OK. I survived the big procedure. I have a "clean colon" with photos to prove it and am damned proud of it. I don't want to offend anyone with the details, other than to say that the fear of the unknown was 1000 times worse than the actual procedure.
What a great way to end the year on such a positive note. I've always heard that one should never take good health for granted. Nor for that matter should you take good health care for granted either.
Dr. Joe, his excellent medical staff, the fine folks at ACMC and Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center made this a very professional, caring and positive experience. I'm certain my perspective is somewhat slanted because of the positive outcome. None the less, from the moment I walked into the same day surgery center, I felt confident that I was getting the highest quality of health care available.
The bottom line (no pun intended) is that our community and region should be proud of the quality health care services we enjoy. If you've ever lived somewhere where it doesn't exist, you'll probably understand.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Mixed Bag Economics
Interesting feedback from Holiday business. Some folks are reporting their best holiday sales ever, while others have noted concerns about declining sales due to the national economy. For Marshall, I'm sensing that the smiles are outweighing the frowns. More on this in the next few days.
Just back from spending a couple of days with family in the Kansas City area. Most of the news reports from that area were pretty positive for retailers. While most, if not all, of my holiday shopping was done in Marshall, my family dragged me to one or two malls for last minute purchases they needed to make. Feedback from store clerks that I chatted with was pretty positive.
On Black Friday II (day after Christmas) we needed to make an exchange at a store in one of the more popular shopping malls there. Business was very brisk as it took us almost 15 minutes just to get into the parking lot. Traffic was that crazy. It bode well for their local economy.
It really made me appreciate the benefits of living and working in a community our size. Over the next week or so I'll try to list antidotal reports from our local businesses.
Just back from spending a couple of days with family in the Kansas City area. Most of the news reports from that area were pretty positive for retailers. While most, if not all, of my holiday shopping was done in Marshall, my family dragged me to one or two malls for last minute purchases they needed to make. Feedback from store clerks that I chatted with was pretty positive.
On Black Friday II (day after Christmas) we needed to make an exchange at a store in one of the more popular shopping malls there. Business was very brisk as it took us almost 15 minutes just to get into the parking lot. Traffic was that crazy. It bode well for their local economy.
It really made me appreciate the benefits of living and working in a community our size. Over the next week or so I'll try to list antidotal reports from our local businesses.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Peter and Paul Economics
The Marshall City Council took a step in the right direction last night by signing off on a budget for next year that cut projected levy increases considerably. Thank you for listening to our calls for fiscal restraint and responding accordingly.
Is it enough? Some will argue that the budget should actually have been decreased from last year's levels. Others will say that the increase will be felt hardest by commercial property owners who took a 15% increase hit in valuations earlier this year. We're still looking into that issue. More on that later, I'm sure.
Regardless, it's fiscally responsible for our City Council to tighten the belt and minimize spending increases.
How about our County Commissioners? Yes, we're going to start paying for a new jail, and yes we taxpayers need to honor their commitment to county personnel benefit packages. However, there are certainly areas where a sharper pencil will make a difference.
The famous early 20th Century British playwright, George Bernard Shaw perhaps got it right when he said: "A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul."
That's my opinion. How about yours?
Is it enough? Some will argue that the budget should actually have been decreased from last year's levels. Others will say that the increase will be felt hardest by commercial property owners who took a 15% increase hit in valuations earlier this year. We're still looking into that issue. More on that later, I'm sure.
Regardless, it's fiscally responsible for our City Council to tighten the belt and minimize spending increases.
How about our County Commissioners? Yes, we're going to start paying for a new jail, and yes we taxpayers need to honor their commitment to county personnel benefit packages. However, there are certainly areas where a sharper pencil will make a difference.
The famous early 20th Century British playwright, George Bernard Shaw perhaps got it right when he said: "A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul."
That's my opinion. How about yours?
Friday, December 12, 2008
Beats the Alternative
A wise person once told me that getting older sure beats the alternative! Someone else also said that you're only as old as you feel.
Lately, I'm feeling old. Last year I reached a milestone "0" birthday which afforded me the priviledge to join AARP. Several months prior to the big day an invitation to join the country's largest and most influential association arrived in the mail. How did they know? Talk about a powerful database!
Still wasn't feeling old, but earlier this year when I moved to Marshall, I was forced to get a Minnesota drivers license the clerk gave me an inquizative look when I gave my date of birth. I thought she may have feined disbelief that someone so old could look so youthful. Wrong.
Things took a drastic turn earlier this week. Had to finally schedule the male "rite of passage" procedure. I told myself, "OMG, this is supposed to be for older guys, not me."
Adding to the sense of aging was visiting the grocery store later that evening and had the young check out clerk ask me if I qualified for a Senior Discount. Ouch!
Time marches on, and thank goodness it hasn't left me behind. Getting older is a given. Accepting the fact is a challenge. It sure does beat the alternative though.
Lately, I'm feeling old. Last year I reached a milestone "0" birthday which afforded me the priviledge to join AARP. Several months prior to the big day an invitation to join the country's largest and most influential association arrived in the mail. How did they know? Talk about a powerful database!
Still wasn't feeling old, but earlier this year when I moved to Marshall, I was forced to get a Minnesota drivers license the clerk gave me an inquizative look when I gave my date of birth. I thought she may have feined disbelief that someone so old could look so youthful. Wrong.
Things took a drastic turn earlier this week. Had to finally schedule the male "rite of passage" procedure. I told myself, "OMG, this is supposed to be for older guys, not me."
Adding to the sense of aging was visiting the grocery store later that evening and had the young check out clerk ask me if I qualified for a Senior Discount. Ouch!
Time marches on, and thank goodness it hasn't left me behind. Getting older is a given. Accepting the fact is a challenge. It sure does beat the alternative though.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Taxing Developments
Truth in Taxation hearings, for some, is akin to sitting at home and watching paint dry. For others, it's an opportunity to present some serious and real concerns to our elected officials.
City and County elected officials had back to back "T in T" hearings last week. Some of the same folks attended each of the meetings sharing the common theme: "Show some fiscal restraint on next year's budget." It was the rallying cry of most. A couple of folks actually yelled and swore.
Interesting how the Minnesota system is set up to deal with property valuations in the Spring (April and May were those hearings) and the proposed levy (property taxes) in the Winter (December). Both are interrelated as property values are what the levies are based upon. Unfortunately, many of us learned too late that if we had concerns about valuation increases, that we should have come before our elected officials back in May.
Adding to the levels of frustrations were the "T in T" statements that had been sent out near the end of November. Those were based upon budget guestimates that City, County, and School District administrators had put together months ago. Basically they were crystal ball forecasts for a budget yet to be developed. As such, the administrators were somewhat guarded and had budgeted for more than they probably had needed. The interesting thing about this process is that the various districts can not ask for more tax levies than in these initial requests, but they can ask for less, which will ultimately be the case.
The outcry then erupted when folks received their "T in T" statements a few weeks ago that showed valuation increases, some as much as 70% or more! Adding to the concern was the double digit proposed increase of property taxes over what was paid last year. Couple that with declining markets, a skittish national economy, and you get some pretty frustrated tax payers.
Particularly onerous was the "hit" that commercial property tax owners took with an across the board 15% increase in property values. When asked why, administrators at the County and City both replied that the increases were mandated by the State based on commercial property sales that had taken place the year before. By some accounts, that amounted to only 4 or 5 sales. It's not clear if the State actually mandated these increases, or some over zealous local official jumped the gun on the state's behalf.
Still a couple of "T in T" hearings yet to go. Ultimately, budget restraint will prevail, and levy increases will see minimal increases. If that were the only issue.
From my seat Commercial property owners have been asked to pay a disproportionate portion of any budget and therefore levy increases. The 15% increase in commercial property values was a bit sneaky and premature from what I can tell.
That's my opinion. What about yours?
City and County elected officials had back to back "T in T" hearings last week. Some of the same folks attended each of the meetings sharing the common theme: "Show some fiscal restraint on next year's budget." It was the rallying cry of most. A couple of folks actually yelled and swore.
Interesting how the Minnesota system is set up to deal with property valuations in the Spring (April and May were those hearings) and the proposed levy (property taxes) in the Winter (December). Both are interrelated as property values are what the levies are based upon. Unfortunately, many of us learned too late that if we had concerns about valuation increases, that we should have come before our elected officials back in May.
Adding to the levels of frustrations were the "T in T" statements that had been sent out near the end of November. Those were based upon budget guestimates that City, County, and School District administrators had put together months ago. Basically they were crystal ball forecasts for a budget yet to be developed. As such, the administrators were somewhat guarded and had budgeted for more than they probably had needed. The interesting thing about this process is that the various districts can not ask for more tax levies than in these initial requests, but they can ask for less, which will ultimately be the case.
The outcry then erupted when folks received their "T in T" statements a few weeks ago that showed valuation increases, some as much as 70% or more! Adding to the concern was the double digit proposed increase of property taxes over what was paid last year. Couple that with declining markets, a skittish national economy, and you get some pretty frustrated tax payers.
