Building a business and finding economic development resources can be challenging for those going it alone. Listening to someone who has had success as an entrepreneur and knows the resources available can be the difference between success and failure.
That’s what The Venture Center’s monthly series #VCLiftTheRock is all about – connecting community members with resources and stories from established leaders and entrepreneurs. This month, The Venture Center is highlighting Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce CEO Jay Chesshir and Yellow Rocket Concepts’ Founder and CEO Scott McGehee.
Chesshir has served as the president and CEO of the chamber of commerce since 2006, leading the economic development for the Greater Little Rock area and developing projects that have created $2.1 billion in capital investment in the region, more than 15,000 jobs and $489 million in annual payroll.
McGehee is a familiar name around Arkansas, as he is part of a tradition of family-owned restaurants. His great-grandmother Ruby Thomas headed the Red Apple Inn, while his father, Frank McGehee, was the force behind Blue Mesa Grill and Juanita’s. After attending culinary school and working at Chez Panisse in Berkeley, Calif., he returned to Little Rock to open Boulevard Bread Company. Since then, he’s expanded his reach, opening ZaZa Fine Salad & Wood Oven Pizza Company, ZaZa Conway, Big Orange, Local Lime Tacos and Margaritas, Lost 40 Brewing, and Heights Taco and Tamale.
The event will be held Friday, May 17, on the 6th floor of the Tech Park, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Register for free tickets to #VCLiftTheRock here.
The Venture Center will be holding its next workshop on Thursday, May 23, from 5:30-7 p.m. This workshop, “How to Land Your Next Job,” will feature Stephanie Shine, Vice President and director of permanent placement services in Arkansas for Robert Half Finance and Accounting, who will teach participants how find jobs, network, craft resumes and more.
READ MORE: Business is Good: Yellow Rocket Concepts