Southside Business Technology Center

For the past six months, we have had the pleasure of working with you, Chris Cousins and the rest of your staff on developing a marketing plan for our Industrial Electromagnetic Filter (EMF) product.

The SBTC, after familiarizing themselves with the core values, strengths and challenges specific to the Milhous Company, were able to generate a plan that enlarged the vision of this company. I and Milhous Company have been greatly impressed by the level of professionalism and support provided.

Most importantly, not only has the SBTC provided us with a stellar plan but they have already dedicated themselves to assisting the Milhous Company in the implementation stage of this plan. This portion of the service is most impressive as many marketing companies simply provide a plan but do not make available services which help bring a vision to fruition. For this, we are most grateful and as such, we look forward to our continued relations with the SBTC.

Virginia Tech Office of Economic Development (VT OED):

“The track record of accomplishments and impact by the SBTC on private and public sector clients is truly stellar…
In addition to serving on the Board, I am also a very satisfied client of the SBTC through a Commercialization Grant that was funded by the Economic Development Administration. The grant team held a briefing session in Chatham on May 8 with the local economic developers in the region to give an overview of the current status of the efforts. They were very excited about the project, especially for how it could help them to focus their marketing efforts to higher probability prospects based on the development of six market research and analysis plans in potential growth areas like performance motorsports and plant biology…
So, in summary, I am very proud of the history of the SBTC.”

“SBTC’s work with Chatham Communications was very worthwhile from my perspective. As an owner of a company that I am not actively engaged in management of, I needed an independent look at how best to move forward with the asset. SBTC’s work helped me understand the options. Clearly your work was high quality and I would recommend SBTC services. I plan to use SBTC in the future. Going forward, I believe that SBTC will be an integral part of the transformation of Southside's economy.”

Virginia’s Philpott Manufacturing Extension Partnership (VPMEP):

“Virginia’s Philpott Manufacturing Extension Partnership (VPMEP) fully supports the Southside Business Technology Center (SBTC)... As a member of the SBTC Board, I have directly witnessed the positive results that Eva Doss and her team are achieving in Southside Virginia.
SBTC also participated in the Virginia Small Manufacturing Assistance Program (VSMAP) that VPMEP administers in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The VSMAP clients that were assisted by SBTC were extremely pleased with the significant impact created by the SBTC work…”

“The SBTC performs to the highest level of professional ethics while providing quality projects with significant demonstrated return on investment for the public sector dollars for which they are entrusted… The SBTC can provide high quality management level expertise to area businesses; serve as a conduit to other networks of professional expertise, and aide in the assessment of economic development initiatives critical to pursuit opportunities in our region…
The tools for financial analysis, market assessment, and business planning enable companies to move forward by utilizing professional expertise within the region. The SBTC staff aides company executives in the understanding of professional expectations for businesses who desire to get capital access from equity partners, angel investors, or commercial lenders. Their professional expertise in assessing market potential has aided companies in undertaking successful new initiatives and their accurate analysis and in-depth study have helped business owners avoid costly mistakes. Many of these businesses could not afford these skill sets in-house or from consultants outside of the region, who charge for the travel costs associated with projects in our region. These companies benefit significantly from the expertise of SBTC staff members and the leadership and management skills of a highly skilled and competent center director.”

“Prillaman Chemical was formed, circa 1949/1950, as a specialty chemical company and distributor of solvents. It was located in Martinsville Virginia, until such a time that Prillaman was sold to other investment interests. Resultant of the sale of Prillaman, circa 1999/2000, Blue Ridge Solvents of Henry Virginia was formed. The owner and chief executive officer of the new company was formerly a chemist and though he knew a lot about the industry knew little about managing a company. Because of the need for business management skills Blue Ridge contracted The Southside Business Technology Center to perform an organizational analysis and then help develop a business plan for the growing company.

The organizational analysis was very helpful as it indicated areas in the organization that needed restructuring and strengthening. Topics in the analysis included Management/Leadership Issues, Financial Analysis, Costing Methods, Operations, Sales Analysis, and Profit Analysis. In addition, and more importantly, each area of the analysis was thoroughly explained and key managers were trained and given the tools necessary to continue using the information obtained.

Because of the Organizational Analysis and the resulting Business Plan Blue Ridge Solvents & Coatings, Inc. has recreated itself, streamlined the business and is financially stronger than ever. We have been able to increase margins, increase profit and have gone from being under capitalized to a company that is very bankable. If additional information is needed, please fell free to contact George Quinlan, President/Owner, at 276-629-5325 ext. 232."

