The future of 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…
Why pay for a speaker?
I often get asked “why should we pay for you to come? Our mayor (or business owner or local politician) will do it free.” Let me answer that for you. Keynote speakers should be considered an investment in your event and community. They will provide a great experience and your attendees – which should be…
Harvest Tour
6 bloggers came to Franklin County Iowa for the first Harvest Tour. The tour guides took them to the REA Plant and Museum (first farmer owned electricity plant in the United States), the Old Stone House (built in 1854) and Maynes Grove Lodge for some wine and food and mingling on the first day. Adam…
WTF
Wrench That Fits Kickstarter is this site where inventors can raise money to back their projects. It’s a real grassroots kind of thing, and those of us in small towns are very familiar with grass roots fundraising. People will give if it’s a worthwhile project. Lots of things get done when local, small town people…
Why Toilet Paper?
Buy One Product Local Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce created the Buy One Product Local Campaign. The strategy was to use toilet paper as the product focus for this campaign. Toilet paper was chosen because it is a product that is universally consumed. Toilet paper is also a product that is readily available from…
Great use of an empty building
Kathy Bohn-Bagley of Bohn’s Bones Arts, LLC and Art Spot located at 46 S 1st St E, Malta, MT 59538 shared a story with me about an empty building. I thought you’d like to hear it too! Milk River Contractors, Inc., headed by Mark Ereaux, conceived of taking an empty building in Downtown Malta, Phillips County,…
Wall Crawl
I recently spoke at the Mid States Conference and Cheyenne McGriff was in attendance. She shares the following story with us about a project they’re doing in Wall, SD. Deb, It was wonderful to see you yesterday. Thank you again for your inspiring words. I am actually meeting with someone this afternoon to discuss creating…
What Happened One Day in LA
The Western Association of Chamber Executives came together in LA and for the first time ever, they spent an entire day with the opportunity for small chambers to learn things that related specifically to them. Small Chambers: A League of Their Own. I started the breakout session as a speaker and shared ways to update…
I Quit My Job
My brother called me and said “Did you quit your job?” I answered him “Sure did. If not now, when?” I’m the Executive Director of the Webster City Area Chamber until March 24. It’s been four years in this position and I’ve come to love this town I live in. I’ve met amazing small town…
2017 Three Words Prelude
Each year I share three words that indicate the path I’m taking. Last year I chose Rise, Secure, Link. Looking back, I have done those things. I continue to rise in my path to provide value to those who want it. I’m secure in who I am. And I’m a connector, I work hard it.…