Duke boosts small businesses; Chamber selects grantees

Styles101 salon, 220 Matilda St., Butler, intends to use the grant for much-needed repairs and upgrades. Owner Sheila Utz said she began her business 36 years ago to “raise a family and teach my child hard work.” Business has been slow of late, so advertising and sprucing should give a boost, she said. Pictured, from left, are Randy Wells of the Chamber, Utz, and Chamber President Gary Hicks.
El Paso Mexican Restaurant, 516 Market St., Falmouth, stated that the outside of the building needs paint and new signage, and inside, the business needs a new walk-in cooler. The restaurant has been in business for 12 years and employs 20 people, according to owner Daniel Switzer. Pictured, Chamber representatives Randy Wells and Gary Hicks present a check to Emilee Marquez of El Paso.
Early Bird Laundry, 211 Park St., Falmouth, said it will put the grant to use by upgrading equipment. “We purchase some newer washers and dryers each year,” owners Don and Karen Miller stated. The family operated laundry has been in business for 13 years, and “the next-closest laundromat is 20-plus miles away,” they stated. Here, Don Miller, left, accepts a check from Chamber President Gary Hicks and Chamber member Randy Wells.
Cross Creek Catering, 171 Highway 330 W, Falmouth, wants to add cooking equipment to expand its menu. Owner Martha Lynn said she’s been in business for six years. The two-employee business offers “a high-end product that not everyone can afford. Our standard and different foods are high quality,” she said. Pictured, Lynn and Sandy Lyles hold their check.
The mission of Sweet Grace and Southern Charm Boutique, 855 Ridgeway Ave., Falmouth, “is to offer items that fit in the budget but are nice quality for the price,” said owner Delana Robinson. She said she was inspired to start her own boutique of affordable women’s clothing and accessories in 2020 by her daughter’s Little Bits Boutique for Children. Here, Robinson displays her Duke support check as she stands outside the log cabin that houses her boutique.
Wyatt’s Supervalu, 1310 W. Shelby St., Falmouth, says it plans to use the money for needed repairs and equipment. Wyatt’s, with 42 employees, has been in business for 80 years. It says its biggest challenge is competition from three local dollar stores, but that its meat processing department with butchers on duty make it unique. Here, owners Craig Owen, left, and Dixie Owen receive their check from Chamber President Gary Hicks and Chamber member Randy Wells.
The Mystery Box, 125 W. Shelby St., Falmouth, said it plans to use its grant to purchase shelving units and paint. Owner Jennifer Larabee said she opened the store of “fun stuff at a discounted price” two years ago to become more self-reliant. Here, Larabee holds her Duke Energy Foundation support check.
Homesite Construction, 804 W. Shelby St., Falmouth, wants to use the grant to make repairs on its properties “to maintain quality housing.” The woman-owned rental unit company has been in business for 48 years, and provides rental properties for housing and a bed-and-breakfast for overnight accommodations. Here, owner Verda Bonar, left, receives her check from Chamber representatives Gary Hicks and Randy Wells.
Woodhead Funeral Home, Memorials and Cremation Services, 310 W. Shelby St., Falmouth, is continuing ceiling repair and remodeling working on its buildings. Woodhead has been in business for 132 years. Owner Mary Woodhead Hillenmeyer said she is part of the fifth generation of the Woodhead family, and the business supports local schools and a variety of clubs and organizations in Pendleton County. Here, Chamber representatives Randy Wells, left, and Gary Hicks present a check to Shane Hammons of Woodhead.
Signed by Heather Boutique, 26 Valley View Lane, Butler, plans to put its grant toward a new printer to cut out the middle man. Owner Heather Polley said her two-person operation is an approved vendor for Pendleton County Schools for their apparel, and that her boutique has been growing “at a 200% rate year after year” in the five years it’s been in business. Pictured, Chamber representatives Randy Wells and Gary Hicks present a check to Emily Jodrey and Polley.
L&L Beauty, 8160 Highway 27 N, Suite B, Butler, wants to upgrade equipment, replenish supplies and upgrade its space, according to owner Louisa Dunn. The salon has been in business for three years, and the four employees hand out 300 free haircut vouchers a year to school children, volunteer their services the annual Night to Shine event, among other contributions, Dunn said. Pictured, Erica Hughes, left, and Dunn accept their check from Gary Hicks and Randy Wells of the Chamber.

Since 2020, the Duke Energy Foundation has partnered with nonprofit organizations in its Kentucky and Ohio service region to provide grants to boost small businesses.

This year in Pendleton County, the Duke Foundation chose the Pendleton County Chamber of Commerce to split $12,500 worth of support grant money awarded to the county among local companies.

The Chamber narrowed applicants down to 11 local small businesses.

Checks were delivered last week.

Businesses had to be Duke customers with fewer than 50 employees. Preference was given to minority-, female- and veteran-owned businesses.

Photos of check presentations are by Chamber Vice President Neill Belcher.