January Surprise!

It's hard to believe that it's already February and Spring is well on it's way! January was full of fun and lots of surprises! During the first of the year it's a little slow on the island so I take that time to get organized and take some time off for a vacation because January is my birthday! Yes the whole entire month is my birthday, that's just how it goes y'all! With the time off and the fact that I don't like talking about myself I've put off posting this for a bit, but here it goes! One of the events I look forward to every January is the Amelia Island - Fernandina Beach - Yulee Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner! It is a fun night with friends and colleagues where you can celebrate and recognize businesses in our community. I was thrilled to be nominated along with 4 other young business leaders by people in the community for the AIFBY Chamber of Commerce Young Business Leader of the Year! I honestly could not believe that I had been nominated for the 2nd year in a row! 

To make the evening even more exciting I was honored to be selected from the group of 5 amazing young leader nominees in our community as The Young Business Leader of the Year! It is such a huge honer to be recognized by the AIFBY Chamber with such a prestigious award.

I see this award as something to push me to be an even better business leader in 2015. To promote not just myself but the other wonderful businesses that I am surrounded by in our little community. When small businesses work together to promote one another it is a beautiful thing that helps our community grow and small businesses to succeed.

I have to also give a thank you to everyone who sent such wonderful notes of congratulations and Edible Arrangements for their wonderful gift! I was so surprised to receive a yummy box of chocolates delivered right to my shop! 

The AIFBY Chamber is such a wonderful resourse for local businesses. Being a member has offered me so many opportunities to network with other business owners in the community and promote my boutique Colie's. A Chamber membership is something that should not be overlooked, it is truly a valuable business resource and I am proud to be a member! Also if you are a young business professional in the community you do not want to miss the new network they have put together just for us! I attended the Young Professionals Launch Party last month and it was wonderful! A great place to network with other young professionals! 

Thanks again to the AIFBY Chamber for choosing me for this wonderful award! I hope to make this year better than last! 

-Ashley 
Owner of Colie's Clothing + Gifts