Gulfport Area Chamber of Commerce Business Mentors

Lawrence Burke of Gulfport, a long time electrical engineer and builder of commercial and residential properties has been appointed as Chairperson of the Gulfport Area Chamber of Commerce’s new Mentor Program.  He will lead a group of active and retired business and professional people whose mission is to benefit young and expanding businesses by imparting years of diversified education and experience upon them as they start up and grow.

According to Mr. Burke, the Chamber Mentors is an aggregation of successful and experienced business and professional people who individually and jointly offer their advice and services to Gulfport Area Chamber members wishing to locate here or expand their businesses here.  The group meets on a regular basis, sometimes with a speaker on current affairs and sometimes to work on the solution of issues impeding growth and development of businesses in the area.

Mr. Burke adds that given the number of retired business owners, executives and professional people residing in Gulfport and South Pasadena, the Chamber Mentors will provide a great social outlet as well as being an important service organization.  He says, “my business philosophy has always been, if it isn’t fun, don’t do it.”  The blend of active business people and retirees meeting together will provide important information and stimulation for both the Mentors and area businesses or professional firms.

Member business seeking assistance submit a brief outline of their problem that will be presented anonymously to the group.  Those who feel they have the expertise to help will raise their hands and, as a group, will be assigned to assisting the requesting firm.

Right now, Mr. Burke is seeking qualified retirees and active business people to serve on his Chamber Mentors.  Anyone with entrepreneurial, management, financial, sales, marketing or accounting experience is welcome to join.  Chamber members can register by calling the Chamber Office at 727-344-3711 or e-mailing the Chamber at info@gulfportchamberofcommerce.com.  Retirees can join the Mentor Program at a special low rate by calling or e-mailing Bob Newcomb at the Chamber number, on his cell phone at 727-482-6211 or by e-mail at bobnewcomb@gmail.com.

In a recent poll of Chamber members, the Mentor Program was rated as one of the top 5 services offered to them.