The Pike County Chamber of Commerce held a proclamation signing for small business related entities throughout the county at Troy University’s Johnson Center for Economic Development Wednesday. The proclamation declared the week of May 9 through May 13, 2016 Small Business Development Week in Pike County.

The proclamation acknowledged that small businesses are major contributors to the strength of the American economy with half of Americans either owning or working for a small business.

“Small businesses are one of the key economic contributors in Pike County,” said Kathy Sauer, Pike County Chamber of Commerce president. “Small businesses in Pike County embody the spirit of entrepreneurship. They have a strong work ethic and are the backbone of our economy.”

Sauer said by proclaiming Pike County Small Business Week 2016, county entities are joining the nation and the state in recognizing the contributions of small businesses and the impact made by entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Mark Hayes, chairman of the chamber’s Business Development Committee, said the joint signing of the proclamation provided avenues for business development and partnerships in training. He introduced those who signed the proclamation and provided them with an opportunity to highlight the role their entity plays in the development of small business in Pike County.

Dr. Daniel Smith, Sorrell College of Business, Troy University, said he looks forward to the interaction with the local business community.

Smith said Johnson Center for Economic Development has an important role in small business because the center stresses free market research and teaches students the free market idea.

Harry Sanders, Pike County Commission county administrator, said the county commission realizes the importance of entities working together to provide a climate where businesses can develop and grow.

The mayors of the Brundidge, Goshen and Troy municipalities expressed appreciation for the opportunity to come together in support of small business in Pike County.

Brundidge Mayor Jimmy Ramage said the coming together of the entities that understand the value of small business to a community is a prime example of the county’s commitment to small business.

Troy Mayor Jason A. Reeves said small business is the fabric of a community and it takes a team to build a business friendly community. Pike County is committed to that kind of teamwork.

Jack Waller, Goshen mayor, said his town is looking for small businesses willing to locate is a small town. Recently, several businesses have outgrown Goshen and the town has places to put new businesses.

Judy Callen, Small Business Development Center, Troy University, said small businesses make up a large percentage of the workforce in Alabama, about 97 percent with about half of those jobs in the private sector.

Cindy Mitchell, Pike County Career Center, said the center provides services for those seeking employment and also on the job training. Employers can receive assistance in recruiting new employees.

Marsha Gaylard, Pike County Economic Development, said the corporation works with government officials to start up small businesses and as a recruiter for new businesses.

Jack Worthington, Pike County Chamber board chair, expressed appreciation to those who signed the proclamation declaring Pike County Small Business Week. Small businesses play a large role in the economy of the county and provide stability to its economic backbone.

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce will host a Business Development Week Breakfast from 7:30 until 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 11 at the Troy Country Club. Jim Byard, Jr., ADECA director, will be the guest speaker. Tickets are $15 per person. For tickets call the chamber office at 334-566-2294 by 5 p.m. Friday.