Noticed that a local website has re initiated the "Make the Drive Through Difference" program. It entails buying the beverage, meal, etc. of the folks behind you in line at the drive through. You give the window staff a fl yer to be given to the folks behind you and you pay for the kids meal, etc. The vehicle behind you gets the flyer and the discount of your kindness!
Nice "random act of kindness" that we all can relate to, or "paying it forward to the vehicle behind you" so to speak!
With today's economic challenges, it is, in my opinion, especially important for businesses to make certain that quality customer service is a top priority. All it takes is one bad experience that either keeps that customer from coming back, or worse telling their friends and neighbors.
Maybe we can add to the local "drive though difference" concept and work hard to make the customer experience in our community second to nowhere!
My challenge is to see how we might recognize (and reward?) exceptional customer service. Send me or list examples of great customer service and we'll find a way to make a difference for that person and their employer. Let's find a way to tell 10 others about great customer service!
That's my opinion. How about yours?
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Super "Toilet" Bowl Weekend
It's Super Bowl weekend and there doesn't seem to be much hype around here for the big game. Probably aren't too many Steelers or Cardinals fans in these parts either. And for me, one would hope for a competitive close game, and as most of the millions watching; the commercials are "Super Bowl" great!
Speaking of commercials is it me, or are others a bit amazed at some of the ads on TV these days? Case in point: a few weeks ago, a commercial for toilet paper started airing that made their TP, well how should I put it, poofy? The model in the terry-cloth robe made her resemble the Michelan Tire Guy. The fact that she was holding a cotton swab that looked more like a barbell than a Q-tip added to the goofy-poofy nature of the ad. Silly stuff, but not too annoying.
Last night there was commercial for a different brand of TP. This one featured a cute little puppy running through the house and neighborhood wearing various "human" outfits (you know, sweaters, shirts, boots, and the like). When it came to pitching the product, they showed the little puppy in a bathroom stall pulling on the roll of TP that was soft enough and strong enough even for the pampered puppy.
The absolute worst (in my opinion) is the animated TP commercial that's been running for some time. As if we don't all know what bears do in the woods, this commercial actually shows a "baby-bear" bending over in front of "Momma Bear." We all get to see little pieces of TP clinging to the baby bear's rear end while the announcer suggests that their brand of TP won't cling or tear while being used. Give me a break!
And while the Super Bowl is known for creative and often times off-the-wall ads (like the candle in the sleigh ride, or the baby in the swing) not all of them appeal to the masses. At nearly $3 million per 30 seconds, let's hope this year's Super Bowl ads don't end up in the Toilet Bowl.
That's my opinion, what about yours?
Speaking of commercials is it me, or are others a bit amazed at some of the ads on TV these days? Case in point: a few weeks ago, a commercial for toilet paper started airing that made their TP, well how should I put it, poofy? The model in the terry-cloth robe made her resemble the Michelan Tire Guy. The fact that she was holding a cotton swab that looked more like a barbell than a Q-tip added to the goofy-poofy nature of the ad. Silly stuff, but not too annoying.
Last night there was commercial for a different brand of TP. This one featured a cute little puppy running through the house and neighborhood wearing various "human" outfits (you know, sweaters, shirts, boots, and the like). When it came to pitching the product, they showed the little puppy in a bathroom stall pulling on the roll of TP that was soft enough and strong enough even for the pampered puppy.
The absolute worst (in my opinion) is the animated TP commercial that's been running for some time. As if we don't all know what bears do in the woods, this commercial actually shows a "baby-bear" bending over in front of "Momma Bear." We all get to see little pieces of TP clinging to the baby bear's rear end while the announcer suggests that their brand of TP won't cling or tear while being used. Give me a break!
And while the Super Bowl is known for creative and often times off-the-wall ads (like the candle in the sleigh ride, or the baby in the swing) not all of them appeal to the masses. At nearly $3 million per 30 seconds, let's hope this year's Super Bowl ads don't end up in the Toilet Bowl.
That's my opinion, what about yours?
Monday, January 19, 2009
Literacy and Library Fan
I'm a lousy speller.
No ifs ands or buts about it. I'm thankful for spell check and dictionaries. Given my lifelong passion for reading or my journalism degree, one might think otherwise. Yup, it's part memorization and part knowing the rules for spelling in the English language.
Some folks are very good at it and then there's the rest of us who can't spell worth a darn.
