Harlan Businesswoman Leading the Way in Software Industry
Friday February 22, 2002
What began as a one-person, home-based computer services business almost 20 years ago is now a leading developer of management systems software for school districts in at least seven states. This would be a typical story if it weren’t that it happened in Harlan rather than Silicon Valley.
Yes, Harlan. And no, this isn’t a transplanted software developer from California: it’s a former coal company employee who was laid off from an office job. Charleen Combs co-founded Data Futures, Inc., in 1983 with the intuition that, with the right business skills, determination and partner, any vision can lead to success. Today, the company she helped form is a beacon of light for what opportunities are available in small-town Kentucky.
Combs’ partner, Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation, provided the right amount of financial support and guidance to aid in Data Futures’ success.
“What I have found is that Kentucky Highlands offers more than the financial services to launch or grow a business, Combs said.” Kentucky Highlands continues to foster our business relationship by making us aware of opportunities available to small business not only in Eastern Kentucky but across the state - information otherwise not available to us.
Recently, Combs shared her story of success with owning and growing a business in Eastern Kentucky. During the Kentucky Entrepreneur series sponsored by KHIC and The Center for Rural Development, Combs told around 70 budding entrepreneurs some of the skills her company has used to sustain clients and continue to grow.
During her presentation, Combs said that target marketing and expanding a customer base are keys to business success. She explained the fundamentals of marketing, the need for relationship building, and the keys to identifying and capturing target markets - as well as the benefits of KHIC.
“Connecting with customers and vendor partners will broaden horizons, as well as aid in broadening a business’ geographic area,” Combs said.
“Reaching out to folks through direct mail and the Internet have also been valuable marketing strategies,” Combs said. In addition to the traditional marketing outlets, Data Futures uses a successful relationship-building event called “Lunch and Learn,” in which her company provides lunch for clients while educating them on the latest offerings in software development and implementation.
“Charleen has brought to light that high-tech can happen in Eastern Kentucky,” said KHIC’s Stephen Taylor. “Her entrepreneurial success story speaks volumes of what is possible in Eastern Kentucky.”
Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation has helped create more than 8,000 jobs in Southern and Eastern Kentucky including Bell, Clay, Clinton, Harlan, Jackson, McCreary, Rockcastle, Wayne and Whitley counties.