The Business Collaborative, a recently established organization in Lexington, offers complimentary counseling and services to businesses as they reopen in the near term.

Aided by the generosity of local business leaders, these services range from developing strategy for business recovery to providing additional company resources, if companies are either short-staffed or functioning virtually, sometimes a distance from Lexington. 

The collaborative is already offering services to businesses in Lexington and surrounding towns, n, including Arlingtoand has completed a few projects. 

Led by Melanie Alexander Tanionos (business development, sales, marketing and communication), the team includes Stephanie Gerber Wilson (strategic web design, branding and social media), Lance Conrad from Chapel Hill-Chauncey Hall (education), Steve Iverson of complex IT (technology) and Reshma Katwa of Pinot’s Palette (franchise). They provide complimentary coaching and professional services. 

Founder Tanionos says she has always been passionate about bringing people together for a common cause and has successfully navigated post hurricane reopenings for Caribbean resorts, so it was natural to apply this commitment and experience to today’s business environment.  “I’m so thankful there are many Lexington business leaders who are also committed to reaching out and lending their time and talent,” Tanionos said in a June 12 news release.  

 David Tasto, President of Assisting Hands notes, “Her (Melanie’s) ability to objectively assess a business for opportunities aligns with her insights and effective coaching, to set any business on a trajectory for growth.” 

In addition, the team has already posted blog articles to motivate and encourage organizations during this challenging time. Subjects include tips for strategic communications, the benefits of being part of a franchise, free marketing tools available to anyone, how to readjust to the environment, and one that launched the collaboration, “Business Recovery After a Hurricane,” rewritten from a Linked In article in April, which includes recognition from local leaders.

In addition to supporting individual businesses, the collaborative is planning to organize a few specific events to provide a free platform for businesses to increase their exposure.  These include creating a health and wellness expo, organizing a project on Hartwell Avenue, and coordinating with nonprofit organizations in Lexington. 

The Business Collaborative is an all-volunteer group of Lexington-based business leaders providing free mentoring to business owners in Lexington and surrounding towns. Its mission is to guide and support business owners and managers who need someone to help them put all the pieces together.  It empowers organizations by facilitating access to our community’s finest professionals, who provide services, advice, direction and support at no cost.

For more information, visit www.thebusinesscollaborative.org.

This news announcement was published Saturday, June 13, 2020.