Second Time Around

Charles L. “Rusty” Chester could be sitting back enjoying his retirement, but instead he is going into business for himself, opening a new law firm. “I want to try to mirror my Grandfather and Uncle, Dr. Ralph Kelley and Dr. Gilbert Kelley by serving the community as a lawyer,” said Rusty Chester.

After retiring from a successful practice as a lawyer with a large law firm, Chester is opening a new office on the square in Savannah. He learned about Northwest Missouri Enterprise Facilitation (NWMEF) through the Savannah Chamber of Commerce and credits NWMEF with providing him the guidance and confidence he needed to go into business for himself. Chester said his greatest joy is helping people meet their law related needs. He also has some sage advice for anyone thinking about starting a business. “Above all, trust in God. Pursue something you like to do within a structure you are able to handle, profitably,” Chester said.

Chester believes his biggest struggle will be performing all the activities that the administrative staff, secretaries, paralegals and associates did at the large law firm, but is excited about meeting and serving more people personally.

If you are interested in starting or retaining your own business, Northwest Missouri Enterprise Facilitation (NWMEF) is here to help. NWMEF is an economic development project trained by the Sirolli Institute which serves six counties including Andrew, Atchison, Gentry, Holt, Nodaway and Worth. Services are offered free and are strictly confidential. NWMEF is a not-for-profit organization. For more information, contact Annette Weeks, facilitator, at (816) 262-5158 or facilitator@nwmef.com. The Resource Board is comprised of more than 70 volunteer board members from each county as well as regional representation.

Rusty Chester Law Office, 108 S. 5^th Street, is celebrating a Grand Opening hosted by NWMEF and the Savannah Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, April 5 with the ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. The public is invited to attend.