Have had a couple of folks ask about Wednesday morning's Retail and Service Sector Summit. Here's a quick FAQ
1. Can anyone attend? Yes, we've invited member and non-member business representatives to meet on Wednesday morning at the Golf Club.
2. Do I need to make reservations? Nope! Just show up and be prepared to help shape the future of our community.
3. Can the general public attend? Sure. We're targeting business owners and managers though to get their take on what our community and immediate region needs to be doing to preserve and enhance market share.
4. Are you going to talk about recruiting new retail businesses? That may be the agenda for one or two folks, but quite frankly, we need to be able to assess what we have and maximize those resources to effectively keep Marshall as a regional retail and service sector hub. We'll probably need a different meeting to identify those businesses and services that some folks believe we need to be recruiting.
5. Is this just a one-time meeting? We believe that in order for businesses in our community and region to continue to survive, there needs to be a general consensus of what direction we as a retail and service community need to focus upon. Without agreed upon priorities and focus, along with cooperative and targeted marketing programs we run the risk of loosing market share. Therefore, we believe that this will be the first meeting leading into that coordinated effort.
6. Is the chamber trying to run this thing? The chamber's board of directors sees the need to bring the retail and service industry sectors together to discuss strategies. The role of the chamber has yet to be defined. However, we do believe it is the chamber's role to help create partnerships and to initiate collaborative efforts.
7. So, what do you hope to accomplish? We hope that a majority of business owners and operators in the retail and service sector will choose to meet and work together during these difficult economic times. In order to work together, we must first work hard to understand each others focus and priorities and find common ground on which the majority of these businesses can work in partnership for the success of the entire community.
8. How will you know if the effort is successful? The true measurable will ultimately be in the area of sales tax collections. We know what taxable sales historically were for our community and region. If we can minimize economic downtrends, or even affect positive economic growth by working together, than we can hopefully declare success.
The bottom line is to invite and encourage local business owners and operators to attend Wednesday morning's meeting.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Back on the MnDOT map
A very successful and well attended Regional Freight Transportation Study hearing in Marshall yesterday. Our chamber's transportation committee was instrumental all along the way.
First, they formally and agressively asked MnDOT, in partnership with the SW Development Commission, to hold a Freight Stakeholder Forum in our community. We weren't on the original schedule, so kudos to MnDOT for saying yes to our request.
The other key component was getting a good turnout. One MnDOT official said that it was "staggering that so many people are here!" Over 40 industry folks showed up to share their concerns and priorities about moving freight, from, to, and through our region.
Interesting that the current study has a western (Minnesota) focus from the Candian border to I-90 and from the SD and ND borders east for about 100 miles. That's a big chunk of territory.
Not all roads lead to the Cities
One MnDOT power point slide identified Highways 32 and 59 as having "Major Truck Highway Designation." When questioned about this, the state officials noted that the designation was for the part of the study area north of Detroit Lakes to the Candian Border. Once again focus on the part of the state agency was traffic flowing from rural Minnesota to Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Thanks to the 40+ attendees, I believe we opened the eyes of a few MnDOT officials that freight and traffic flows in every direction, and most importantly for our region, we need to place Highway 23 on the priority list for improvements and upgrades.
That's my opinion. How about yours?
First, they formally and agressively asked MnDOT, in partnership with the SW Development Commission, to hold a Freight Stakeholder Forum in our community. We weren't on the original schedule, so kudos to MnDOT for saying yes to our request.
The other key component was getting a good turnout. One MnDOT official said that it was "staggering that so many people are here!" Over 40 industry folks showed up to share their concerns and priorities about moving freight, from, to, and through our region.
Interesting that the current study has a western (Minnesota) focus from the Candian border to I-90 and from the SD and ND borders east for about 100 miles. That's a big chunk of territory.
Not all roads lead to the Cities
One MnDOT power point slide identified Highways 32 and 59 as having "Major Truck Highway Designation." When questioned about this, the state officials noted that the designation was for the part of the study area north of Detroit Lakes to the Candian Border. Once again focus on the part of the state agency was traffic flowing from rural Minnesota to Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Thanks to the 40+ attendees, I believe we opened the eyes of a few MnDOT officials that freight and traffic flows in every direction, and most importantly for our region, we need to place Highway 23 on the priority list for improvements and upgrades.
That's my opinion. How about yours?
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Accessible Leadership
Was hoping to send an email today one locally elected official about an issue. What was interesting about that was how easy (or difficult) it is to access email addresses and info from the various websites for elected officials in and around Marshall.
Interestingly, the Lyon County Commissioners were the easiest to access. Only 2 clicks from the web page gets me their photos and email addresses. For City Council members in Marshall, it's a 4-click process. Am still trying to find Marshall School Board members. They're probably listed, just not really obvious on the school district website, yet!
In all fairness to County, City, and School Boards...thought to do the same with our elected chamber board members. Only 2 clicks and we show on the chamber website who our board members are. Unfortunately, we don't have their photos, nor do we list email addresses.
Note to self: take pictures of board members and ask if they want their email addresses posted online?
Interestingly, the Lyon County Commissioners were the easiest to access. Only 2 clicks from the web page gets me their photos and email addresses. For City Council members in Marshall, it's a 4-click process. Am still trying to find Marshall School Board members. They're probably listed, just not really obvious on the school district website, yet!
In all fairness to County, City, and School Boards...thought to do the same with our elected chamber board members. Only 2 clicks and we show on the chamber website who our board members are. Unfortunately, we don't have their photos, nor do we list email addresses.
