By Francis B. Allgood
SCBIZ Daily Staff

GREENVILLE -- A new organization for the small business owner aims to provide power.

Power-Note, which stands for Network of True Entrepreneurs, will hold its first luncheon Dec. 3 at 11:45 a.m. at the Greenville Hilton. The luncheon will occur the first Wednesday of each month. 

Gil Gerretsen, owner of BizTrek International Inc. and organizer of Power-Note, served on the Greenville Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors for two years. He said he realized that many small business owners would not, or could not, benefit from “leads groups” or membership organizations in meaningful ways.

“Most small business owners are looking for a different kind of mechanism to make productive business contacts and also learn new skills that would help them grow their business,” Gerretsen said.

Power-Note is only open to business owners or the highest-ranking local official. The only expense to members is the cost of lunch.

Gerretsen said small business owners have told him they want a forum where they can meet and build relationships with the right people.

“They also want to participate in an affordable venue where they can learn from others who are experts in a particular business skill without having to worry about ‘getting sold’ by overly ambitious sales people,” he added.

In addition to networking opportunities, each luncheon includes a 40-minute interactive program focused on business best practices or skills.

“Everyone knows it is an increasingly difficult business environment now,” Gerretsen said. “Business owners have to carefully evaluate where they spend their money and invest their time.”

For more information or to register for the lunch Dec. 3, visit www.power-note.com.