Particularly onerous was the "hit" that commercial property tax owners took with an across the board 15% increase in property values. When asked why, administrators at the County and City both replied that the increases were mandated by the State based on commercial property sales that had taken place the year before. By some accounts, that amounted to only 4 or 5 sales. It's not clear if the State actually mandated these increases, or some over zealous local official jumped the gun on the state's behalf.
Still a couple of "T in T" hearings yet to go. Ultimately, budget restraint will prevail, and levy increases will see minimal increases. If that were the only issue.
From my seat Commercial property owners have been asked to pay a disproportionate portion of any budget and therefore levy increases. The 15% increase in commercial property values was a bit sneaky and premature from what I can tell.
That's my opinion. What about yours?
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Great Customer Service
Our Ambassadors got together after work last night to celebrate the season at the corner Bistro. Thanks Ambassadors for welcoming Board Chair Mike and me to your informal gathering.
Tuesday evening (Pasta Night!)is one of the busiest nights for the folks at the Bistro, and despite the large crowds, Sam our bartender /slash/ waitstaff person did an exceptional job of taking care of our happy and boistrus group.
Despite a full house of happy pasta eaters, (many who were also asking for orders from the bar), Sam went out of her way to make certain our beverage and appetizer orders were always promptly filled; did it with a huge smile and plenty of positive enthusiasm, all of which insured that our Bistro experience was top shelf.
Great job Sam!
Do you know someone who shows great customer service? When was the last time you told them so?!
That's my opinion, what's yours?
Tuesday evening (Pasta Night!)is one of the busiest nights for the folks at the Bistro, and despite the large crowds, Sam our bartender /slash/ waitstaff person did an exceptional job of taking care of our happy and boistrus group.
Despite a full house of happy pasta eaters, (many who were also asking for orders from the bar), Sam went out of her way to make certain our beverage and appetizer orders were always promptly filled; did it with a huge smile and plenty of positive enthusiasm, all of which insured that our Bistro experience was top shelf.
Great job Sam!
Do you know someone who shows great customer service? When was the last time you told them so?!
That's my opinion, what's yours?
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Fast Start to Holiday Shopping
While not very scientific, my random antidotal poll of a few local retailers suggests that Black Friday was a pretty big success in Marshall, Minnesota.
Two retailers on Main Street reported this week that Friday's numbers were even better than the record setting numbers from 2007. Pretty heady stuff, especially considering the news of the economic downtown (re: recession). (Jeez, I hate using that "R" word).
Several retailers outside of downtown reported similar numbers for last weekend's hefty sales. A great start to the retail holiday season. Pretty darned promising, don't you think?
Not too bad considering the national news, gasoline prices being over half of what they were 4 months ago, and some serious jitters about the regional economy.
One newscast last night put an interesting spin on the story though. In 2007, there were 32 shopping days between Black Friday (November 22nd) and Christmas Eve (December 24th). Compare that to this year: 2008, where there are 6 fewer shopping days for the same period. Thanksgiving fell on November 27th, one day shy of the latest date in November that Turkey Day can occur.
Nearly 20% fewer shopping days between Holidays.
Retailers will need to work harder this year to match last year's record sales. Retail therapy is the recommended treatment.
If you have to spend, please do so responsibly and locally!
Two retailers on Main Street reported this week that Friday's numbers were even better than the record setting numbers from 2007. Pretty heady stuff, especially considering the news of the economic downtown (re: recession). (Jeez, I hate using that "R" word).
Several retailers outside of downtown reported similar numbers for last weekend's hefty sales. A great start to the retail holiday season. Pretty darned promising, don't you think?
Not too bad considering the national news, gasoline prices being over half of what they were 4 months ago, and some serious jitters about the regional economy.
One newscast last night put an interesting spin on the story though. In 2007, there were 32 shopping days between Black Friday (November 22nd) and Christmas Eve (December 24th). Compare that to this year: 2008, where there are 6 fewer shopping days for the same period. Thanksgiving fell on November 27th, one day shy of the latest date in November that Turkey Day can occur.
Nearly 20% fewer shopping days between Holidays.
Retailers will need to work harder this year to match last year's record sales. Retail therapy is the recommended treatment.
If you have to spend, please do so responsibly and locally!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Retail Therapy
Now more than ever our local economy will benefit from the coming few weeks. We're entering a time frame when many retailers realize 40-50% of their annual revenues between now and December 24th. Some stores will be able to weather the economic storm and some will not.
The traditional Friday after Thanksgiving kickoff to holiday shopping is about to arrive. Lines begin to form early on Friday morning and will continue throughout the weekend as early bird shoppers vie for the great deals. If you believe what is being said nationally, this will be just the beginning of the sale spectacular. Great prices will continue for the next month or more as retailers work hard to move inventory.
What's that mean locally? For every dollar local shoppers spend in our community, it's one more step toward keeping our local stores viable and open. When shoppers choose to spend money out of town or via the Internet, it's reason for concern.
One way local retailers can be more successful is to work on customer service training. Several weeks ago I happened to be in a local store with relatives. My sister was having trouble getting through the checkout line. A sales clerk was less than cordial in trying to help. My sister will think twice about returning to that store. Latter that evening we went out to dinner and the waitress we had did an outstanding job. My sister can't wait to go back there the next time she's in town.
Good customer service needs to be recognized in my opinion. Each week I'll try to recognize someone who in my opinion demonstrates exceptional customer service.
This week it's Roxanne at the Deli Counter at County Fair. Her follow-up and enthusiasm for taking and filling our lunch order was outstanding. Way to go Roxanne!
That's my opinion. What's yours?
The traditional Friday after Thanksgiving kickoff to holiday shopping is about to arrive. Lines begin to form early on Friday morning and will continue throughout the weekend as early bird shoppers vie for the great deals. If you believe what is being said nationally, this will be just the beginning of the sale spectacular. Great prices will continue for the next month or more as retailers work hard to move inventory.
What's that mean locally? For every dollar local shoppers spend in our community, it's one more step toward keeping our local stores viable and open. When shoppers choose to spend money out of town or via the Internet, it's reason for concern.
One way local retailers can be more successful is to work on customer service training. Several weeks ago I happened to be in a local store with relatives. My sister was having trouble getting through the checkout line. A sales clerk was less than cordial in trying to help. My sister will think twice about returning to that store. Latter that evening we went out to dinner and the waitress we had did an outstanding job. My sister can't wait to go back there the next time she's in town.
Good customer service needs to be recognized in my opinion. Each week I'll try to recognize someone who in my opinion demonstrates exceptional customer service.
This week it's Roxanne at the Deli Counter at County Fair. Her follow-up and enthusiasm for taking and filling our lunch order was outstanding. Way to go Roxanne!
That's my opinion. What's yours?
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Tasty Monday vs. Black Friday
Last night's Taste of Marshall event was billed as: "if you leave hungry or thirsty, it's your own darned fault."
True to form, lots of great food, beverages, door prizes, and conversation were exchanged. The 200+ attendees provided lots of positive feedback. The 17 vendors seemed upbeat about the effort. Hard to believe anyone left with anything close to an appetite.
Plenty of networking and interesting conversation about the economy. It goes without saying that this chamber is always about business. During the good times, the questionable times and the soft times, our focus remains on enhancing and improving the business climate.
With the Holiday shopping season upon us, this is yet another good time to remind folks the best thing that they can do to help the economy is to shop locally. You'll find many wonderful Holiday gift-giving ideas. You don't need to travel far to find what you're looking for.
I'd like to challenge everyone during the upcoming holiday season to buy one or more of your holiday gifts locally, especially when you had planned to make a purchase, out of town, on-line, or out of a catalogue. You just might be pleasantly surprised at the variety, selection, and service found just around the corner.
That's my opinion. What's yours?
True to form, lots of great food, beverages, door prizes, and conversation were exchanged. The 200+ attendees provided lots of positive feedback. The 17 vendors seemed upbeat about the effort. Hard to believe anyone left with anything close to an appetite.
Plenty of networking and interesting conversation about the economy. It goes without saying that this chamber is always about business. During the good times, the questionable times and the soft times, our focus remains on enhancing and improving the business climate.
With the Holiday shopping season upon us, this is yet another good time to remind folks the best thing that they can do to help the economy is to shop locally. You'll find many wonderful Holiday gift-giving ideas. You don't need to travel far to find what you're looking for.
I'd like to challenge everyone during the upcoming holiday season to buy one or more of your holiday gifts locally, especially when you had planned to make a purchase, out of town, on-line, or out of a catalogue. You just might be pleasantly surprised at the variety, selection, and service found just around the corner.
That's my opinion. What's yours?
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Called due to Bad Weather
Fast and furious this morning between 6:30 and 9:00. That's the time frame that emails, phone calls and hand wringing took place to decide if the weather would cooperate with bringing some folks from the Minnesota Vikings into town.
