preparing reports for their lender and guided them through the process.

Now the store is in operation, offering year round the products featured during the festival. This includes a deli, bakery and general store items including spices. Different types of wheat, gluten free products, locally produced pasteurized milk, and seeds are also sold at the store along with many traditional items such as walking canes, baskets, straw hats, and horse tack. They are distributors of Pioneer Equipment, featuring a variety of horse drawn wagons, plows, cultivators, and more. This equipment, as well as the horse tack are all Amish products not normally found in this region of the country. During a recent visit the Fulmers shared that business had exceeded their initial expectations. We look forward to Fulmer's General Store becoming a great promoter of traditional farming skills and lifestyles, in the Pine Belt, for a long time to come.

Owner, Jeanette Fulmer added the following remark regarding her experience with MSBDC services.

"The help with the loan process was great. Not only did it prepare us for the banks questions, it also educated us to the needs we would have in the future of our business. Gary made us aware of a lot of pitfalls along the way, and was a source of encouragement."

- Jeanette Fulmer

Our Clients want our Stakeholders to know...

CLCC MSBDC
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JSU MSBDC
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It was great, counselor inform me on what avenues to take to obtain business legal aspect.
--- Marvin Berry, Hinds Co.

MSU MSBDC
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Very good.
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UM SBDC
Mr. Schneider was very easy for me to talk to. I enjoyed the time , as I was really "not wanting to do this" kinda feeling.
--- Sue Anne M. Winters, Desoto Co.

It was very informative. I left with a better knowledge about what I needed in the business.
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It was very helpful.
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Very educational experience. Left with a lot of knowledge and questions answered. Will refer to others and come back for more info.
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The representative was very knowledgeable about my concerns, answered all questions and made me feel free to contact them further if I have any other concerns.
--- Alfred Morgan, Tate Co.

Seeking advice on starting a business useful information was given and was put to use with concerns I had about items.
--- Amye Durham,

This is a great, invaluable resource for individuals interested in starting his/her own business.
--- Daryl Finley, Alcorn Co.

Great!
--- Chris Curtis, Alcorn Co.

I was very interested in some details of getting a business started. Example… contractors business insurance, etc. ...
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Mr. Schneider was very cooperative and informed me of all the information I need to get started.
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--- Michael Davis, Harrison Co.

Very experienced, well-spoken counselor. (Mitch McDowell)
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Mr. McDowell was very helpful and knowledgeable in directing me through the beginning phase of my business plan and helping me identify the personnel that can help me along the road. I am very happy to have found these services.
--- Landon Jordan.

Very helpful information was provided and I feel much better about the state of my business after discussing it with Mr. McDowell.
--- Thomas Hays, Harrison Co.