b'TASTE OF THOMASVIILE FOOD TOURSDebra Smith, owner of Taste of Thomasville Food Tours, provides a historical and culinary tour that targets foodies, lovers of history, and in general, individuals wanting to experience the charm of one of Georgias most beloved downtowns.In building her business, Smith turned to the SBDC at Valdosta State University for help with accounting and marketing.I have taken a QuickBooks class and two marketing courses, says Smith. One class mentioned several times to do a newsletter. I wasnt sure about doing one, but I did and was surprised by the results. I had a 51 percent open rate. After the newsletter went out, I started receiving bookings for private tours. I had private bookings before, but not this many.Smith says she encourages other small business owners to seek assistance from the SBDC. I have called on the SBDC for several things, not just marketing. The group is wonderful to work with, and as a retired teacher, owning a business was all new to me. They walked me through Tasting Tour: Debra Smith, owner of Taste of Thomasville Food Tours several issues that Ive had as a small business owner.22 SG MAGAZINE| FALL 2019 BUSINESS + CULTURE23'