Over morning coffee at 5:30 this morning and cruising the usual news sites and weather maps, it was apparent that the drizzle and ice would make it challenging for the Vikings to come to town.
Their front office folks and I began our emails around 6:30 and continued well into the morning.
Regional schools were cancelling and pushing back opening by an hour or two.
When I got to the office shortly after 7, local schools had just announced a 2-hour delay to opening. By 7:30 local organizers began discussing options. Shortly before 8schools were cancelled for the day and Vikings players and executives were on the cell phones discussing options while heading to the Minneapolis airport.
Shortly after 8, we learned that Schwan's had cancelled their corporate flights for the day in and out of Marshall. At best we could hope for a break in the weather that would allow the Viking's corporate plane to leave an hour or so later and still make it for the community luncheon.
By 8:45 a 7-way phone conference call took place where the decision to postpone was made. The weather conditions weren't expected to improve and travel in and out of town on the roads or via the airport were risky, at best! Based on the icy conditions, it was certainly the prudent and correct decision to make.
The good news, is that the Vikings front office has promised a rescheduled visit sometime in the Spring. We'll work hard to make that work too!
In the meantime, if you bought a ticket for today's lunch, give us a call and we'll gladly give you a refund.
Over morning coffee at 5:30 this morning and cruising the usual news sites and weather maps, it was apparent that the drizzle and ice would make it challenging for the Vikings to come to town.
Their front office folks and I began our emails around 6:30 and continued well into the morning.
Regional schools were cancelling and pushing back opening by an hour or two.
When I got to the office shortly after 7, local schools had just announced a 2-hour delay to opening. By 7:30 local organizers began discussing options. Shortly before 8schools were cancelled for the day and Vikings players and executives were on the cell phones discussing options while heading to the Minneapolis airport.
Shortly after 8, we learned that Schwan's had cancelled their corporate flights for the day in and out of Marshall. At best we could hope for a break in the weather that would allow the Viking's corporate plane to leave an hour or so later and still make it for the community luncheon.
By 8:45 a 7-way phone conference call took place where the decision to postpone was made. The weather conditions weren't expected to improve and travel in and out of town on the roads or via the airport were risky, at best! Based on the icy conditions, it was certainly the prudent and correct decision to make.
The good news, is that the Vikings front office has promised a rescheduled visit sometime in the Spring. We'll work hard to make that work too!
In the meantime, if you bought a ticket for today's lunch, give us a call and we'll gladly give you a refund.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
I Voted
Got a bit of the run around this morning trying to vote. Went to the polling place three blocks from where I live and was told that I needed to go across town to a different location for my Ward polling location. Must have been some serious gerimandering that took place for my part of town sometime in the past.
Was thinking that this will be the 9th Presidential Election that I've voted in and surprisingly I've voted in 5 different states. Each state does voter registration a bit differently too.
Minnesota voting rules are very simple, all I need to register on the day of is proof that I am a resident. My Minnesota drivers license and my utility bill would suffice. Can you imagine the panic I experienced last night when going through my paid bills file looking for a utility bill and discoverd that both the gas and electric bills didn't have my name on them? The portion that lists my name and address is on the return portion of the bill that gets mailed back along with my payment. Thank goodness my cable statement still had my name on it.
Not sure how things will turnout for the election, but I can assure you that the "I voted" sticker I received gives me the right to complain or brag about the outcome of the election.
Was thinking that this will be the 9th Presidential Election that I've voted in and surprisingly I've voted in 5 different states. Each state does voter registration a bit differently too.
Minnesota voting rules are very simple, all I need to register on the day of is proof that I am a resident. My Minnesota drivers license and my utility bill would suffice. Can you imagine the panic I experienced last night when going through my paid bills file looking for a utility bill and discoverd that both the gas and electric bills didn't have my name on them? The portion that lists my name and address is on the return portion of the bill that gets mailed back along with my payment. Thank goodness my cable statement still had my name on it.
Not sure how things will turnout for the election, but I can assure you that the "I voted" sticker I received gives me the right to complain or brag about the outcome of the election.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Playing Politics
The chamber hosted several candidate forums over the past few weeks. The local tone has an entirely different flavor than the state-wide and national races.
It's refreshing to listen to local candidates talk issues and tell us why we should support and vote for them, rather than the trend of trashing one's opponent. Certainly trash talking has its place in the political arena, however, I'm of the opinion that it should not dominate the entire campaign. Usually it begins with someone saying something bad about their opponent and it escalates from there.
We need to remind the candidates of the words of the famous college football coach, Lou Holtz, who said about COMPETITION: "you'll never get ahead of anyone as long as you try to get even with him." Someone ought to post this on the bathroom mirror of every candidate running for office.
I for one am sick of the negative advertising this election season, and congratulate our local candidates for sticking to the issues and not succumbing to wrestling in the mud.
Now, if we could do something about voter turnout. If you want to complain about our elected officials, you better start at the ballot box first.
That's my opinion. What's yours?
It's refreshing to listen to local candidates talk issues and tell us why we should support and vote for them, rather than the trend of trashing one's opponent. Certainly trash talking has its place in the political arena, however, I'm of the opinion that it should not dominate the entire campaign. Usually it begins with someone saying something bad about their opponent and it escalates from there.
We need to remind the candidates of the words of the famous college football coach, Lou Holtz, who said about COMPETITION: "you'll never get ahead of anyone as long as you try to get even with him." Someone ought to post this on the bathroom mirror of every candidate running for office.
I for one am sick of the negative advertising this election season, and congratulate our local candidates for sticking to the issues and not succumbing to wrestling in the mud.
Now, if we could do something about voter turnout. If you want to complain about our elected officials, you better start at the ballot box first.
That's my opinion. What's yours?
Monday, October 27, 2008
Jitters and Patriotism
Seems lately that there are plenty of folks around who have the jitters when it comes to the economy. Rightly so. Much of our local, regional, and national economy is based on confidence levels of the consumer. Everything from the stock market to retail trade hinges on what we the consumer thinks at any given moment.
The National Media seems to remind us constantly that it's a top down process.
One interesting way to deal with that on the local basis is to try whenever possible to purchase our goods and services locally. The increase in local spending sends key data to those who keep track of those sorts of things. An upturn at the local level begins the "springle up" process. Rather than waiting for national numbers to "trickle down" to us locally, we need to take better control and force the issue from the local area upward.
Our friends in Wilmar began a process earlier this year by challenging local businesses. They've asked every business to take a look at their purchasing habits and have encouraged them to increase local spending by 5% or more wherever possible. Instead of buying that box of goods from Chicago for a slightly discounted price, they encourage the "buy local" option. From what I'm hearing it's having a multi-million dollar impact on the local economy. What a simple way to keep the local economy strong and healthy.
Local business folks know that the majority of their sales probably come from near rather than far. Maybe we should remind ourselves next time that we're thinking about purchasing goods and services from afar, to take a look in our own backyard. It might be just the ticket to send the message back up the supply chain that things aren't quite that bad locally and local consumer confidence will begin having a more positive impact on the economy.
SIDELINES NOTE
One quick impression. I was very impressed with the coaches and players from the U of M Mankato football team. During the pre-game ceremony after the singing of the National Anthem they respectfully waited at attention along the sidelines while the Color Guard unit from the National Guard marched off the field. Once the colors were retired in the endzone, their team began their pre-game celebration. Too bad that others on the field and in the stands didn't show that level of respect.
That's my opinion. What's yours?
The National Media seems to remind us constantly that it's a top down process.
One interesting way to deal with that on the local basis is to try whenever possible to purchase our goods and services locally. The increase in local spending sends key data to those who keep track of those sorts of things. An upturn at the local level begins the "springle up" process. Rather than waiting for national numbers to "trickle down" to us locally, we need to take better control and force the issue from the local area upward.
Our friends in Wilmar began a process earlier this year by challenging local businesses. They've asked every business to take a look at their purchasing habits and have encouraged them to increase local spending by 5% or more wherever possible. Instead of buying that box of goods from Chicago for a slightly discounted price, they encourage the "buy local" option. From what I'm hearing it's having a multi-million dollar impact on the local economy. What a simple way to keep the local economy strong and healthy.
Local business folks know that the majority of their sales probably come from near rather than far. Maybe we should remind ourselves next time that we're thinking about purchasing goods and services from afar, to take a look in our own backyard. It might be just the ticket to send the message back up the supply chain that things aren't quite that bad locally and local consumer confidence will begin having a more positive impact on the economy.
SIDELINES NOTE
One quick impression. I was very impressed with the coaches and players from the U of M Mankato football team. During the pre-game ceremony after the singing of the National Anthem they respectfully waited at attention along the sidelines while the Color Guard unit from the National Guard marched off the field. Once the colors were retired in the endzone, their team began their pre-game celebration. Too bad that others on the field and in the stands didn't show that level of respect.
That's my opinion. What's yours?
