The Carmi Chamber of Commerce is demonstrating it’s commitment to members by making a nearly $6,000 investment into businesses through grants. Megan Newman, Executive Director for the Chamber, has announced both a Business Grant as well as two Start Up Grant winners.
So Doughlicious, operated by Paige Wring has been awarded $2,000 as a Start Up Grant awardee. Wring is a self-taught baker and has been operating So Doughlicious since around Christmas of 2023 as a certified cottage baker. Now, she’ll be utilizing her grant to help open a bakery at The Courtyard in Carmi. Wring says, “it’s so crazy what a little therapeutic hobby has turned into, but I’m so thankful to be here and completely over joyed to be opening a storefront. I can’t wait to serve loyal customers and meet new faces.” Wring says the plan is to have grab and go items initially including freshly baked bread, bagels, sweet rolls and daily lunch specials. In the meantime, while awaiting the bakery to open, you can learn more about Paige’s business on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556686844007
Another startup grant has been awarded to Curt and Sarah Hale for the newly launched business IT Revival. The electronics, computer repair, and information technology company launched just a few months ago, but has quickly found a growing customer base looking for a variety of repairs and services. From screen repair on devices to doorbell and security installation, phone battery replacement, custom built or refurbished gaming computers, PC’s, laptops and much more, the Hales say their motivation in starting the service was to provide an affordable alternative locally for all things IT related. Learn more about IT Revival at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563318911250
Finally, the Carmi Chamber awarded a $3,000 Member Grant to WROY/WRUL to improve and grow video distribution efforts. In 2022, the
media company launched live video to go along with legacy on air radio broadcasts from sporting events. In that first year, more than 85,000 devices tuned in to watch. In 2023, GM Jc Tinsley says the company experienced exponential growth delivering sports content to more than 152,000 devices. In addition to sports content, the station has been able to extend the service in other areas from livestreaming the Corn Day parade to Awards Day ceremonies and Tinsley says “we’ll continue to find ways to bring more content consumers want.” WROY/WRUL plans to use it’s grant money to purchase a new, more capable computer to help grow the popular product and service benefiting end users as well as fellow businesses.