City of Danville Office of Economic Development :

“Since SBTC’s establishment in 2005, the center has been a key partner to the Office of Economic Development in Danville. The SBTC and our department have worked together on numerous projects, such as a market research and analysis study for the Danville Regional Airport. The two offices are also cooperating on several market research and analysis projects for potential industry creation in Southside Virginia. In addition, our office plans to use SBTC services in the future for several additional economic development related projects that based on our experience, will produce implementable results and help us in potential new company recruitment and expansion of existing industries in Danville/Pittsylvania County.”

Chatham Communications:

“As a past client of SBTC and a current board member, I possess a unique perspective on the benefits that SBTC can afford to the Danville/Pittsylvania County area.
During 2006, Chatham Communications, a Pittsylvania County based telecommunications provider, (note: I also serve this company by providing direct management oversight) engaged SBTC to conduct a Competitor and Market Analysis. On May 5, 2006, the analysis was delivered. The report was thorough, comprehensive and exacting in its scope. I found the information relevant to the company’s operational needs and the information in the analysis has proved valuable in Chatham Communications long range planning and goal establishment.
The exciting aspect of this entire process was the professionalism exhibited by the SBTC staff, and the quality of the information provided. All this provided at a cost level far below that of existing consulting firms.
In short, Chatham Communications, made up of six employees, received benefits through SBTC not readily available in this area and at a cost that a small business can afford. “

In my new role with the WPWIB, I have found SBTC services to be just as invaluable as both Eva Doss, the SBTC Executive Director, and I make referrals regularly after consulting with industry and business executives on needs to remain competitive. Workforce issues are always topics of discussion. When it comes to financial planning and marketing analysis, no other organization has the expertise like the SBTC so my referrals to Ms. Doss are frequent.

“I, Virginia King, became president of the Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society in May of 2007. Previous to this time I was on the society’s board of directors when SBTC was contracted to facilitate a planning process during which a market analysis was to be conducted and a reuse plan developed for the courthouse. I served on the Advisory Committee that the Historical Society and SBTC created, so I was kept abreast of the findings of SBTC. I was impressed with the thoroughness of the investigations performed to identify national best practices in historic courthouse restoration and adaptive reuse. The community was brought into the project by having an Advisory Committee composed of leaders in the area and by surveying a representation of the community as to their suggestions as to the best use of the courthouse. I feel that the approach of determining what an operating budget would encompass was practical do to the fact that pessimistic, neutral and optimistic projections were outlined. SBTC was very committed to the project and worked very hard to come up with a workable plan for the restoration and reuse of the courthouse. I am very pleased with the work of the SBTC led by Eva Doss. Her interest, commitment, and professionalism were most evident.”

for assistance in performing a marketing research study. SBTC promptly set an appointment with our management team, accessed our needs, and made a formal proposal for performing the study.

In September 2006, the study was completed and the results were presented both in person and in a formal document to our management team. SBTC, represented by Eva Doss and Stere Mergeani, was both professional and extremely technical in performing our study. We were very pleased with the project and would highly recommend their team.

The resources and business knowledge they have available to them is unmatched in this area. There has never been a resource in this area before with the scope of ability and talent the SBTC brings to us. I would recommend that anyone looking at starting a business, expanding their business, needing a business analysis, a market analysis, or if you are even in a struggling business, to give the SBTC a call and let Mrs. Doss and her team of professionals help you with whatever aspect of business you may be in need of. They will give you honest, professional, and confidential information about you, your business, or about your business idea. I cannot stress to you how good they really are. If you’re a small business owner, or want to be, then you need to use the SBTC. Even if you think your business is in good shape, they can make it better. Call them today.

Our company contracted with SBTC to perform a study of an industry that we are wanting to develop products for. The end result was a comprehensive report that was produced on time and in a professional manner. We plan to use this information to launch a new product line into a industry that is new to our company. The SBTC is a great resource for any individual or company who needs some objective assistance to help develop a new idea.

Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR):

“The SBTC provides strategic planning and business development services to promote economic development in Southside Virginia. The IALR and SBTC have a formal partnership and several joint program efforts undergoing since the establishment of the center 3 years ago. The SBTC services which are available to any individual, company, and non-profit organization beginning or maintaining a business have proven to be critical to the success of the IALR’s mission to transform the economy of Southside Virginia. “

Testimonials

Client Evaluation