EDC spotlights new small businesses; Chamber launches breast-cancer fundraiser and local events

At the City of Cleveland Economic Development Corporation's October meeting, the board heard two business spotlights and a detailed update from the Chamber of Commerce and city small-business outreach staff on local support, education and upcoming events.

Colleen Mask, owner of Crowns of Glory hair studio, told the board she has worked in cosmetology since 1994, opened her Cleveland salon about a year and a half ago and focuses on cuts, color and affordable services for seniors. "My salon's been open for a year and a half," Mask said. She said she hired her first assistant and has been engaging cosmetology students at the high school.

Kim Weaver, owner of Texas Pike Pickles, said the business makes pickles, pickled vegetables and jams and operates a local manufacturing facility. Weaver said the company formed in 2019 under a previous name, H and W Farm, and is working toward expanded retail presence in 2026.

Carrie Dugger, speaking for the Chamber of Commerce as past president, outlined a monthlong October breast-cancer-awareness fundraising effort called "Cara Pink." Dugger said My Imaging has agreed to donate "up to 10 free mammograms," and the Chamber will partner with the Health Center of Southeast Texas to distribute funds to uninsured or underinsured women who need follow-up care. Dugger said a large early contribution has come from Janet Martin of Martin Auto Park, who "has agreed to donate $20,000," and the Chamber said it will raise its original goal from $20,000 to $50,000.

The Chamber also described a range of fundraising activities: a raffle ("ducks for door prizes"), weekly taco bars with proceeds, donated merchandise, a flamingo-flocking promotion and community partnerships supporting the effort. Dugger said the Chamber hopes to make the campaign annual and noted a first-responder appreciation lunch planned for Nov. 6.

Hayden (small-business outreach) gave a quarterly outreach report: staff visited more than 30 local businesses in person and connected with over 50 businesses through other outreach. The city distributed 11 business-improvement grant applications in the last quarter, held a "Designing for Success" Canva workshop, hosted a Texas SBA "101" session with about 30 participants and supported downtown beautification efforts including repainted parking stripes, pole banners and coordination with Entergy for lighting updates.

Hayden said the EDC applied to Texas Main Street's First Street initiative and expects to be accepted. The outreach team is developing short promotional videos called "Hometown Highlights" to help market local businesses.

The board and staff emphasized collaboration among city staff, the Chamber and the EDC to support downtown revitalization and small-business growth. No procurement or grant awards were made at the meeting; staff said they would return with applications and follow-up reports as projects proceed.

Ending: Business owners and Chamber leaders said they appreciate local support; staff asked the public to watch for event announcements and fundraisers in October and November.