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College of The Albemarle (COA) has announced that Holly Staples will join COA’s Small Business Center as its Director on January 1, 2022. Staples brings 18 years of professional experience with expertise in communications, business development, networking and customer experience development.

Staples is no stranger to meeting the needs of businesses in the community. She joins COA from the Elizabeth City Chamber of Commerce, where she has served as president since April 2018.

“I am so excited to have Holly join the COA family. She brings a tremendous network of connections and a deep understanding of the local community to the work she will be doing for COA. College of The Albemarle exists to serve our community by helping to provide access to the expertise and training needed by area businesses and industries — our Small Business Center is invaluable in this effort. Holly’s leadership will be counted on to help us to continue to provide the excellent service and network that our small businesses need to thrive in our ever-changing world,” stated Dr. Jack Bagwell, COA president.

Staples holds a bachelor of arts in history with a minor in business administration from East Carolina University.

“As the new Director of the Small Business Center, I am excited and hopeful for all that is to come. With COA’s impeccable reputation and my experience in the business community, I know we will champion small businesses in remarkable ways. It is an honor to serve the COA community in a new and exciting capacity,” said Staples.

“College of The Albemarle’s Small Business Center (SBC) offers the information and assistance you’ll need to succeed with your small business, including help with marketing, sales, bookkeeping, and management,” stated a COA press release. “The SBC is a state-funded organization and part of the Small Business Center Network.”

For more information on COA’s Small Business Center, visit https://www.albemarle.edu/programs-classes/noncredit/courses/small-business-center/ or call 252-335-0821 ext. 2370.

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