Fletcher named Entrepreneur of the Year

Terra L. Fletcher was named 2012 Entrepreneur of the Year by the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce. According to the chamber, “The Business of the Year Award was created to salute local businesses that have shown growth and other characteristics that enhance Shawano Country’s economic health and quality of life. The board considers community support, challenges overcome, and commitment to continual improvement.”

Terra L. Fletcher is quoted, “I’m honored to have won Entrepreneur of the Year. 2012 was a great year, but I feel the award is as much a reflection of the cumulative results of the last five plus years I’ve been in business. I owe the award in part to the network of businesspeople in the community that I work with. I enjoy collaborating with other web developers, designers, and writers. In area businesspeople I’ve found a strong team of resources who help to inspire, motivate, and hold me accountable. Knowing that others are rooting for me to achieve my goals keeps me on track. That, and the fact that I have a mortgage to pay every month.”

Fletcher will receive her award at The Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce 86th Annual Membership Banquet and Awards ceremony to be held January 24, 2013. Other awards will go to the Citizen of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, and Ambassador of the Year. The theme for this year’s banquet is Round-Up at the Shawano County Corral. The chamber encourages 400+ companies (chamber members) to dress in cowboy boots and hats for this western themed foray. More information can be found in the chamber’s January newsletter.

Terra L. Fletcher, owner of Fletcher Freelance, has encouraged and supported the community as a Junior Achievement volunteer. The last two years Fletcher has worked with Mrs. Oberhart’s Small Business Development class at Shawano Community High School. Fletcher says she enjoys giving back and believes it is important to foster the entrepreneurial spirit in high school students. Fletcher is active in the Shawano, Menominee, and Pulaski chambers of commerce. She is a member of Shawano Area Writers and the Wisconsin Writers Association.

As a company, Fletcher Freelance has seen impressive growth. Fletcher started her business in 2007. She was working part-time as an accountant for a local manufacturing company. In 2009 the company shut down. Fletcher didn’t waste any time; she used the opportunity to make her hobby a career. In the last five years her gross sales have increased from extra pocket change to “more than enough to pay the bills.” In 2013 Fletcher plans to hire an intern which will help double 2012’s gross sales.

Fletcher takes her grandmother’s advice to “learn something new every day” seriously, staying abreast of changes in internet marketing techniques and social media. Accepting the call to give presentations for members of the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce and through Shawano Community Education, Fletcher has honed her public speaking and training skills. She has since spoken to several local and statewide businesses, trade associations, and chambers of commerce. Fletcher is offering classes through Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and has had the privilege of speaking at Fox Valley Technical College.

Fletcher’s key to success is transparency. She provides her clients with analytics and direct access to their accounts. Fletcher readily educates her clients and DIYers. Giving away plenty of tips and hints via her blog, newsletter, and website has paid off. Fletcher is the local go-to resource, especially for social media.

About Fletcher Freelance

Marketing consultant and business writer Terra L. Fletcher works with businesses to create and implement targeted marketing campaigns, improve advertising ROI, and increase sales. She offers extensive expertise in Search Engine Optimized (SEO) website content, social media marketing, and business writing. Fletcher welcomes one-time, short-term and long-term writing, editing, and marketing projects.

Fletcher can be found on Twitter @TerraLFletcher or reach her by phone at 715-584-6773.