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Marshall Taste Update
This year's Taste of Marshall is set. Mark your calendars for Monday, November 17th at the Best Western. We're recruiting vendors to be on hand, and already our committee has signed up more than last year's event. Our goal is to have at least 20 vendors on hand to sample their food and new menu items. (5 first time vendors have already signed up!)...Committee members Marissa Kunde, Tim Sheehan, and Mark Hanson are working hard planning this years event. You won't want to miss being there.
Tickets will soon be available for $10 each and we're limiting the number of tickets sold to 400. Be the first to get your tickets reserved by calling the chamber!
Tickets will soon be available for $10 each and we're limiting the number of tickets sold to 400. Be the first to get your tickets reserved by calling the chamber!
CPA Marshall
Have thoroughly enjoyed participating in this years Marshall Citizens Police Academy Class or as they call it: Police Dept. Community Partnership. What a great chance for my 22 classmates and me to see up close and personal the inner and outer workings of public safety in our community.
Earlier this week I rode in an ambulance to the scene of a 2-car "accident." The mock accident included a drunk driver, a belligerent passenger in that car, along with a mini van that had three "victims" trapped within.
Our class had the chance to observe this highly effective training program. It allowed public safety officials (police, fire, and ambulance) to practice their response to a serious accident.
Not sure who had more fun, but everyone seemed to enjoy watching the van "torn apart" by the jaws of life so that fire and ambulance crews could get to the "accident victims." Not unlike watching a can of sardines opened. Really!
After the car crash folks had been "rescued" we followed the police officers to the jail as the driver was then processed for driving while "mock DUI" and causing an accident. We all gained an appreciation (or fear) of the booking process prior to entering the jail.
Later this week I'll get the chance to go on a 4-hour ride along with a Marshall Police officer. More on that later.
Public Safety Chief Rob Yant and his able assistant Kim Rapp, along with numerous public safety officials do a great job with this valuable community orientation program. If interested, look for next year's class to begin in the fall of 09.
Earlier this week I rode in an ambulance to the scene of a 2-car "accident." The mock accident included a drunk driver, a belligerent passenger in that car, along with a mini van that had three "victims" trapped within.
Our class had the chance to observe this highly effective training program. It allowed public safety officials (police, fire, and ambulance) to practice their response to a serious accident.
Not sure who had more fun, but everyone seemed to enjoy watching the van "torn apart" by the jaws of life so that fire and ambulance crews could get to the "accident victims." Not unlike watching a can of sardines opened. Really!
After the car crash folks had been "rescued" we followed the police officers to the jail as the driver was then processed for driving while "mock DUI" and causing an accident. We all gained an appreciation (or fear) of the booking process prior to entering the jail.
Later this week I'll get the chance to go on a 4-hour ride along with a Marshall Police officer. More on that later.
Public Safety Chief Rob Yant and his able assistant Kim Rapp, along with numerous public safety officials do a great job with this valuable community orientation program. If interested, look for next year's class to begin in the fall of 09.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Between the 40's
In case you missed the exciting football game over the weekend between SMSU and Winona State, it was an exciting finish and win for the home team.
While the win was sweet success for Coach Eric Eisness and the entire team, the fans seated in the stands between the 40's were treated to something very special.
Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator, Tim Steinbach has never been one to be a shrinking flower. Nope, Coach Steinback keeps the defensive players and many of the fans in the stands very focused on the game with his pacing, loud words of encouragement, and overall enthusiasm for the game! This weekend, Coach "S" reached deep down into his coaching motivation bag of tricks and put on a display worthy of the ages.
His loud and highly animated efforts payed off! The defense make the key stop with only a couple of minutes left in the game. This allowed the offense to score the winning touchdown in what some might consider SMSU's greatest upset of the season.
For his efforts, Coach "S" got the Gatorade bath at the end of the game and hugs and high 5's were everywhere on the field.
Way to go Mustangs, Coaches, and Coach Tim Steinbach!
While the win was sweet success for Coach Eric Eisness and the entire team, the fans seated in the stands between the 40's were treated to something very special.
Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator, Tim Steinbach has never been one to be a shrinking flower. Nope, Coach Steinback keeps the defensive players and many of the fans in the stands very focused on the game with his pacing, loud words of encouragement, and overall enthusiasm for the game! This weekend, Coach "S" reached deep down into his coaching motivation bag of tricks and put on a display worthy of the ages.
His loud and highly animated efforts payed off! The defense make the key stop with only a couple of minutes left in the game. This allowed the offense to score the winning touchdown in what some might consider SMSU's greatest upset of the season.
For his efforts, Coach "S" got the Gatorade bath at the end of the game and hugs and high 5's were everywhere on the field.
Way to go Mustangs, Coaches, and Coach Tim Steinbach!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Yell Louder
What a great homecoming weekend for SMSU. The bands played, the cooks bar-b-que'd and the football fans cheered loudly.
Unfortunately, several fans seated close by were escorted out of the section. Many of the others seated nearby also nodded and smiled approvingly as they were lead out by uniformed security officers. One disgruntled fan yelled a couple of phrases not suitable for small children, and finished it off by loudly exclaiming: "how about this everyone, they kick you out for cheering loud!"
I guess this guy forgot to mention that security also confiscated a bottle of whiskey that he was using to help him and his buddies Yell Louder. This column isn't designed to address the pros or cons of drinking. The University has a no alcohol in the stands policy. I just want to compliment the way officials handled and diffused the situation.
The removal of these drinking rule breakers caused others seated nearby to yell louder too.
Unfortunately, several fans seated close by were escorted out of the section. Many of the others seated nearby also nodded and smiled approvingly as they were lead out by uniformed security officers. One disgruntled fan yelled a couple of phrases not suitable for small children, and finished it off by loudly exclaiming: "how about this everyone, they kick you out for cheering loud!"
I guess this guy forgot to mention that security also confiscated a bottle of whiskey that he was using to help him and his buddies Yell Louder. This column isn't designed to address the pros or cons of drinking. The University has a no alcohol in the stands policy. I just want to compliment the way officials handled and diffused the situation.
The removal of these drinking rule breakers caused others seated nearby to yell louder too.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Taste of Marshall
We've had a few questions about this year's Taste of Marshall. Is it going to happen? Yes! When will it happen? Probably in early November. We typically had hosted the event on the first Monday in November. However, this year, we defer to our good friends at the Marshall Independent who have already scheduled a "cooking event" on November 3rd.
We're putting together a task force to help plan and spice up the Taste of Marshall event for this year.
Of course we want to provide a chance for our local restaurants, caterers, and food service providers to showcase their stuff, introduce new menu items, and overall create a fun and festive place to promote their business.
The other side of the equation is to create an exciting event for folks to graze, network, and socialize.
Not to worry though, we'll make certain that this year's Taste of Marshall will be one of the best ever!
We're putting together a task force to help plan and spice up the Taste of Marshall event for this year.
Of course we want to provide a chance for our local restaurants, caterers, and food service providers to showcase their stuff, introduce new menu items, and overall create a fun and festive place to promote their business.
The other side of the equation is to create an exciting event for folks to graze, network, and socialize.
Not to worry though, we'll make certain that this year's Taste of Marshall will be one of the best ever!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Little Things Add Up
Got to thinking the other day about all the "little things" the chamber office does to provide services for our members and community. Hard to put a value on some of the services, but for some folks it truly makes a difference.
On the average, we get nearly a dozen calls each week from folks wanting to know the phone number to a chamber of commerce office in another city. On top of that we get several dozen calls each week from folks asking us to look up a phone number for them. Usually the numbers are difficult to find in the book,(ever tried to find one of the three drivers license office numbers for our area?). Sometimes it's easier for the caller to ask us...directory assistance charges 99 cents. We get a like number of calls from folks looking for business services and we're always sharing contact information for our members.
The other day a gentleman stopped in to get Marshall information for his grandson who lived and went to school in another town. The first-grader was assigned to learn more about the City where his grandparents live. I sure hope we were able to give "Grandpa" enough info to keep him at the top of his grandson's list of favorites! It appeared that he left our office with a smile.
Phone books are another popular item. The phone companies provide us with a generous supply to hand out to new residents or others who come asking. The popular criticism is that all the regional communities are "clumped" together, and it's now difficult to easily differentiate the Jones family in Balatan vs. the Jones family in Clarksfield.
It always amazes me at the number of folks who stop in front of our offices to read the posters and fliers on our window. Every week a new "crop" of paperwork is rotated on the western window. We try not to cover all the windows.
One of the folks that works in our office has a theory about the full moon. Whenever the moon reaches that stage, the quantity and bizarreness's of the questions we get increases, or so she claims. Questions about canning tomatoes (we sent them to the U of M Extension Office which by the way is also a tough number to find in the phonebook); store hours for a local department store (that one was easy); do we know the exact date that Menard's will open because they were planning a Spring home remodeling project (nope, haven't heard a projected opening date); rumors about new businesses coming to town or existing ones that are rumored to be closing; calls from California wanting to know about a local leasing business and was that Marshall business for real (I'd say that a multi-billion dollar banking business is pretty darned legit); to my all time favorite (so far): someone calling to ask about the length of the Marshall airport runway (long enough to land a jumbo jet by the way).