Back in the 80's I became involved in adult literacy programs. Partly because it was the right thing to do and partly because the father of one our office interns was functionally illiterate and I volunteered to help teach him to read.
Several years later when I lived in Idaho, the local library and newspaper there got together to promote adult literacy with a Corporate Spelling Bee. Companies sponsored 4-person teams from local businesses who competed for local bragging rights. Proceeds from the event went to benefit the library's literacy program.
One hot trend taking place on the West Coast has taken a page from Bar Trivia and Spelling Bees. The bar scene in Seattle is full of these impromptu spell-offs and the popularity is growing. We may be one of the first places in the Midwest to cash in on this new found trend!
Next month, Marshall will be hosting the first ever Corporate Spelling Bee. It'll be on Saturday the 21st with 3-person corporate teams competing for the right to say they have the best corporate spelling team. Proceeds will go to the children and young adults section of the Marshall Lyon County Library.
Find your "inner 5th grade speller" and compete! Check out the library's website www.marshalllyonlibrary.org or give me a call at the chamber office for details on how to get involved.
No ifs ands or buts about it. I'm thankful for spell check and dictionaries. Given my lifelong passion for reading or my journalism degree, one might think otherwise. Yup, it's part memorization and part knowing the rules for spelling in the English language.
Some folks are very good at it and then there's the rest of us who can't spell worth a darn.
Back in the 80's I became involved in adult literacy programs. Partly because it was the right thing to do and partly because the father of one our office interns was functionally illiterate and I volunteered to help teach him to read.
Several years later when I lived in Idaho, the local library and newspaper there got together to promote adult literacy with a Corporate Spelling Bee. Companies sponsored 4-person teams from local businesses who competed for local bragging rights. Proceeds from the event went to benefit the library's literacy program.
One hot trend taking place on the West Coast has taken a page from Bar Trivia and Spelling Bees. The bar scene in Seattle is full of these impromptu spell-offs and the popularity is growing. We may be one of the first places in the Midwest to cash in on this new found trend!
Next month, Marshall will be hosting the first ever Corporate Spelling Bee. It'll be on Saturday the 21st with 3-person corporate teams competing for the right to say they have the best corporate spelling team. Proceeds will go to the children and young adults section of the Marshall Lyon County Library.
Find your "inner 5th grade speller" and compete! Check out the library's website www.marshalllyonlibrary.org or give me a call at the chamber office for details on how to get involved.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Long Haul Health Care
Attended last night's public meeting about the proposed sale of our community owned hospital to Avera Health System, a Sioux Falls based not for profit corporation. Nice to see the meeting room was nearly full.
It's a very complicated process, and I would encourage anyone who would like to have in depth details on the proposal to review the documents which are all a matter of public record.
Here are MY "take aways" from the meeting:
1. A lengthy negotiation process has taken place and both sides seem satisfied with the proposal for the sale.
2. Outside experts were hired to provide advice to both parties.
3. Taking care of the current employees seems to be one of the top priorities.
4. Insuring continued and expanded long term health care services for our community was THE top priority.
5. The proposed sale maintains local autonomy and local governance with the goal of growing Avera Marshall Medical Center into a regional medical center.
In my opinion, these are all very positive.
What happens now?
The Hospital Board meets on Tuesday, January 20th to consider the recommendation from the Negotiating Committee. The recommendation, which is very detailed, suggests that the City sell both the Hospital and the Nursing Home to Avera Health System. The sale price and process is lengthy and complicated.
It's apparent that the Hospital Board will approve the committee's recommendation and would then forward the proposal to the City Council for their consideration on January 28th. If the City Council approves the proposal in its current form, the sale process would begin immediately and conclude on or about November 2, 2009.
The Mayor and Council must trust that due diligence has been conducted on behalf of the City and the Medical Center. The Council appointed both the Hospital Board and the Negotiating Team. Outside experts were brought on board to assist with the valuation and proposed sale process.
The Council needs to fully understand the proposal, decide on its merits (which appear to be many) and vote to either move forward with the sale (which I believe they should), or, determine a good reason or reasons why not to sell the Medical Center to Avera Health and be prepared to fully explain their apprehensions about the sale.
At last night's meeting, someone suggested that we're not receiving full financial value based on current assets. Our Hospital Board Chairman, Mike Rich, said it best: "We're not going after the highest bidder." He's right on the mark by suggesting that the priority is to find the best possible way to insure continued quality health care for the long haul.
