The conversation was lively at Mathews Memorial Library on May 23 as owners and employees of several Mathews businesses enjoyed lunch together.

The occasion was a small business luncheon and program held in recognition of May as National Small Business Month. The luncheon was sponsored by the Friends of the Mathews Memorial Library.

Library director Bette Dillehay and Carolyn Taylor, library board of trustees’ chair, encouraged those gathered to communicate with each other and share ideas, and it seemed clear that those gathered were doing exactly that.

Ian Morse of the construction firm Morse Enterprises of Mathews was guest speaker. He was asked at the last minute to stand in for Michael Swiderski of Storybound Construction because Swiderski was unexpectedly called out of town.

Speaking off the cuff on the topic “Building a Small Business—No Small Task,” Morse talked about how he ended up in Mathews County and how the internet helped him build his business...