One of the fun parts of working for a chamber is the variety day in and day out. It often amazes me what service's we're called upon to provide, and we're proud to say we try our darnest to provide the folks with an answer or find someone who can. There's an old saying in this business: "chambers of commerce do the things that most folks think seem to happen on their own."
On the average, we get nearly a dozen calls each week from folks wanting to know the phone number to a chamber of commerce office in another city. On top of that we get several dozen calls each week from folks asking us to look up a phone number for them. Usually the numbers are difficult to find in the book,(ever tried to find one of the three drivers license office numbers for our area?). Sometimes it's easier for the caller to ask us...directory assistance charges 99 cents. We get a like number of calls from folks looking for business services and we're always sharing contact information for our members.
The other day a gentleman stopped in to get Marshall information for his grandson who lived and went to school in another town. The first-grader was assigned to learn more about the City where his grandparents live. I sure hope we were able to give "Grandpa" enough info to keep him at the top of his grandson's list of favorites! It appeared that he left our office with a smile.
Phone books are another popular item. The phone companies provide us with a generous supply to hand out to new residents or others who come asking. The popular criticism is that all the regional communities are "clumped" together, and it's now difficult to easily differentiate the Jones family in Balatan vs. the Jones family in Clarksfield.
It always amazes me at the number of folks who stop in front of our offices to read the posters and fliers on our window. Every week a new "crop" of paperwork is rotated on the western window. We try not to cover all the windows.
One of the folks that works in our office has a theory about the full moon. Whenever the moon reaches that stage, the quantity and bizarreness's of the questions we get increases, or so she claims. Questions about canning tomatoes (we sent them to the U of M Extension Office which by the way is also a tough number to find in the phonebook); store hours for a local department store (that one was easy); do we know the exact date that Menard's will open because they were planning a Spring home remodeling project (nope, haven't heard a projected opening date); rumors about new businesses coming to town or existing ones that are rumored to be closing; calls from California wanting to know about a local leasing business and was that Marshall business for real (I'd say that a multi-billion dollar banking business is pretty darned legit); to my all time favorite (so far): someone calling to ask about the length of the Marshall airport runway (long enough to land a jumbo jet by the way).
One of the fun parts of working for a chamber is the variety day in and day out. It often amazes me what service's we're called upon to provide, and we're proud to say we try our darnest to provide the folks with an answer or find someone who can. There's an old saying in this business: "chambers of commerce do the things that most folks think seem to happen on their own."
Thursday, August 21, 2008
weird marketing
Am always on the lookout for interesting and innovative marketing efforts, especially as they relate to online and the Internet.
One of the more interesting, if not effective, ploys occurred today. The phone rang in our office and a prerecorded voice said that a satisfied customer had left positive feedback at our listing on MerchantCircle.com and asked us to go to that website to check it out.
Being the curious person that I am, it didn't take but a moment to log into the website and enter our phone number. Yup, we were there, but the promised "positive rating" from someone was nowhere to be found. After searching around the website for awhile and becoming increasingly frustrated, it was apparent that there was no easy or convenient way to contact this California based company.
Lots of information about how to advertise with them and all of the other fine services they offer. There's even bios of their management team listed. A street address in Palo Alto, California is the only point of contact.
Was hoping that an email address or phone number would allow me to express my displeasure with their company for luring me to their website under false pretenses. Remember that phone call earlier saying someone had left positive feedback? Needless to say, it caught my attention, got me to their website hoping to read something nice about us. Great marketing. Bad that I had no way to express my frustration with their effort. Maybe they'll Google this blog and find out this way? One can only hope.
One of the more interesting, if not effective, ploys occurred today. The phone rang in our office and a prerecorded voice said that a satisfied customer had left positive feedback at our listing on MerchantCircle.com and asked us to go to that website to check it out.
Being the curious person that I am, it didn't take but a moment to log into the website and enter our phone number. Yup, we were there, but the promised "positive rating" from someone was nowhere to be found. After searching around the website for awhile and becoming increasingly frustrated, it was apparent that there was no easy or convenient way to contact this California based company.
Lots of information about how to advertise with them and all of the other fine services they offer. There's even bios of their management team listed. A street address in Palo Alto, California is the only point of contact.
Was hoping that an email address or phone number would allow me to express my displeasure with their company for luring me to their website under false pretenses. Remember that phone call earlier saying someone had left positive feedback? Needless to say, it caught my attention, got me to their website hoping to read something nice about us. Great marketing. Bad that I had no way to express my frustration with their effort. Maybe they'll Google this blog and find out this way? One can only hope.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Planting Trees, Pasta and Buzz on Bees
What a positive week of work at your chamber of commerce.
Our Chamber Transportation Committee had an extremely successful event when they hosted our own Congressman Colin Peterson along with his fellow Member of Congress James Oberstar. Both Congressmen chair very powerful and influential House of Representative committees in D.C. (Peterson: Agriculture and Oberstar: Transportation). While Congressman Peterson is a frequent visitor to our community, Representative Oberstar admitted that much had changed in the 25 years since he was last in Marshall.
Our committee's intent is to pitch a funding proposal that would provide for local, regional, state, and federal funding efforts to be focused on creating a 4 lane highway that would run between I-90 at Pipestone and I-94 at St. Cloud. Preferably Highway 23.
"Let's complete the "X" is chamber transportation committee chair Steve Strautz's rallying mantra. Congrats to Steve along with his co-leaders for the event: Jeff Modica and David Sturrock. Mayor Bryne did a fantastic impression of an industrial prospect tour guide for our community.
There's an old Chinese proverb that goes something like: "the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is today." If we want to enhance surface and air transportation to our region, we need to continue the efforts begun through this committee.
TWO SPICEY MEATBALLS
What a Spaghetti Feed it was on Wednesday evening! The crew at USBank did a phenomenal job preparing, serving, and clearing the pasta crowd. Not only did they move folks thru the lines in a timely and efficient manner, but was also impressive to watch their curbside service too. Proceeds for the event were dedicated this year to The Refuge (a proposed transitional housing facility). Just a bit ironic though that while the feed was happening that same evening the Marshall Planning and Zoning committee were listening to the pros and cons (mainly cons) to the request by The Refuge supporters to seek out a variance for their property on North Bruce Street. Maybe the crowd of 40+ at the P&Z meeting may have mellowed with a healthy dose of spaghetti!
OK, just call it a pet project, but am very excited that a group of folks has organized to plan for a Corporate Spelling Bee event next Spring. With proceeds initially to be dedicated to children and young adult projects at The Library, the group is on the lookout for additional spelling bee enthusiasts to get involved with the planning of the bee. Need a great buzz? Get involved with this fun event.
Our Chamber Transportation Committee had an extremely successful event when they hosted our own Congressman Colin Peterson along with his fellow Member of Congress James Oberstar. Both Congressmen chair very powerful and influential House of Representative committees in D.C. (Peterson: Agriculture and Oberstar: Transportation). While Congressman Peterson is a frequent visitor to our community, Representative Oberstar admitted that much had changed in the 25 years since he was last in Marshall.
Our committee's intent is to pitch a funding proposal that would provide for local, regional, state, and federal funding efforts to be focused on creating a 4 lane highway that would run between I-90 at Pipestone and I-94 at St. Cloud. Preferably Highway 23.
"Let's complete the "X" is chamber transportation committee chair Steve Strautz's rallying mantra. Congrats to Steve along with his co-leaders for the event: Jeff Modica and David Sturrock. Mayor Bryne did a fantastic impression of an industrial prospect tour guide for our community.
There's an old Chinese proverb that goes something like: "the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is today." If we want to enhance surface and air transportation to our region, we need to continue the efforts begun through this committee.
TWO SPICEY MEATBALLS
What a Spaghetti Feed it was on Wednesday evening! The crew at USBank did a phenomenal job preparing, serving, and clearing the pasta crowd. Not only did they move folks thru the lines in a timely and efficient manner, but was also impressive to watch their curbside service too. Proceeds for the event were dedicated this year to The Refuge (a proposed transitional housing facility). Just a bit ironic though that while the feed was happening that same evening the Marshall Planning and Zoning committee were listening to the pros and cons (mainly cons) to the request by The Refuge supporters to seek out a variance for their property on North Bruce Street. Maybe the crowd of 40+ at the P&Z meeting may have mellowed with a healthy dose of spaghetti!
OK, just call it a pet project, but am very excited that a group of folks has organized to plan for a Corporate Spelling Bee event next Spring. With proceeds initially to be dedicated to children and young adult projects at The Library, the group is on the lookout for additional spelling bee enthusiasts to get involved with the planning of the bee. Need a great buzz? Get involved with this fun event.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
More Odds and Ends
Busy weekend in our community. Hats off to the Lyon County Fair Organizers and volunteers. Spent a wonderful evening on Friday at the Fair Grounds watching the rodeo. Have had the chance to serve on two rodeo committees for top 50 rodeos in the US and in my opinion the rodeo on Friday night ranked right up there with the big time rodeo shows around the country. The quality of the athletes, livestock, specialty acts and "crowd energy" added up to outstanding entertainment value.
