Our Spring Business Exchange Luncheon sponsored by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union will be held on Wednesday, April 19, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at IRSC Dixon Hendry Campus here in Okeechobee. Guest speaker will be Tom Kindred, from our SBDC and he will be sharing some great news about the State monies that have just been released for our small businesses.

These funds will be administered through the SSBCI, State Small Business Credit Initiative with DEO in partnership with Enterprise Florida, Inc. Funding is available from U.S. Treasury -- $142 million – is ready for deployment now. These funds will also support businesses owned or controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, including minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, rural, or other targeted small business populations across the state. Don’t miss out on learning how your business may be able to take advantage of this amazing initiative. The funds are available, so let’s get our businesses to take advantage of this offer. Register early as we expect a full house and will limit attendance to 120.

Lunch will be $20 per person - doors will open at 11:30 a.m. and the buffet lunch by D & G Catering will be ready at 11:45 a.m. Come early to get a seat and network with those in attendance.

Come help us celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting for Florida Quality Real Estate on Friday, March 17, at 206 S.W. Third St., from noon to 1 p.m. Veronica Gabor and her team of Realtors are anxious to have you visit their business and meet each of them. Ribbon cutting will be as close to noon as possible and then stay after for a few light refreshments as you get acquainted with their business. Don’t miss out, we hope to see you there.

Mark your calendars for another exciting invitation. On Thursday, March 23, we will have the celebration of Brown and Company Real Estate grand opening and ribbon cutting. This will be from noon to 1 p.m. at their office location, 221 NE Park St. You’ll want to make sure to meet Emma Brown and each of her Realtors as you check out their listings. Light refreshments will be served and the ribbon cutting will be taken as close to noon as possible. Hope you’ll be able to attend.