Selling to the highest bidder reminds me of what happened in the mid 90's when I was living and working in Kansas City. The City chose to sell its municipally owned Hospital, Bethany Medical Center, to the then highest bidder: HCA of America, which at that time was the largest private for profit hospital group in the US. Within 18 months, HCA sold the hospital off to one of the local health care competitors, which in turn closed the facility less than 2 years after that sale. The hospital building was later demolished and the land is still vacant 6+ years later.
Avera Health System has a solid reputation of being good corporate neighbors, not "corporate raiders." Their faith based history and principals are solid and they've clearly demonstrated a successful track record with numerous communities throughout the region. I recently chatted with the chamber folks in Aberdeen. Avera- St. Lukes Hospital there has grown considerably over the years. They tell me it's been a wonderful and positive working relationship between the community and its primary health care facility.
The bottom line: negotiations for the sale of the medical center were based on mutual respect and the effort to reach a win-win outcome. This isn't a hostile take over as some have suggested or feared.
Some very dedicated and committed individuals worked long and hard on behalf of the Hospital Board, City Council, and most importantly the residents of our community and region. We need to trust that they represented our best interests, and therefore we need to encourage our City Council and Mayor to move forward with this effort.
Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center is in it for the long haul. Let's make certain that they're successful for every one's sake.
That's my opinion. How about yours?
It's a very complicated process, and I would encourage anyone who would like to have in depth details on the proposal to review the documents which are all a matter of public record.
Here are MY "take aways" from the meeting:
1. A lengthy negotiation process has taken place and both sides seem satisfied with the proposal for the sale.
2. Outside experts were hired to provide advice to both parties.
3. Taking care of the current employees seems to be one of the top priorities.
4. Insuring continued and expanded long term health care services for our community was THE top priority.
5. The proposed sale maintains local autonomy and local governance with the goal of growing Avera Marshall Medical Center into a regional medical center.
In my opinion, these are all very positive.
What happens now?
The Hospital Board meets on Tuesday, January 20th to consider the recommendation from the Negotiating Committee. The recommendation, which is very detailed, suggests that the City sell both the Hospital and the Nursing Home to Avera Health System. The sale price and process is lengthy and complicated.
It's apparent that the Hospital Board will approve the committee's recommendation and would then forward the proposal to the City Council for their consideration on January 28th. If the City Council approves the proposal in its current form, the sale process would begin immediately and conclude on or about November 2, 2009.
The Mayor and Council must trust that due diligence has been conducted on behalf of the City and the Medical Center. The Council appointed both the Hospital Board and the Negotiating Team. Outside experts were brought on board to assist with the valuation and proposed sale process.
The Council needs to fully understand the proposal, decide on its merits (which appear to be many) and vote to either move forward with the sale (which I believe they should), or, determine a good reason or reasons why not to sell the Medical Center to Avera Health and be prepared to fully explain their apprehensions about the sale.
At last night's meeting, someone suggested that we're not receiving full financial value based on current assets. Our Hospital Board Chairman, Mike Rich, said it best: "We're not going after the highest bidder." He's right on the mark by suggesting that the priority is to find the best possible way to insure continued quality health care for the long haul.
Selling to the highest bidder reminds me of what happened in the mid 90's when I was living and working in Kansas City. The City chose to sell its municipally owned Hospital, Bethany Medical Center, to the then highest bidder: HCA of America, which at that time was the largest private for profit hospital group in the US. Within 18 months, HCA sold the hospital off to one of the local health care competitors, which in turn closed the facility less than 2 years after that sale. The hospital building was later demolished and the land is still vacant 6+ years later.
Avera Health System has a solid reputation of being good corporate neighbors, not "corporate raiders." Their faith based history and principals are solid and they've clearly demonstrated a successful track record with numerous communities throughout the region. I recently chatted with the chamber folks in Aberdeen. Avera- St. Lukes Hospital there has grown considerably over the years. They tell me it's been a wonderful and positive working relationship between the community and its primary health care facility.
The bottom line: negotiations for the sale of the medical center were based on mutual respect and the effort to reach a win-win outcome. This isn't a hostile take over as some have suggested or feared.
Some very dedicated and committed individuals worked long and hard on behalf of the Hospital Board, City Council, and most importantly the residents of our community and region. We need to trust that they represented our best interests, and therefore we need to encourage our City Council and Mayor to move forward with this effort.
Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center is in it for the long haul. Let's make certain that they're successful for every one's sake.
That's my opinion. How about yours?
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Midwest of Where?
The on-line headline today read: "Blizzard that socked Northern Plains takes aim at Midwest."
OK, this may be a pet peeve of mine, or, it may just be a matter of semantics. Here's the rub. I grew up in South Dakota and have lived all but about 8 years of my life in the Dakotas, Kansas and Minnesota. I truly believe that my roots are firmly attached in the Midwest.
A couple of years ago I was being considered for a chamber job in Fort Wayne, Indiana. A professional recruiter was assisting with the process. After several weeks and a couple of conversations with the recruiter, she told me that I was no longer in the running for the job because they were looking for someone from the Midwest. I was living in North Dakota at the time. When I asked her to define geographically the Midwest she said, "you know, from the Appalachian Mountains west to the Mississippi River and north of the Kentucky and West Virginia. You live in ND which is out west."
Geez, I'd always thought that everything between the Rocky Mountains and the Mississippi River was the Midwest. Even a couple of those states on the eastern side of the river would also fall into that definition. But, Ohio or Pennsylvania...Midwest? Not in my book.
Wikipedia defines the Midwest as those north-central states from Ohio to the Dakotas and from Kansas to the Canadian Border.
I'm ready to concede Ohio, but dang it, what about Wyoming and Montana?
That's my opinion. What about yours?
OK, this may be a pet peeve of mine, or, it may just be a matter of semantics. Here's the rub. I grew up in South Dakota and have lived all but about 8 years of my life in the Dakotas, Kansas and Minnesota. I truly believe that my roots are firmly attached in the Midwest.
A couple of years ago I was being considered for a chamber job in Fort Wayne, Indiana. A professional recruiter was assisting with the process. After several weeks and a couple of conversations with the recruiter, she told me that I was no longer in the running for the job because they were looking for someone from the Midwest. I was living in North Dakota at the time. When I asked her to define geographically the Midwest she said, "you know, from the Appalachian Mountains west to the Mississippi River and north of the Kentucky and West Virginia. You live in ND which is out west."
Geez, I'd always thought that everything between the Rocky Mountains and the Mississippi River was the Midwest. Even a couple of those states on the eastern side of the river would also fall into that definition. But, Ohio or Pennsylvania...Midwest? Not in my book.
Wikipedia defines the Midwest as those north-central states from Ohio to the Dakotas and from Kansas to the Canadian Border.
I'm ready to concede Ohio, but dang it, what about Wyoming and Montana?
That's my opinion. What about yours?
Monday, January 12, 2009
Stormy impacts
Blizzard warning today and school got cancelled. Not much of a weather event, yet, but was wondering if a decision was made prematurely. Blowing snow and white-outs are a major issue when it comes to driving and out on the prairie, it's no fun getting caught in ugly weather. Better safe than sorry is a good perspective, especially when it comes to getting kids home from school.
Am just thinking about how many parents are staying home with kids and what that financial and productivity impact has on our local economy.
Another sort of storm is brewing too that has not yet received much local attention. State budget cuts are certainly going to have an across the board impact on local government. We've been reading about potential impacts to City and County services. Will jobs be on the line too?
Why aren't we having more community dialogue about the impacts state budget cuts will have at SMSU? President Danahar will soon have to make some difficult decisions. A significant portion of the SMSU budget is spent on salaries and benefits, which I'm guessing will possibly be the first area impacted by the current fiscal challenges. We should not be surprised by the tough choices he will be forced to make.
Our community is fortunate to have some very talented leaders both in the public and private sectors. Now is not the time to second guess their actions that must be made in order for our community and region to survive the tough economic times ahead.
That's my opinion. How about yours?
Am just thinking about how many parents are staying home with kids and what that financial and productivity impact has on our local economy.
Another sort of storm is brewing too that has not yet received much local attention. State budget cuts are certainly going to have an across the board impact on local government. We've been reading about potential impacts to City and County services. Will jobs be on the line too?
Why aren't we having more community dialogue about the impacts state budget cuts will have at SMSU? President Danahar will soon have to make some difficult decisions. A significant portion of the SMSU budget is spent on salaries and benefits, which I'm guessing will possibly be the first area impacted by the current fiscal challenges. We should not be surprised by the tough choices he will be forced to make.