Saturday decided to explore the region with a driving trip. Hard to believe how much corn there is within a 50 mile radius. Even ran into a couple of traffic jams along the way. Not the usual variety. South or Redwood a truck transporting a wind tower needed about an hour to make the turn from one road to the next. The additional detour allowed me to discover a couple of communities that were well off of my beaten path.
Later that evening stopped by another delay caused by a car pedestrian accident. While the details aren't very clear, the accident scene required multiple law enforcement vehicles, an ambulance, and eventually the arrival of a medivac helicopter. Very impressive to watch it land on the county road, retrieve the accident victim, and fly off to provide the much needed medical treatment.
Sunday afternoon on the golf course was interesting as the normal serenity of the course was covered with the roar of the big Tractor Pull at the Fair Grounds. The stands, again looked to be crowed, and the excitement spread in every direction.
Who says nothing interesting ever happens in this town?
Saturday decided to explore the region with a driving trip. Hard to believe how much corn there is within a 50 mile radius. Even ran into a couple of traffic jams along the way. Not the usual variety. South or Redwood a truck transporting a wind tower needed about an hour to make the turn from one road to the next. The additional detour allowed me to discover a couple of communities that were well off of my beaten path.
Later that evening stopped by another delay caused by a car pedestrian accident. While the details aren't very clear, the accident scene required multiple law enforcement vehicles, an ambulance, and eventually the arrival of a medivac helicopter. Very impressive to watch it land on the county road, retrieve the accident victim, and fly off to provide the much needed medical treatment.
Sunday afternoon on the golf course was interesting as the normal serenity of the course was covered with the roar of the big Tractor Pull at the Fair Grounds. The stands, again looked to be crowed, and the excitement spread in every direction.
Who says nothing interesting ever happens in this town?
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
ODDS & ENDS
So far, our efforts to partner with SMSU for their AG Bowl Celebration seem to be moving forward nicely. We'll soon be sending to our members a flyer with sponsorship opportunities that will allow them to hold a customer appreciation type event during AG Bowl...sort of a tailgate party with a business - customer feel to it. Should be fun. The good folks at SMSU have put plenty of time, energy and effort into the plans and it's exceptional of them to be willing to partner with the business community to allow for the ag/customer appreciation component.
Attention Young Professionals under the age of 40. Sometime in the next few months, your chamber will be launching an effort designed exclusively for folks between the ages of 21 and 40, specifically designed with networking, professional development, and community engagement as the main focus. Stay tuned for details.
Are you old enough to remember the word: "Plethora"? It came into vogue about twenty years ago in a detergent commercial. Thank goodness its popularity went away. Now if the same thing could happen for the word: "Robust." It found its way to popular use a couple of years ago from our elected leaders in Washington, D.C. who thought the word to be a great adjective sound bite. Now for me, it just bites.
As a newcomer to Marshall it's been a hoot exploring my new environment. Short day trips to surrounding communities have been a great way to learn about our region, not to mention getting a feel for where other communities lie. Now if only our relocation materials could include a regional map. Hundreds of people every year are recruited to take a job in our community. Often times they've begun the house hunting research prior to the interview or job offer. When I was contemplating the move here, I couldn't tell you where Ghent was, much less Tracy or Balatan or Tyler. Yet, homes in each of these communities are listed as for sale. It would have been nice to have seen a map of the surrounding communities in relationship to their distance and access to Marshall. Will need to get working on creating a map to go into our relocation and recruitment materials. Like the old saying goes, "if you want something done, it's sometimes best to do it yourself." Anyone know any good cartographers?
Attention Young Professionals under the age of 40. Sometime in the next few months, your chamber will be launching an effort designed exclusively for folks between the ages of 21 and 40, specifically designed with networking, professional development, and community engagement as the main focus. Stay tuned for details.
Are you old enough to remember the word: "Plethora"? It came into vogue about twenty years ago in a detergent commercial. Thank goodness its popularity went away. Now if the same thing could happen for the word: "Robust." It found its way to popular use a couple of years ago from our elected leaders in Washington, D.C. who thought the word to be a great adjective sound bite. Now for me, it just bites.
As a newcomer to Marshall it's been a hoot exploring my new environment. Short day trips to surrounding communities have been a great way to learn about our region, not to mention getting a feel for where other communities lie. Now if only our relocation materials could include a regional map. Hundreds of people every year are recruited to take a job in our community. Often times they've begun the house hunting research prior to the interview or job offer. When I was contemplating the move here, I couldn't tell you where Ghent was, much less Tracy or Balatan or Tyler. Yet, homes in each of these communities are listed as for sale. It would have been nice to have seen a map of the surrounding communities in relationship to their distance and access to Marshall. Will need to get working on creating a map to go into our relocation and recruitment materials. Like the old saying goes, "if you want something done, it's sometimes best to do it yourself." Anyone know any good cartographers?
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Eye Spel Rite
Are we becoming too dependent as a society on spell check? The line starts behind me for the group of lousy spellers. Never did compete well in spelling bees while in school.
Over the years, I've developed a soft spot for literacy programs in the various communities where I have lived. Back in the Black Hills tutoring was one way to give back. In Kansas it was serving on the Friends of the Library Council. North Dakota found me recruiting and twisting arms of folks to serve on the Library Board. And in Idaho, they even recruited me to serve as the "pronouncer" for a Corporate Spelling Bee program to benefit the literacy council. You wouldn't believe how many 2nd and 5th grade spelling champs there are walking around today.
Was sharing the stories of the Corporate Spelling Bee with some folks a few weeks back. There seemed to be some genuine interest in possibly initiating a similar program here. Might be an effort started to begin something like that in Marshall.
Still at the initial planning stages, but would be glad to hear from anyone who might have an interest in serving on a Spelling Bee Committee. Any takers? We'll probably have our first meeting on August 13th.
Over the years, I've developed a soft spot for literacy programs in the various communities where I have lived. Back in the Black Hills tutoring was one way to give back. In Kansas it was serving on the Friends of the Library Council. North Dakota found me recruiting and twisting arms of folks to serve on the Library Board. And in Idaho, they even recruited me to serve as the "pronouncer" for a Corporate Spelling Bee program to benefit the literacy council. You wouldn't believe how many 2nd and 5th grade spelling champs there are walking around today.
Was sharing the stories of the Corporate Spelling Bee with some folks a few weeks back. There seemed to be some genuine interest in possibly initiating a similar program here. Might be an effort started to begin something like that in Marshall.
Still at the initial planning stages, but would be glad to hear from anyone who might have an interest in serving on a Spelling Bee Committee. Any takers? We'll probably have our first meeting on August 13th.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Fried Bacon: Secret Shoppers coming to Marshall
Some interesting reading in the comments section of a local website. Current dialogue seems to focus on shopping in local businesses. Comments seem to range from pricing to customer service. A few folks have even suggested that they prefer to shop elsewhere. Ouch.
Wanted to share a couple of thoughts on this topic. Am continually amazed at the number of folks who will travel elsewhere to try and save a few dollars. In some instances, real savings can be made. Some local businesses just don't have the buying power that larger volume businesses might have in bigger cities.
However, what really fries the bacon are these same folks who are willing to travel out of town to save a buck or two who then visit local merchants asking for a donation for a kids, church, or civic cause. How can they expect local merchants to support their cause, when they are not making the effort to support local business?
Please remember that local businesses are folks who are paying wages to our residents. They live here too. Their kids go to our schools and they attend our churches. They shop locally, even when they know they can get some things for less elsewhere. They gladly support local causes, even when the folks doing the asking aren't their customers. But they should be!
For those folks who suggest that they can get a better price elsewhere, then maybe they need to solicit for their causes elsewhere too.
Shhhhh! It's a Secret.
Next month your chamber is partnering with Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) at SMSU to offer a Secret Shoppers Program for local businesses. It's free to our members. You just need to sigh up first. It's a great opportunity for local businesses to have SIFE members secretly shop their business to check on customer service, store appearance, and the quality shopping experience. Results and a seminar are scheduled for later in the month. Contact the chamber office for more details.
Wanted to share a couple of thoughts on this topic. Am continually amazed at the number of folks who will travel elsewhere to try and save a few dollars. In some instances, real savings can be made. Some local businesses just don't have the buying power that larger volume businesses might have in bigger cities.
However, what really fries the bacon are these same folks who are willing to travel out of town to save a buck or two who then visit local merchants asking for a donation for a kids, church, or civic cause. How can they expect local merchants to support their cause, when they are not making the effort to support local business?
Please remember that local businesses are folks who are paying wages to our residents. They live here too. Their kids go to our schools and they attend our churches. They shop locally, even when they know they can get some things for less elsewhere. They gladly support local causes, even when the folks doing the asking aren't their customers. But they should be!
For those folks who suggest that they can get a better price elsewhere, then maybe they need to solicit for their causes elsewhere too.
