Small Business Development Center Success Story: Bay Area Mailing, March 3

Southwestern Oregon Community College’s Small Business Development Center (Southwestern SBDC) announces local success story: Bay Area Mailing. Joanne Moss and her husband Steve bought a little “get away” in Coos Bay in 2008. At that time, Joanne was a real estate principal broker. She would escape to Coos Bay at every opportunity. She discovered she needed a place to conduct business, but couldn’t find one so she and her husband decided to design a homey feeling store front where anyone could take care of business. Out of her need for a place to work, Bay Area Mailing Connections was born. Since May 2010 Bay Area Mailing Connections & More (BAMCAM) has been on N. Broadway in Coos Bay. Joanne Moss, owner of BAMCAM first talked to Southwestern Oregon Community College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) advisor Arlene Soto in March of 2010 after attending training programs including Business Success Strategies: What’s Your Plan and Ready, Set, Start Your Business. The SBDC assisted Joanne with her business plan including market research and building financial projections. “Arlene Soto was invaluable and supplied me with relevant data (statistics) which enabled me to make informed business decisions about the feasibility of the business and the probability of success” says Joanne. Over the years, Ms. Moss has contacted the SBDC anytime she had a business question or needed to find resources for her business. She has also been a regular attendee at training offered by the SBDC. Over the years, Joanne Moss has expanded from one business to three businesses from the same location. She provides mailing services, mailboxes, copy and fax services, retail items, notary services and much more. She is a staunch supporter of the community, involved in the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and co-chair of the annual Clamboree & Glassfest as well as other civic organizations. Bay Area Mailing has been honored to receive the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce 4 Star Service award and has earned the Best of the South Coast Favorite Shipping & Mailing Service award. Her philosophy is shopping local equals a healthier community for all. She serves on the SBDC advisory committee. Her business continues to grow and mature. She continues to seek assistance from the SBDC as her business expands. When asked about the SBDC, Joanne Moss is quick to say, “This is a valuable service in our community. My business couldn’t have survived without the help and support provided by the SBDC advisors. I’ve found the training programs to be informative, educational and a good chance to network with other businesses in the community. It’s wonderful that the advisor is willing to come to my business location to help since it’s difficult for me to leave my shop during the day. Having a service like the SBDC helps the whole community thrive. We small business owners are very fortunate to have such a wonderful resource in our community.”