Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Business Outreach Events topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Leesburg EDC discusses sponsor model and timing for outreach breakfast event
Summary
Commissioners debated sponsorship tiers, topics and timing for a fall outreach breakfast aimed at downtown businesses and recommended staff pursue local sponsors to defray costs.
The Leesburg Economic Development Commission discussed plans on Aug. 6 for a follow‑up business outreach breakfast intended to connect local business owners, share resources and gather feedback.
Commissioners said the June breakfast was successful but ran long, and they proposed narrowing future sessions and seeking sponsors to offset costs rather than charging attendees. Commissioners suggested a headline sponsor (for example, a regional bank, insurance provider, CPA or law firm) that could provide a short educational presentation — for example, on business banking, retirement planning, or employee benefits — in exchange for underwriting part of the event costs. Commissioner comments noted interest in local firms or organizations with hometown ties rather than national firms flown in for a single event.
Commissioners discussed sponsorship levels (principal/headline sponsor and smaller $500 spots) and agreed the goal is to defray costs rather than raise funds; a sponsor would also receive program recognition and a short speaking slot. Melanie Scroggins (staff) and commissioners said staff will investigate whether sponsorships are permissible within town policies and will confirm remaining commission event budget (discussed in the meeting as approximately $1,200 pending confirmation).
Timing: Commissioners suggested holding another outreach breakfast in October but noted the timeline is tight; several commissioners recommended avoiding countywide events and school calendar conflicts in late October, and to consider November dates that avoid holidays and major county events. The commission agreed to settle on a date and a sponsorship approach at the September meeting.
Why it matters: Commissioners framed the outreach breakfast as a recurring touchpoint to learn about small businesses’ needs (e.g., benefits administration, banking, flex space). Several commissioners said a focused topic such as employee benefits or flexible commercial space would address common challenges for growing small businesses and attract attendees.
Next steps: Staff was asked to confirm available commission event funds, research local sponsor prospects (banks, PEOs, insurance brokers, commercial brokers), assess town rules for sponsorship recognition, and present proposed dates and a sponsorship package at the Sept. meeting for a vote.