Shhhhh! It's a Secret.
Next month your chamber is partnering with Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) at SMSU to offer a Secret Shoppers Program for local businesses. It's free to our members. You just need to sigh up first. It's a great opportunity for local businesses to have SIFE members secretly shop their business to check on customer service, store appearance, and the quality shopping experience. Results and a seminar are scheduled for later in the month. Contact the chamber office for more details.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Get on the Bus!
An interesting meeting at our office yesterday. A group of public and private transportation providers, along with representatives of major employers met to discuss a coordinated effort to get state and federal grants to research, design, and possibly implement a regional public transportation system.
Several of the community's larger employers will soon be conducting a survey of their employees to determine the following.
Several of the community's larger employers will soon be conducting a survey of their employees to determine the following.
- Where do employees live (with an emphasis on those who do not live in Marshall).
- Do employees currently carpool or use some sort of public or shared transportation.
- How likely would employees be to use regional public transportation to get from home (or near home) to work.
If the results show a strong interest in a regional public transportation service, it could improve the chances to get grant funding especially if we can demonstrate broad-based support from the public and private sector.
How might this work? Wouldn't it be great if demand and interest showed that a bus leaving Canby at 6 a.m. could make 3 stops along the way to Marshall to pick up folks living along or near Highway 68? The bus might then make 1 or 2 terminal stops in Marshall where riders would transfer from the bus to a people mover (mini bus), that would then take them to several drop off points at local businesses, thus arriving in time for work by 7:30 a.m.
A reverse route for the return trip could be scheduled to accommodate for shift changes and regular work schedules.
Some local employers are already reporting a significant increase in the amount of ride sharing and car pooling.
It may take a few months to do the research and secure funding to make this idea a reality. The benefits of this happening are numerous, from smaller carbon footprints to business tax credits, not to mention possible cost savings in getting to and from work.
The first step in the process was made with yesterday's meeting. The next steps require business and public input and support.
Stay tuned for more details. And please feel free to share your thoughts here and with others.Thursday, July 10, 2008
Now "Comment Friendly"
Couple of folks asked about how they can add comments to the blog. Sorry for the past challenges of having leave everything but the kitchen sink to post a comment.
Fortunately, a simple click or two of the mouse disabled most of the hurdles required to leave a comment. Still have the anti-spam measure, but otherwise, you're now more free to leave comments, with our without your name. Heck, you can even remain anonymous!
Please feel free to leave as many comments as you chose to leave.
Fortunately, a simple click or two of the mouse disabled most of the hurdles required to leave a comment. Still have the anti-spam measure, but otherwise, you're now more free to leave comments, with our without your name. Heck, you can even remain anonymous!
Please feel free to leave as many comments as you chose to leave.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Abundance Weekends
People keep telling me that "everyone" leaves town on weekends during the summer to go to the lake.
Judging by the number of folks who seem to find the retail parking lots on the SE side of town the past few weekends gives me an entirely different spin to consider.
If you trust what the state demographer (and others) are telling us, somewhere north of 6000 people, who don't live in Marshall, come to town Monday through Friday for work. Combined with the nearly 13,000 that live here, we become a community of nearly 20,000 during the week.
Along come the summer weekends, and here's where things get interesting.
Let's suppose that (conservatively) 15% of our residents do head to the lake on most weekends. If you take those 2000 folks who go to the lake and add to them the 6000+ M-F workers that don't come to town on their days off, it's no wonder that many folks have the impression that the town "empties" on weekends. After all, we go from a City of nearly 20,000 during the week to one nearly half that size on weekends.
What it does mean is that 85% of our population (over 10,000) do stick around most every weekend. And, if you add to that number those folks from the region who do come to Marshall for shopping, entertainment, and other activities on the weekend, we should manage to maintain a stable population base from which to draw, regardless of the attraction or activity.
There's a term out there that's called "Abundance Mentality." It's a fancy way of referring how one sees the glass of water: half full or half empty.
If you're in the group that thinks everyone leaves town on the weekend, chances are you were one of the folks trying to find a parking place at the last minute in the Runnings Parking Lot to watch fireworks on the 4th of July.
Judging by the number of folks who seem to find the retail parking lots on the SE side of town the past few weekends gives me an entirely different spin to consider.
If you trust what the state demographer (and others) are telling us, somewhere north of 6000 people, who don't live in Marshall, come to town Monday through Friday for work. Combined with the nearly 13,000 that live here, we become a community of nearly 20,000 during the week.
Along come the summer weekends, and here's where things get interesting.
Let's suppose that (conservatively) 15% of our residents do head to the lake on most weekends. If you take those 2000 folks who go to the lake and add to them the 6000+ M-F workers that don't come to town on their days off, it's no wonder that many folks have the impression that the town "empties" on weekends. After all, we go from a City of nearly 20,000 during the week to one nearly half that size on weekends.
What it does mean is that 85% of our population (over 10,000) do stick around most every weekend. And, if you add to that number those folks from the region who do come to Marshall for shopping, entertainment, and other activities on the weekend, we should manage to maintain a stable population base from which to draw, regardless of the attraction or activity.
There's a term out there that's called "Abundance Mentality." It's a fancy way of referring how one sees the glass of water: half full or half empty.
If you're in the group that thinks everyone leaves town on the weekend, chances are you were one of the folks trying to find a parking place at the last minute in the Runnings Parking Lot to watch fireworks on the 4th of July.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
More Favorites!
Interesting feedback from several folks who chatted with me about my top five favorite things in Marshall (since getting here in Mid-April). Wanted to add another to my list. The day that blog got posted had the chance to visit for the first time the Red Barron Museum at the Airport. Wow! If you've not been there yet, you won't be disappointed.
Also thought it might be fun to ask and to check with the other three in the chamber office to get their perspective and thoughts on their favorite things about Marshall.
Without listing whose favorites belonged to whom...have to protect my good working graces with Lori, Joyce, and Karen you know! Here's what they gave to me as their top 2 or 3:
Also thought it might be fun to ask and to check with the other three in the chamber office to get their perspective and thoughts on their favorite things about Marshall.
Without listing whose favorites belonged to whom...have to protect my good working graces with Lori, Joyce, and Karen you know! Here's what they gave to me as their top 2 or 3:
- All my Favorites performance
- SMSU Homecoming parade
- Fireworks at Independence Park on July 4th
- Dinner at The Bistro
- "I can get from here to there in minutes!
- Patio Party at the Nickel
- Baseball game at Legion Field Park
- "Everybody knows my name here"
- My backyard
- The new Regional Event Center
These are their short lists. We would welcome the chance to read about yours. Why not take a minute and click on the "comments" note at the end of this blog and share your favorites with us and others?
Crazy Days is just around the corner. July 17th will make for a great day of shopping regardless of what part of town you visit. It begins at 7 a.m. and many will continue the sale until 8 that night or later! This year's theme will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the State of Minnesota, its sesquicentennial.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Destination: my favorite things
Recently a group of tourism and visitor minded business folks gathered to chat about the future of that industry for our community and region.
One term that seemed to ring true around the table was creating a "destination community" mentality for Marshall and SW Minnesota. The consensus was to create an attitude that finds ways to bring visitors to our community. They could be family members from afar, tourists passing through, student groups, or businesspeople gathering in our community.
How can we make this community and our region a "Destination?" Some will argue that it begins in our own back yard. How often have you heard (or thought) "why would anyone want to come here?" Those types of self deprecating thoughts are just what we don't want. We need to find ways to celebrate what we do have and to make certain that visitors in our community have a quality experience.
Two items related to this. A group of students at SMSU, the SIFE program, will soon be offering a "secret shopper" effort to measure and assess customer service at local businesses. If you or your business would like to take part in this July program, please contact me at the chamber office for details. Do we put our best foot forward for all of our customers? Do our front line staff make the best first impression?
This is critically important for everyone. In the area of economic development, we've all heard the horror stories of a corporate expansion team checking out a community. The "suits" are meeting with community development officials who have rolled out the red carpet for the out of town business officials. While the bigwigs are out touring the community, the VP for expansion and development, who has served "incognito" as the driver for the group, is off talking to the waitress at the local restaurant, or clerk in the hardware store asking them about the community and getting a message completely contrary to the local community development officials. The point being, is that it is every one's responsibility to help sell our community.
The other component is identifying our assets. Back to the group who recently met to address these issues, we challenged each other to come up with a list of our favorite things about our community and region. As someone who has lived here less than 3 months, here are my top five:
1. The 5th hole at the Marshall Golf Club
2. Riding my bicycle on County Road 7 to see the wind turbines
3. An Ahi Tuna sandwich at The Bistro
4. A music performance at the Schwan's Performing Arts Center
5. A community band concert at Liberty Park
The challenge is to encourage each and every one of us to come up with our top 5 or 10 list to share with visitors and friends.
Those are my thoughts. What are yours?
