Small Business
1 Million Cups in Brookings Review
Imagine inviting local business people to have coffee every Wednesday at nine am and there is one or two speakers that spend six minutes presenting a premise, talking about and then a conversation between the speakers an audience occurs for 20 minutes. You’ve just imagined what 1 Million Cups is like. The Children’s Museum in…
Read MoreGrasshopper Guest House
July 11 I traveled to LeClaire, Iowa and spent the weekend. LeClaire is located on the Mississippi River in central Iowa. I chose to visit because the town is doing some things right, and I wanted to find out what was working for them. I love to find unique places to stay when I go…
Read MoreHeaded to LeClaire, Iowa
Why am I headed to LeClaire, Iowa? 1. I’m a chamber director. It’s always good to take a look at other communities that are ‘doing it right’. It’s even better to spend a couple of days there, talk to some shop owners, get a good feel for the community. In this day of rural…
Read MoreGuard Duty
Wednesday the ESGR folks invited local businesses to come to Camp Dodge and see what our National Guard soldiers do every day. They are the Employer Support of Guard and Reserve people and their budget comes from the Department of Defense. It’s money well spent. We have a need for employees in Iowa and they…
Read MoreEating Healthfully in Social Situations
Sheree Clark is in my Ag Urban Initiative program and now a friend. You’d not think we’d become friends – she’s a vegan, and I’m not. She’s healthier than I’ve ever been! However, there is always common ground and we’ve found. I’ve spent some time in conversation about eating better, addressing challenges and finding food that you…
Read MoreSunday Update: Goals and Accountability
There is great news from last week — I got four intense workouts in! That was the goal, and the goal was made. Goal setting does a couple of things: Creates focus on where you are going. You can say “I’m going to work out.” There’s no call to action there. Workout means what? How…
Read MoreSigns signs everywhere a sign
I browse Pinterest for interesting infographics that may benefit my community. I came across this one that talks about usage of signage and promotes a company called Banner Buzz. So this firm put together this informational graphic and gives us some great information about signage. They also talk about what they do and the services…
Read MoreWalkabout Anyone?
My Project for March: A Walkabout I’m testing the Zen walking shoe from Vionic next. Starting today I’ve promised to walk for the next 28 days for 30 minutes a day. If it stays cold, I’ll be at the gym. I think I’ll break my walks up into ten minute jaunts, if I can be…
Read MoreFind the Chamber Online
The Webster City Area Economic Development and Chamber of Commerce has been diligently beefing up their internet presence. We believe it’s a great way to stay in touch with our members and our community. Here’s a few things we’re doing: Enewsletter, the Chamber Chatter Ever Monday we send out the eChatter with news of events…
Read MorePinterest Saved My Marriage
Today’s guest post comes from fellow Chamber Executive, Nathan Knottingham in McMinnville, Oregon. It was too good not to share! Okay, so that is not actually true. Pinterest did, however, make it easier for me to do great surprise gifts and earn awesome husband points which definitely helped to strengthen my marriage. Let me explain…
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