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MaryAnne Waddington, Director of ASSETS Trehab, and Jill Aldrich of Pure Pennsylvania.
The ASSETS- Trehab program for those considering opening their own business begins a new series of
classes with an orientation on Thursday, Sept. 19. This self-employment training and support program
offers guidance in developing a business plan, and the opportunity meet and network with other
entrepreneurs and successful business people. Jill Aldrich looks back on her experience with the
program as the launching point for her retail shop, Pure Pennsylvania.
“One of the most important things they did was to give me encouragement to begin the store,” Jill
says. “It’s very hard to get encouragement to make the jump to go into business for yourself.
MaryAnne Waddington, the program’s director offers, that encouragement and makes every day a little bit easier.”
Pure Pennsylvania specializes in Pennsylvania-made artwork, furniture, clothing, food, and bath products.
Many of the 70 artists providing merchandise for Jill’s store are from Susquehanna County. Jill brings
experience in retail and the arts to her store and gained important insight into the mechanics of business,
including the development of a business plan and connections to business financing assistance that are needed
by entrepreneurs.
Jill completed the ASSETS-Trehab program in May, 2001 and opened her shop on Main Street, Great Bend on a part
time basis one month later. One year later, Jill moved into the Hallstead Plaza and opened the store on a full time basis.
“Having the smaller store first helped me to think things through and to manage cash flow,” Jill says, adding that
her new space illustrates the importance of location for a business. “We’re right off the exit so that brings in
a continuous traffic flow of visitors to the area,” Jill reports, adding that local people often drop in to
shop for a gift or bring out of town guests. With the new shop, Jill expanded her hours; open on Monday,
Wednesday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shop hours on Thursday and Friday are 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and
Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Jill has followed her heart and has found success,” says MaryAnne Waddington, ASSETS-Trehab program director.
“Her shop, Pure Pennsylvania, reflects her special blend of practicality and creativity.”
Jill is currently working with PennTAP, a technical assistance program for businesses to develop a
website for Pure Pennsylvania. PennTap’s E-Commerce Specialist also advised Jill on the type of computer
to purchase for her business and Trehab offered a loan to assist in the purchase.
For more information on the ASSETS-Trehab program, call (570) 278-5228 or
1-800-982-4045, ext. 5228. |
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