Our community is fortunate to have some very talented leaders both in the public and private sectors. Now is not the time to second guess their actions that must be made in order for our community and region to survive the tough economic times ahead.
That's my opinion. How about yours?
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Politics as Usual
Just back from St. Paul where I attended the 09 Session Priorities briefing and dinner hosted by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. Nearly 1500 business people and legislators attended the briefings and dinner programs.
A small contingency of folks from Marshall were there. Our group was joined for dinner by House Minority Leader Marty Seifert and Senate President Pro-Temp Dennis Frederickson and his wife Marge. Our region really enjoys some very influential state legislators. Need to make certain that we don't take that for granted.
We listened to issues outlined by the State Chamber, heard the Governor's assessment and priorities for the upcoming session, and we watched the Legislative Leadership discuss the session in a panel format.
Here are a few of the highlights and impressions I took away from the event:
*Most in the banquet hall were astounded when Senate Majority Leader Pogemiller essentially called Marty Seifert a liar. Yikes! "I don't know if that's true or not or if it even happened," the Senator reponded to a recent experience that Marty had just shared with the audience. One could almost feel the air leave the room as the audience made a collective gasp.
*Governor Pawlenty wants to target 490+ Public and Charter School Districts across Minnesota to "encourage" them to consolidate some of their back office operations. Collective purchases, duplication of services, etc.
*The $4.8 billion projected budget deficit represents about 17% of the state's budget. Statute prohibits the State Government from deficit spending. The real debate and focus will be where the cuts in the state budget will be made. For some reason, 17% sounds much more achievable to me than $4.8 billion.
*The Legislators and Governor mainly agree that K-12 funding would be least likely to receive any budget cuts.
*The State Chamber predicts that Health Care issues will dominate budget cut debates as it represents over half of the State Buget.
*Cap-and-trade policy, (it's an environmental thing) will be hotly contested. The State Chamber and others suggest that this is a Federal issue rather than a state or regional one.
*Both Governor Pawlenty and House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher encouraged the crowd of 1500 to consume a glass of wine or two last night and then asked them to email suggestions of how to fix the budget. For those of you who want to do so, here's the link to send your ideas and suggestions (the wine is up to you to find):
tim.pawlenty@state.mn.us
-and-
www.house.leg.state.mn.us/budgetsuggestions.asp
Those are my opinions. How about yours?
A small contingency of folks from Marshall were there. Our group was joined for dinner by House Minority Leader Marty Seifert and Senate President Pro-Temp Dennis Frederickson and his wife Marge. Our region really enjoys some very influential state legislators. Need to make certain that we don't take that for granted.
We listened to issues outlined by the State Chamber, heard the Governor's assessment and priorities for the upcoming session, and we watched the Legislative Leadership discuss the session in a panel format.
Here are a few of the highlights and impressions I took away from the event:
*Most in the banquet hall were astounded when Senate Majority Leader Pogemiller essentially called Marty Seifert a liar. Yikes! "I don't know if that's true or not or if it even happened," the Senator reponded to a recent experience that Marty had just shared with the audience. One could almost feel the air leave the room as the audience made a collective gasp.
*Governor Pawlenty wants to target 490+ Public and Charter School Districts across Minnesota to "encourage" them to consolidate some of their back office operations. Collective purchases, duplication of services, etc.
*The $4.8 billion projected budget deficit represents about 17% of the state's budget. Statute prohibits the State Government from deficit spending. The real debate and focus will be where the cuts in the state budget will be made. For some reason, 17% sounds much more achievable to me than $4.8 billion.
*The Legislators and Governor mainly agree that K-12 funding would be least likely to receive any budget cuts.
*The State Chamber predicts that Health Care issues will dominate budget cut debates as it represents over half of the State Buget.
*Cap-and-trade policy, (it's an environmental thing) will be hotly contested. The State Chamber and others suggest that this is a Federal issue rather than a state or regional one.
*Both Governor Pawlenty and House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher encouraged the crowd of 1500 to consume a glass of wine or two last night and then asked them to email suggestions of how to fix the budget. For those of you who want to do so, here's the link to send your ideas and suggestions (the wine is up to you to find):
tim.pawlenty@state.mn.us
-and-
www.house.leg.state.mn.us/budgetsuggestions.asp
Those are my opinions. How about yours?
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