Below are some kind words from our Members…

NATC is the one thing I could afford to invest in that would help me save my business. If not for this program and especially Ruby Sprowls, we would have closed our doors this Spring. I dread to think how many small businesses will close this year because they don’t have a program like the NATC! It is the link between success and failure, between bricks and mortar of the old days and virtual business of the present and future. When consumers cannot afford the gas to travel to new places to shop, the internet is affordable and searching for a business online is the best alternative. If something were to happen and NATC was no longer available, many business owners would be forced into bankruptcy and unemployment perhaps even social services. Investing in the NATC is the solution to keep small businesses afloat and keep people working. Why mess with a program that works?
Ruthanne L’Hommedieu
Treasured Antiques Gallery

This year, 2011, has been my first exposure to NATC. I first participated in a web design class and am now attending a Marketing Your Product class, both of which have totally opened my eyes to a whole new world.

For many reasons this program is so necessary for supplemental education for the average person trying to be profitable with their small business. With our individual businesses being so diverse, these support classes allow us the opportunity to learn from others in the business world, as well as gain tremendous business expertise and encouragement from Ruby Sprowls. I certainly would hope that there would be continued funding and commitment to support such a valued outreach program such as NATC. I am planning to continue to expand my horizons by attending future educational workshops that Ruby gives. Having just discovered NATC, I would be extremely disappointed to have lost the opportunity to continue to utilize it.
Nancy M. Putman

I own a small business in Northern New York and was thrilled to find out about the NATC and the resources offered to me. I have limited money to spend on marketing and advertising, and could not believe what a wealth of information I could learn for a small cash outlay, thanks to NATC. We need resources such as the NATC in this area to help local small business owners who have limited financial resources and are eking out a living. NATC has introduced many to the world of internet marketing and done it in a way that even those of us who are computer challenged can successfully integrate online sales into our businesses. This is in large part due to the expertise of Ruby Sprowls, who has a vast knowledge of the tools needed to succeed online, and is able to translate that information so that we can understand and utilize the skills she has taught us.

If there is thought of cutting this program, I strongly urge those making the decision to look at the positive impact the NATC has had on the economy of the north country, and to allow it to remain a viable resource for these counties where very little monies are received to help local businesses.
Marilla O’Brien
Moonlight and Laughter
Hand Dyed Yarn and Fiber

The NATC program has shown me many new ideas and how to be able to talk to a web developer about a website. There were so many things that i had never heard of. It was of great value for anyone that has a site or is thinking of one. Many thanks to Ruby and also to Bernadette in Malone for showing me how this all makes sense($$$$$) and dollars.

I also pretty cool when a 55 year old father can show his 22 and 21 year old children something they dont know about the Internet.
Many Many thanks…these are things that i will take with me for life.
Ray Miles
John Harvey Gasoline Alley Inc.

Northern NY needs NATC and Ruby Sprowls. Before taking her class, I knew very little about web sales. Now I feel more confident that I can enter that marketplace and sell my product. Since marketing on the web is constantly changing, we in small business need NATC to help us learn and take part. Without services like NATC provides, we will not be able to keep up. Small businesses have to struggle to remain viable in the marketplace. We need NATC’s services to aid us in continuing. Northern NY cannot afford to lose anymore business! Please continue to support NATC’s efforts to support us.
Paula Allen, LCSW-R, CEIP-MH
Pray Road Stables

I participated in the 2010 marketing for profit and the program and Ruby inspired me to create a website which I had professionally done. NATC provided me with the knowledge to learn what to put in a website and how it should look. I have attended other NATC sponsored events and always learn something new for my business.

Not having NATC and Ruby in the north country would be a tremendous loss for small businesses in the area.
Paul Bigwarfe
Environmental Solutions

I started my business Tony’s Canvas & Leather in 2001 on a shoe string budget and borrowed money from my mother for my first sew machine. I had a local guy make me a web site that was just informational. I heard about NATC through an owner of a local Newspaper and called to sign up for their second class. Ruby set up an interviewed me to find out about my business and it’s needs. Ruby told me that I needed a business plan and what are my goals for my business. I told her I wanted to be one of the top Custom Sports bags designers in this Country. Well today, my new web site tonyscanvas.com is all from her expert advice and knowledge of the internet. I have customers from all over the World and they send me really nice Testimonials about my products & services. I just received a Grant and low interest loan from in part from Ruby and the NATC program to purchase more equipment for my business. NATC is an invaluable service for North country businesses to help them grow and prosper in this economy.

On my Facebook page they ask how inspires you “RUBY SPROWLS”, this you will find out from any of her students past or present.
God Bless Ruby and NATC Program.
Tony O’Geen
Tony’s Canvas & Leather

NATC has been very valuable to me personally. I have had a do it yourself website for over ten years. I’ve pushed myself the last couple of years with my craft and I needed that to reflect in my website. NATC, (and especially Ruby), has allowed me to understand how it works and how to make it work for me. I have MUCH more to learn, but I’m feeling much more confident after taking this NATC class.

I have a great passion for my business. I am totally inspired by Ruby’s passion for teaching – her knowledge of marketing and the internet make me want to learn more from her.

I’m grateful I was able to have the opportunity to take this class. Every entrepreneur should consider it. It would be a shame if it was not continued.
Cindy Pierce
IcanQuilt Company

NATC is a good program. I think for small businesses it is a great, inexpensive help to make each business grow and become sustainable in this electronic world.

Somtimes a bit overwhelming for somebody that does not have a website, but if one is to be made we have the tools to go forward and not get “fleeced” by fly by nite website developers.

To put it short and sweet keep NATC in the North Country,NY, WE NEED IT !!

“Laisser le bon temps rouler”

Chris Lang

I want to thank the NATC and Ruby Sprowls for providing such a great opportunity for both aspiring small business owners and established business owners here in the rural north country. There are so many talented hard working people here in the north country, that just need a little guidance and direction to be discovered by the rest of the world, and the classes that I’ve taken through the NATC and SLC chamber have been priceless. The internet skills that Ruby has taught me have opened up my sales to people that would have never known I existed, both here in the north and across the country. Ruby is a fantastic teacher who builds both confidence and knowledge in her students, and that’s what great teachers do.
I intend to keep on signing on to these classes as long as they are offered.
Thanks,
Gary Pierce Chipman
Woodworks

I have learned so much in the “Marketing Your Product for Profit” course taught by Ruby Sprowls and sponsored by the Canton Chamber of Commerce. Small business owners need this type of affordable technology instruction to be able to share products and services in the North Country and far beyond. My class was filled with creative artisans and producers who sincerely wanted to learn! It’s essential to have access to an instructor who understand sales, marketing AND technology tools! A very valuable class! I would encourage anyone to attend based on my own experience.
Sue Souder Wurster