POMEROY — Yesterday Meigs County Chamber of Commerce members heard a preview of an upcoming class on small business financing planned for 9 a.m., Oct. 29 at the Pomeroy Library.

The class will be conducted by Mick Howell of Peoples Bank who also spoke at yesterday’s business-minded luncheon. Classes will be $10 per person with a light breakfast and refreshments provided. Call Chamber Director Michelle Donovan at 992-5005 to register.

Yesterday Howell told Chamber members banks are lending money these days but “conservatively.” Howell said this is partly due to property values going down, a tougher regulatory process and the threat of inflation should unemployment rates slow down.

As for the class, Howell said one of the most important points he would discuss is asking the prospective business owner if they know what type of business they want to start? Other important points that will be hit on include: how to weigh the pros and cons of owning a business; knowing your product; how to price product; different types of businesses (including franchises); financing; breaking down business plans; discussing marketing plans; studying balance sheets and trends.

Other Chamber announcements:

Karla Sanders, an AmeriCorps volunteer spoke about organizing the Leading Creek Citizen’s Committee which is forming for an organizational meeting at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Pomeroy Library. All those interested are welcome. The mission of the LCCC is to ensure lasting stewardship of the Leading Creek Watershed through projects designed and run by local residents and landowners. The Leading Creek Watershed consists of approximately 150 square miles stretching across the western half of Meigs County and portions of Athens and Gallia Counties.

Chamber member Bill Quickel spoke about the Pomeroy Merchants Association’s tentative plans to have a Christmas tour of homes. He also reminded Chamber goers about the annual Pomeroy Christmas Parade held the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

Tina Rees of Peoples Bank of Pomeroy said the branch is beginning its annual Coats For Kids campaign next month with luncheons planned to raise money to purchase winter coats for children in elementary-junior high school. The branch is also collecting canned goods for the less fortunate.

Alan Dunn of Mercury Publishing spoke of an upcoming plat book project for the county. Books will be sold at the Chamber office for $18. Mercury Publishing is donating 100 books to the Chamber to sell.

Mark Porter of Mark Porter GM Supercenter spoke about recently attending a General Motors meeting in Detroit, saying with the discontinuation of Pontiac, the company will be more focused on the Chevrolet brand. He said GM is working on at least four new vehicles which will receive 40 miles to the gallon. Porter also said in the next two years he hopes to remodel the showroom of his Pomeroy dealership.

A “For Women Only” free clinic by appointment only will be held on Friday at O’Bleness Health System in Athens. There will be free cervical and clinical breast exams and a referral for a free mammogram if recommended by healthcare professional. Call 566-4814 for more information.

The Meigs County Chamber of Commerce 2009 Recognition Dinner is set for 6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 12 at Kountry Resort. Guest speaker Joe Stanton is with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, is an ex-college wrestler and insurance executive. Tickets are $25 per person. Call 992-5005 or email michelle@meigscountychamber.com for information on sponsorship or tickets.

Chamber President Patty Pickens reported there will be no Chamber luncheon for November. Pickens also recognized Pomeroy Flower Shop for providing the luncheon’s flowers, Bun’s Party Barn for catering the luncheon and the Pomeory Library for providing the space.