Charleston’s East End would support a new grocery store, according to an East End Main Street feasibility study.

The East End, the market analysis says, is missing out on between $7 million and $10 million in revenue – a conservative estimate – by not having a full-service grocery store. A 20,000- to 25,000-square-foot store would be successful in the area.

“The grocery store idea has been a part of our outlook for quite some time,” said Ric Cavender, EEMS program director. “This analysis has confirmed residents’ desire to have a store on the East End, and now we can explore ways to make that happen.”

East End Main Street and its parent organization, the Charleston Area Alliance, today released the results of the feasibility study, conducted by the CLUE group out of Washington, DC and Urban Development Services out of San Antonio, Texas. EEMS hosted a public presentation Monday evening to announce the findings.

The EEMS Grocery Store Task Force this year hired Scott Day of Urban Development Services and Josh Bloom of CLUE to conduct neighborhood surveys and study buying patterns. The methodology included competitive analysis of existing food stores, analysis of sales potential, focus groups, assessment of potential sites, research on potential recruitment and consumer surveys. More than 800 people participated in surveys.

“We received an overwhelming response to the surveys, which were conducted both online and door-to-door,” Cavender said. “The consultants evaluated price points across the Charleston Metro region, buying power of the East End residents and shopping habits. This is a well-rounded, extensive study, and we are confident in the conclusions.”

At one time, the East End was home to two grocery stores, but both had closed by 2001. Foodland on Bigley Avenue and Capitol Market now are the nearest options.

“We’ve heard the demand for years,” said Alliance President and CEO Matt Ballard. “We hear about the need every day. This new data confirms it. A grocery store would be a boon for the East End economy and could spur growth in the area.”

According to the analysis, about 75 percent of grocery shopping trips made by East End residents are to stores outside of the East End area. It concludes many residents would opt to shop at East End stores, meaning current buying power justifies pursuing at least one grocery store for the region.

Several parcels in the area would be optimal sites for a store that serves the whole East End neighborhood and is walk-able for most East End residents and area employees, the study says. It suggests recruiting a “niche chain” grocery store and/or a business focused on organic foods.

“Because these two grocery stores concepts would be addressing different audiences, the two stores could be pursued separately or simultaneously,” the study says. (more…)

Kanawha Valley Community & Technical College’s Workforce and Economic Development Division has moved to a new location at the corner of Patrick Street and 5^th Avenue on Charleston’s West Side. 

To celebrate, the school is holding an Open House from 1 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 25. It features series of free seminars for entrepreneurs, business leaders and the general public. 

Topics include:  (see full list of topics and times below) 

• Adults returning to college & Financial Aid opportunities
• Online training
• Healthcare Careers & Training
• Handling Ticklish Interview Questions
• Social Media for Companies, Causes, & Kin
• Many more – 21 in all!

Visit www.KVCTC.edu for more information.

Express Employment Professionals and Charleston Area Alliance are presenting a free seminar for clients and friends from 8 a.m. to noon Thursday, Sept. 30.

Smalley

“Leading Organizational Excellence by Avoiding the Top 10 Leadership Mistakes” will be at the Clay Center. Go to the Walker Theater entrance at the back of the building. 

To reach new heights of organizational success, comprehensive leadership strategies must be an integral element of the company’s vision. Leadership is critical to the success of this vision becoming the organization’s mission.  This interactive session details the Top 10 leadership mistakes that can cause irreparable damage to leadership’s credibility and integrity thus quickly derailing any career and the organization’s strategic initiatives.

Through true life experiences, we will discuss the consequences of questionable leadership mistakes such as:

• The failure to embrace diverse thinkers and mavericks.
• Too much talking and not enough walking.
• Failing at communication.

Leadership is having the passion and ability to influence others to reach new heights.  Critical decisions must be addressed impacting corporate restructures, acquisitions, joint ventures and mergers. Unfortunately, mistakes can be made along the path that can damage the credibility of any leader resulting in failure of the organization’s mission, vision, goals and strategies thus tarnishing its culture.  By embracing proven behaviors and competencies outlined in this session and avoiding the Top 10 Leadership Mistakes, we are better prepared to lead the next generation of global talent to unlimited opportunities.

Continental breakfast served 7:30 a.m.

Please RSVP by Sept. 24 to Express Employment Professionals at (304) 746-8888 or e-mail amanda.newcomb@expresspros.com.  

About the Speaker:
For the last three decades, Jack Smalley has devoted his career to the field of human resources. His experience includes executive-level management in a number of different industries such as oil, chemical, and packaging. Jack serves as a senior human resources consultant for Express Employment Professionals.  He provides human resource training and consulting for nearly 600 Express offices and clients in the U.S. and Canada. Jack is a member of the Society of Human Resource Management and holds the designation of Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). In 2008, Jack had over 100 speaking engagements and was also a featured speaker at the 2008 National Society of Human Resource Management Conference.