Travel
Viva Cuba, Murals for Everyone!
Viva Cuba! Missouri, that is. In 1984, a group of people aimed to beautify Cuba to attract new industries and jobs. By 1987, they were the first Adopt-A-Highway site in the state. 1991, they purchased a lot and transformed a previously ugly space into Viva Cuba Garden. Everyone came together to make it happen: donations…
Read MoreTourism as Economic Development
Tourism as economic development makes sense. Get people from outside of your community to come visit your natural resources, your events, and your community. Have them shop in town, eat at the restaurants, get gas in town, and stay overnight in your hotels, and that will stimulate your economy. We can all see that picture…
Read MoreSmall Towns or Big Cities?
Did you know more people are leaving big cities and moving to small towns? Why is that? There are several easy answers: Lower cost of living Recreational offerings like trails, beaches, and mountains Smaller and better schools Safer streets No traffic and shorter commutes to work What are some of the benefits of moving from…
Read MoreIs your town age friendly and accessible?
I recently traveled with my friend who uses a scooter to get around. There were so many curbs that she couldn’t climb over, so many buses she couldn’t get on, and so many paths she couldn’t follow. The locals were great. They helped with a lot of lifting and finding other things to do that…
Read MoreIt’s always been about you, my rural friends
2022 found me on the road a lot, visiting rural small towns, sharing stories and giving presentations. I’ve added a recap to my speaking site here. I love my work, and it’s because I get to work with people just like you. You are: The dreamers who want to build their community, the folks who…
Read MoreObidos, Portugal
Oh-bee-dush is how it’s pronounced. It’s a walled city in the countryside of Portugal. It’s name probably came from the Latin oppidum which means city or citadel. There are about 14,000 residents in this small town and the citadel sits atop the area. It was built originally as an early Roman settlement and has…
Read More10 Days in Europe with a carry on suitcase
I told my friend she was nuts to think I was going away for ten days with only a carry on bag. And a small duffle. That’s it. That was the challenge Keri gave me. Then Becky said I could do it, and should do it. Why did I need to lug around all that…
Read MoreSunday Update: Visiting Friends
I lived in Chicago 30 years and go back to visit family and friends a couple of times a year. This weekend is my nieces birthday and we try to come out every spring. This year my 11 year old great nephew asked if he could come along. Steven has traveled with me several places,…
Read More5 Business Travel Apps
Christine Kane is one of our favorite guest bloggers. I love travel and do lots of it for business. You can bet I’ll use this advice! 5 Business Travel Apps that You’ll Actually Use (and LOVE!) If you travel for business, no doubt you’ve got more than one app that was supposed to make…
Read MoreSunday Update: Food on the Road
This past week I spent in Tucson participating in professional development and year two towards my IOM designation. I stayed at an airbnb location instead of a hotel. Smart move. Breakfast each day was a Keurig coffee and hot gluten free oatmeal. And lots of water. During most lunches we were treated by the Institute…
Read More