economic development
Backcountry Winery
Preston and Amber Gable decided one day they wanted to make wine. They bought an acreage with an old barn, fixed it up, planted some vines and now they have this winery that has a grand opening next weekend. Of course, that’s the short story – and it sounds pretty, lovely and simple doesn’t it?…
Read MoreStart Up Guides to Cities and Rural
I’m going to Lisbon in November for the Web Summit. I was browsing their blog and noticed they’ve posted Start Up Guides to Cities. I’m going to share a few links here with some comments. Then I’m going to ask you to think about what Start Up Guides for Rural might look like. Start Up…
Read MoreThe Past is Done
The Past is Done The days of working at one job for 35 years are gone. We no longer punch in, work 8 hours, and punch out. Some of us work for ourselves, and work long days and often 6 days a week. Some of us work two or three part time jobs. Young people don’t…
Read MoreWeed Whackers and Windex
Ninjas Needed I visited Roscommon County, Michigan and toured a few empty buildings. On one corner, a major intersection into town, there was an empty building on each corner. We talked about building possibility, working with the county and the town and hosting a tour. Next to one of the buildings that needed to be…
Read MoreChristmas is the PERFECT Time to Shop Where You Live
If you’re a small business, you’re neck deep in Christmas. It’s only 23 days until Christmas. We all know how fast time goes, and even faster as you get older. Do you buy gifts for your employees? Many do. Many give out cash. Why not purchase Chamber bucks instead of giving out cash? Ours can…
Read MoreWhat is Showrooming?
You see something on tv, or online. You go to your local store to actually look at the item. Then you go online, often on your phone while you’re in the store, to find it somewhere else cheaper. That is showrooming. We live in a small town. Small towns need local jobs, sales tax revenue,…
Read MoreBeaujolais Nouveau with Friends
Christine, Cruzanne, Lynn and I used to celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau Day on the third Thursday in November with the new wine from the Beaujolais region from France, crepes and a long and happy meal together. I think it’s where I started to think that everyone’s birthday was in November. It was such a fun evening…
Read MoreTEDx Brookings – My Presentation
October 1 I presented at Brookings, SD on the Tour of Empty Buildings. it was an honor and a pleasure. Enjoy the video!
Read MoreThe Enchanted Highway
Gary Greff because the process of building the world’s largest sculptures in 1989. He came home to Regent, ND to save his community. Gary had no idea how to do that but then thought “what if I create something that everyone will remember?” That’s what he did – built 7 sculptures made of scrap metal…
Read MoreWhat’s in store for retail?
McKenzie reports that by 2020 1/3 of the worlds markets will be emerging. Retail stores will need to be leaner, denser and more in touch with their digital channels. When it’s so easy to shop online, it’s obviously affected the brick and mortar stores. Did you know 44% of those surveyed actually do product research…
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