#04-297
Nov. 1, 2004

Cheokas named director of GSW SBDC

AMERICUS--Gaynor Cheokas has joined Georgia Southwestern State University as director/consultant of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). 

Cheokas will assist area entrepreneurs in developing new businesses. She will aid in business planning, securing loans and start-up funds, and conducting classes for small business owners and those wishing to start small businesses. 

"Mrs. Cheokas is a wonderful resource for our business community," said John G. Kooti, Ph.D., dean of the GSW School of Business Administration. "I am happy to have her join our economic development efforts." 

Cheokas comes to GSW after a successful 21-year career at the Tog Shop, Inc., where she was the director of stores. Her duties included all administrative responsibilities for six stores, budget planning, sales forecasting and marketing strategy, warehouse operations and inventory control. She and her husband also own a successful small business. 

"Small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy, and anything we can do to foster their growth is critical," Cheokas said. "I look forward to working with area entrepreneurs who are working to make their business dreams come true." 

The SBDC offers a variety of business-related courses throughout the year, and also free counseling. 

"The GSW Small Business Development Center assisted more than 120 clients last year and was instrumental in obtaining approximately $2 million in loans to local businesses," Kooti said. "We appreciate the support of the community for their support of the SBDC at GSW." 

Cheokas earned a Master of Science in Administration from GSW, and a Bachelor of Science from Columbus State University. She is married to Mike Cheokas, and has three children: Brittany, Athan and Lexie. 

The GSW SBDC serves small businesses and entrepreneurs in Sumter, Crisp, Dooly, Macon, Marion, Schley, Taylor and Webster counties. The Center is part of a statewide network of small business development centers sponsored by the Small Business Administration and the University of Georgia. For more information, call (229) 931-2091 or e-mail sbdc@canes.gsw.edu. 

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