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Retired execs help new business By Suzanne Chessler / Special to The Detroit News How to help What: SCORE Purpose: Counsel and offer informational resources to owners of small businesses Information: Room 515, McNamara Building, 477 Michigan, Detroit; (313) 226-7947 Comment on this story Send this story to a friend Get Home Delivery DETROIT-- Scarves and orders for scarves fill Margaret Thomson's Detroit home. Working under the business name Scarves by Margaret, Thomson is in her busy season, sewing and assigning sewing to three employees as they complete gift orders. Thomson, whose scarves are available in area stores and online, has been in the accessories business for several years, but does not take full credit for its success. While she was developing her idea to market knotless scarves, most recently with patriotic themes, Thomson turned to Emily Olivero, state director of the all volunteer SCORE, or the Service Corps of Retired Executives. Olivero, formerly co-manager of a grinding products firm, has counseled Thomson -- and many others -- with the knowledge she gained during years running a family operation. Currently, SCORE is part of the volunteer arm of the U.S. Small Business Administration. "Satisfaction is the name of the game for me," says Olivero, who lives and used to work in Warren. "It's wonderful to watch people develop management skills and build their opportunities." Olivero considers herself a teacher, when she's meeting one-on-one with new entrepreneurs. She's more of a communicator and planner as she takes on wider responsibilities, such as notifying SCORE volunteers throughout the state about any organizational changes or events and arranging for special programs. "I joined SCORE because someone I knew recruited me," Olivero says. "At first, I worked mostly with men, but in the past two years, I've been pleased at the growing numbers of women starting their own businesses." Suzanne Chessler is a Metro Detroit free-lance writer. Reprint used by permission from Metro Detroit News 2002 |
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