Travel
Get Them Off The Highway
Duane asked this question on a recent webinar: I am a county commissioner and also serve on the board of directors at [my town]. We have tried desperately to get visitors to make the left turn into [our county] instead of the right turn to return to the interstate. We need marketing ideas to promote my town…
Read MoreSuccessfully Attend a Conference
Do you really want to go? Do your research. Answer these questions: Is the speaker talking about topics relevant to your work? Are there connections you can make that will advance your work? Are there attendees you want to speak to who are attending? Can you schedule time with them while you’re there? Can you…
Read MoreViva 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,…
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