Honored in Appalachia: A Special Visit from the SBA

When SBA Regional Administrator Everett M. Woodel, Jr. selected our small rural center as the spotlight location for Small Business Saturday, we were honored and excited. This was our chance to shine a light on the talented entrepreneurs who make our Appalachian communities so special. 

From left: Thalia Amador Lastra, Economic Development Specialist; Kelly Gordon, Director of the WBC of Central Appalachia; Terry Bolden, District Director of the Cleveland/Columbus District Office; Amanda Klaiber, The Landing in Portsmouth; Everett M. Woodel Jr., SBA Great Lakes Regional Administrator; Andrew Coffield, Office of Advocacy  

Administrator Woodel, joined by Terry Bolden, Thalia Amador Lastra, and Andrew Coffield, made the trip south for a full day immersed in the heart of rural entrepreneurship. Just months ago, Mr. Woodel was designated to serve as the acting administrator of the SBA until confirmation of the current administrator was complete. And now here he was, sharing lunch with us on a first-name basis at a local restaurant.  

This visit wasn’t just another official in a suit—it was a celebration of our region, a powerful reminder of the impact our support can have. 

We took this perfect opportunity to showcase the inspiring progress happening in Southern Ohio, reflecting the heart and soul of this region with every stop.  

Stop #1: The Taylored Cookie & Bakery 

SBA Portsmouth tour makes its first stop of the day at The Taylored Cookie & Bakery

Our first visit of the day was with the talented Taylor Keen Cutlip, owner of The Taylored Cookie & Bakery. Taylor’s passion shines in every intricately decorated cookie and delicious baked good. As the fifth owner of this 120-year-old establishment, she’s proud to be a part of her family and community’s legacy. At the Taylored Cookie & Bakery, she’s serving up stories one treat at a time. 

Stop #2: The Landing in Portsmouth 

Our next stop took us to visit another dear friend, Amanda Klaiber, at The Landing in Portsmouth. There’s a clear sense of camaraderie at the Landing—from the cozy couches to the smell of freshly brewed coffee, this place feels like a hub of the community that Amanda once dreamed of bringing to Portsmouth. If you’re looking for a place where comfort and creativity meet, look no further than The Landing.  

Stop #3: Oddfellows 

ECDI clients and friends join together at Oddfellows

For our last stop of the day, we invited business owners to join us for lunch at one of Portsmouth’s favorite community hangouts, Oddfellows. Owned by John and Maddie Kehoe, Oddfellows brings people together with its family-friendly atmosphere, complete with duckpin bowling, arcade games, and a specialty menu of brick-fired pizzas. 

We were joined by several clients and friends, including ECDI Professional Advisory Network advisor Makenzie Wells, Ali Hull of Align Massage Therapy, Julia Biggs of The Kitchen Collective, Edward Martell of Elm Street Photography, and a handful of community members who tagged along. What unfolded was a lively and heartfelt gathering of friends, both old and new. It was the perfect reminder of how strong and supportive Appalachia truly is.  

A second tour is already being planned for this spring to visit the businesses we couldn’t see, and perhaps add even more to the route. We’re grateful to the SBA for the opportunity to highlight the incredible things happening here in Southern Ohio. 

This crew’s visit showed us how much they care about the work we are doing, and we can’t wait to show them more of the future we’re building right here at home.