This week in BiS:
• Polly Toole runs the only pharmacy on Tybee Island after spending years in hospital administration. She notes her store is so small they do everything themselves.
• Savannah Taste Experience offers walking food tours of historic downtown Savannah and they say they’re unique because “while there are many great tour companies in town … our tour routes and tasting locations rarely change.”
• HancockAskew marketing guru Anne Carroll raises the question of whether you’re using LinkedIn in a way that will support your business growth? If not, she has a few tips to help.
• Attorney Daniel Crook reminds business owners that one reality is that every business owner will eventually exit their business and will need an exit strategy to maximize the transition.
• Tourism Council exec Michael Owens discusses customer service and reminds us that good customer service is in the art of the one performing while the real responsibility lies with managers to train their staffs.
Leadership Savannah class open to applicants
Applications for the 2013-14 Leadership Savannah class are being accepted with a deadline of Friday.
The class will be limited to 42 people, and applicants must have the full support of their organization or the corporation they represent.
The programs are expected to consist of monthly interactive sessions led by community experts within their fields. Sessions are expected to begin in September and conclude in June 2014.
All applicants must go through the selections process, and full program fees will be $2,500, with a limited number of $1,000 scholarships available.
To apply, go to www.LeadershipSavannah.org and click on the “Apply” button.
For more information, contact Margaret Mary Russell at MRussell@SavannahChamber.com or call 912-644-6432.
Homebuilder to hold ‘hero house’ raffle
Lamar Smith Signature Homes will hold the Operation Hero House Grand Raffle Event from 6-9 p.m. Thursday at the Charles Morris Center, 10 E. Broad St.
The event will raise funds and awareness for the Operation Hero House project launched in February 2013 to honor the sacrifices of military men and women. Lamar Smith and more than 135 independent vendors and businesses are working together to build a custom home for a specially selected wounded warrior.
Paula Deen will preside as emcee and provide catering. Raffle prizes will include a 2013 Nissan Versa four-door sedan donated by Vaden Nissan of Hinesville.
Tickets cost $50 each and can be purchased in advance at www.operationherohouse.com or by calling 912-663-4775. Tickets will also be sold at the door until 7 p.m. All proceeds will go to Operation Hero House.