One term that seemed to ring true around the table was creating a "destination community" mentality for Marshall and SW Minnesota. The consensus was to create an attitude that finds ways to bring visitors to our community. They could be family members from afar, tourists passing through, student groups, or businesspeople gathering in our community.
How can we make this community and our region a "Destination?" Some will argue that it begins in our own back yard. How often have you heard (or thought) "why would anyone want to come here?" Those types of self deprecating thoughts are just what we don't want. We need to find ways to celebrate what we do have and to make certain that visitors in our community have a quality experience.
Two items related to this. A group of students at SMSU, the SIFE program, will soon be offering a "secret shopper" effort to measure and assess customer service at local businesses. If you or your business would like to take part in this July program, please contact me at the chamber office for details. Do we put our best foot forward for all of our customers? Do our front line staff make the best first impression?
This is critically important for everyone. In the area of economic development, we've all heard the horror stories of a corporate expansion team checking out a community. The "suits" are meeting with community development officials who have rolled out the red carpet for the out of town business officials. While the bigwigs are out touring the community, the VP for expansion and development, who has served "incognito" as the driver for the group, is off talking to the waitress at the local restaurant, or clerk in the hardware store asking them about the community and getting a message completely contrary to the local community development officials. The point being, is that it is every one's responsibility to help sell our community.
The other component is identifying our assets. Back to the group who recently met to address these issues, we challenged each other to come up with a list of our favorite things about our community and region. As someone who has lived here less than 3 months, here are my top five:
1. The 5th hole at the Marshall Golf Club
2. Riding my bicycle on County Road 7 to see the wind turbines
3. An Ahi Tuna sandwich at The Bistro
4. A music performance at the Schwan's Performing Arts Center
5. A community band concert at Liberty Park
The challenge is to encourage each and every one of us to come up with our top 5 or 10 list to share with visitors and friends.
Those are my thoughts. What are yours?
Monday, June 23, 2008
Chamber "Givens"
Several folks have asked about upcoming changes to the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce programs and operations. While it's a bit premature to speculate about what or when things might change, you might find it interesting to know about some of my basic chamber beliefs.
1. "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right." Too often chambers get caught up in trying to be all things to all people. Quality should always win over quantity of efforts. Down the road, you will see the chamber focus on providing quality programs and services, even at the expense of handing off projects to other groups and organizations, or possibly even retiring a longstanding program or two.
2. "People do business with people they know." In this age of high tech, it still makes a difference about where and who we do business with. While often times the temptation might drive business to on-line or discount providers, the majority of business is still done based on well established business relationships. It goes beyond price point and should include service, reliability and positive working relationships. We remain a membership based organization and we will always strive to do business with our members first. It's imperative that we continue to establish that trust and familiarity with our members.
3. "Return on Investment." Everything we do must be done with our members in mind. Is it creating value for our members and the community? Does it provide a valuable service that might not be available elsewhere within the region? Is there both fiscal and relevant value to our members? The value equation is not always the easiest to determine, but we will always strive to work hard for the investment our members make in this organization.
4. "What's in it for me?" Programs, services, committees, task forces, and all of our efforts need to focus on the value for our members. While not every effort will appeal to every member, it's almost certain that a niche group will benefit from our actions.
5. "Listen and pay attention." It's imperative that we are always listening to and seeking input from our members and the community. The bottom line is that we work for you the member. You are our customers, leaders, and reason for existing. To think otherwise does a disservice to our entire membership.
Change is not an easy process, and the next few weeks and months will be a challenge as our chamber goes through some necessary changes. Your input and feedback is critical. Even when we don't ask for it, please feel free to offer your thoughts, ideas and suggestions. After all, this is YOUR chamber of commerce.
Those are my thoughts. What about yours?
1. "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right." Too often chambers get caught up in trying to be all things to all people. Quality should always win over quantity of efforts. Down the road, you will see the chamber focus on providing quality programs and services, even at the expense of handing off projects to other groups and organizations, or possibly even retiring a longstanding program or two.
2. "People do business with people they know." In this age of high tech, it still makes a difference about where and who we do business with. While often times the temptation might drive business to on-line or discount providers, the majority of business is still done based on well established business relationships. It goes beyond price point and should include service, reliability and positive working relationships. We remain a membership based organization and we will always strive to do business with our members first. It's imperative that we continue to establish that trust and familiarity with our members.
3. "Return on Investment." Everything we do must be done with our members in mind. Is it creating value for our members and the community? Does it provide a valuable service that might not be available elsewhere within the region? Is there both fiscal and relevant value to our members? The value equation is not always the easiest to determine, but we will always strive to work hard for the investment our members make in this organization.
4. "What's in it for me?" Programs, services, committees, task forces, and all of our efforts need to focus on the value for our members. While not every effort will appeal to every member, it's almost certain that a niche group will benefit from our actions.
5. "Listen and pay attention." It's imperative that we are always listening to and seeking input from our members and the community. The bottom line is that we work for you the member. You are our customers, leaders, and reason for existing. To think otherwise does a disservice to our entire membership.
Change is not an easy process, and the next few weeks and months will be a challenge as our chamber goes through some necessary changes. Your input and feedback is critical. Even when we don't ask for it, please feel free to offer your thoughts, ideas and suggestions. After all, this is YOUR chamber of commerce.
Those are my thoughts. What about yours?
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
By the Numbers
Last week chamber staff attended state-wide chamber workshops in St. Cloud. One topic that created an incredible amount of buzz was a presentation by Sarah Sladek on generational issues in the workforce.
As a Baby Boomer it was both interesting and "challenging" to hear about the priorities of the X and Y generations. According to the 30-something Sladek, (and I truly believe she is incredibly accurate with her analysis) members of the X and Y Generations have different priorities and value systems than fellow Boomers and those of my parents generation, one that Tom Brokow calls The Greatest Generation.
With workforce development one of the top concerns and priorities for our community and region, it's imperative that business owners and managers who are Baby Boomers and Greatest Generation members need to understand these X and Y values and priorities.
Not too surprising were the numbers recently presented to the board of directors at Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center. Dr. Sid Goss, a university demographer from South Dakota, presented a fascinating analysis of age trends for Lyon County and SW Minnesota. According to Goss, Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) make up the majority of the current workforce. Boomers represent the largest segment of the population in the US at over 80 million. Generation X (born between 1965 and 1981) is nearly 1/2 of the Boomers and Generation Y (born between 1982 and 1995)is nearly 60 million. Goss went on to say that within 10 years, the majority of the Baby Boomer generation will be at retirement age.
Based on population trends, Goss suggests that employers in SW MN and Lyon County (and the entire country for that matter) need to understand the dynamic trends that are developing and prepare for an older workforce unless we're able to address the needs, values, and priorities of the X and Y generations.
Sladek, an author, lecturer, and noted expert on generational issues (she did write two books on the subject after all), points out that what Boomers and older generations haven't figured out yet, for the most part, is that we can not impose our beliefs and work habits on those generations that will follow us. For some of us over the age of 45, the values and priorities of "X'ers" and "Y'bees" are almost contrary to traditional Boomer values.
I hope to begin addressing these differences of priorities and values on future blog entries.
From my perspective, understanding and addressing the needs of the X and Y generations will be the key to workforce development not to mention seamless succession planning.
Those are my thoughts. How about yours?
As a Baby Boomer it was both interesting and "challenging" to hear about the priorities of the X and Y generations. According to the 30-something Sladek, (and I truly believe she is incredibly accurate with her analysis) members of the X and Y Generations have different priorities and value systems than fellow Boomers and those of my parents generation, one that Tom Brokow calls The Greatest Generation.
With workforce development one of the top concerns and priorities for our community and region, it's imperative that business owners and managers who are Baby Boomers and Greatest Generation members need to understand these X and Y values and priorities.
Not too surprising were the numbers recently presented to the board of directors at Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center. Dr. Sid Goss, a university demographer from South Dakota, presented a fascinating analysis of age trends for Lyon County and SW Minnesota. According to Goss, Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) make up the majority of the current workforce. Boomers represent the largest segment of the population in the US at over 80 million. Generation X (born between 1965 and 1981) is nearly 1/2 of the Boomers and Generation Y (born between 1982 and 1995)is nearly 60 million. Goss went on to say that within 10 years, the majority of the Baby Boomer generation will be at retirement age.
Based on population trends, Goss suggests that employers in SW MN and Lyon County (and the entire country for that matter) need to understand the dynamic trends that are developing and prepare for an older workforce unless we're able to address the needs, values, and priorities of the X and Y generations.
Sladek, an author, lecturer, and noted expert on generational issues (she did write two books on the subject after all), points out that what Boomers and older generations haven't figured out yet, for the most part, is that we can not impose our beliefs and work habits on those generations that will follow us. For some of us over the age of 45, the values and priorities of "X'ers" and "Y'bees" are almost contrary to traditional Boomer values.
I hope to begin addressing these differences of priorities and values on future blog entries.
From my perspective, understanding and addressing the needs of the X and Y generations will be the key to workforce development not to mention seamless succession planning.
Those are my thoughts. How about yours?
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