Note to self: take pictures of board members and ask if they want their email addresses posted online?
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
A Wee bit...
It's St. Patrick's Day! Time for everyone to be Irish, right?
Am amazed at how many folks aren't wearing green, and when asked why, they respond: "I'm not Irish." Is that a local rule that you have to be Irish to take part in the "wearin o the green."???
With a last name like mine, you might not think that there's much of the Emerald Isle in my blood stream. Actually, there is.
Family lore is that my father's favorite song was "Danny Boy." He and my mother compromised when they named me Daniel. When Mom or Dad were mad, I was "Daniel T!" and amongst close family and friends I was "Danny or DB"...
Now it's just "Dan" which doesn't sound very Irish, does it?
Further adding to my Irish background were the 3 years I spent tending bar in Deadwood at an Irish Pub called "Durty Nelly's"...if nothing else, I gained an appreciation for Irish music on the juke box; drinking Jameson's Whiskey; and making a Black and Tan.
Probably no little leprechaun's in my closet, but the fact is that 9 or 10 generations ago, the North family (on my mother's side) came to this country a few years after the Mayflower. Rumor has it that there's a wee bit of Irish ancestry after all!
Am amazed at how many folks aren't wearing green, and when asked why, they respond: "I'm not Irish." Is that a local rule that you have to be Irish to take part in the "wearin o the green."???
With a last name like mine, you might not think that there's much of the Emerald Isle in my blood stream. Actually, there is.
Family lore is that my father's favorite song was "Danny Boy." He and my mother compromised when they named me Daniel. When Mom or Dad were mad, I was "Daniel T!" and amongst close family and friends I was "Danny or DB"...
Now it's just "Dan" which doesn't sound very Irish, does it?
Further adding to my Irish background were the 3 years I spent tending bar in Deadwood at an Irish Pub called "Durty Nelly's"...if nothing else, I gained an appreciation for Irish music on the juke box; drinking Jameson's Whiskey; and making a Black and Tan.
Probably no little leprechaun's in my closet, but the fact is that 9 or 10 generations ago, the North family (on my mother's side) came to this country a few years after the Mayflower. Rumor has it that there's a wee bit of Irish ancestry after all!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Mad at March
Can't tell you how many folks have said these past couple of weeks that they're tired of winter and ready for Spring. Shoot! The fun is just beginning.
What a busy weekend we're going to have. The first ever hosting of an NCAA basketball tournament will turn this community on its ears. Motels are full, restaurants will be crowded and lots of unfamiliar faces at every turn. Marshall should be up for the challenge of being a host community for this type of event. Throughout the years we've played host to numerous youth events and activities. This weekend, we'll put out the welcome mats for March Madness.
Weekend basketball segues into Tuesday parades. While we've got a dozen entries as of Friday morning, warm weather to start the week will triple or better the amount of parade participants for the Irish and nearly-Emerald-Shamrockers!
But wait! After the luck of the Irish, local hockey tournaments and the Big Dance basketball grab folks attention. Amazing how much attention is garnered for the basketball tournaments this time of year. It surpasses the combined numbers of World Series and Super Bowl fans. Basketball bracketology becomes the number one topic at water coolers and lunch tables.
Throw in the College Hockey tournaments leading up to the Frozen Four, and there's reason what-so-ever to continue to be "Mad at March." So much to do and watch and so little time!
What a busy weekend we're going to have. The first ever hosting of an NCAA basketball tournament will turn this community on its ears. Motels are full, restaurants will be crowded and lots of unfamiliar faces at every turn. Marshall should be up for the challenge of being a host community for this type of event. Throughout the years we've played host to numerous youth events and activities. This weekend, we'll put out the welcome mats for March Madness.
Weekend basketball segues into Tuesday parades. While we've got a dozen entries as of Friday morning, warm weather to start the week will triple or better the amount of parade participants for the Irish and nearly-Emerald-Shamrockers!
But wait! After the luck of the Irish, local hockey tournaments and the Big Dance basketball grab folks attention. Amazing how much attention is garnered for the basketball tournaments this time of year. It surpasses the combined numbers of World Series and Super Bowl fans. Basketball bracketology becomes the number one topic at water coolers and lunch tables.
Throw in the College Hockey tournaments leading up to the Frozen Four, and there's reason what-so-ever to continue to be "Mad at March." So much to do and watch and so little time!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Scary and Invisible #1
According to recently released statistics from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development,(DEED), in January of this year, the unemployment rate for Marshall stood at 4.5%. The rate doesn't get any lower anywhere else in the entire state. The average unemployment rate is 7.6% for 64 cities state-wide who measure this statistic.
Fewer folks in Marshall are listed as unemployed than anywhere else in the state. Brainard sits on the opposite end of the list at 21% unemployment. The Twin Cities are in the 7+% unemployed range.
Seems pretty obvious that Brainard and other "resort cities" have seasonal jobs that keep the unemployment rate a bit inflated this time of year. Add to that the folks in the construction industry who add a fair amount of numbers to the rate as well.
For us in Marshall, the news has mixed connotations. Here's the rub as I see it:
1. The folks eligible for unemployment in Marshall may not have many jobs to pick and choose from. With such a low rate, does that mean those who chose to work are working?
2. How many folks in Marshall are currently underemployed? Some may still be taking advantage of a separation or severance package that prohibits them from officially joining the ranks of the "unemployed" (according to state rules anyway). I'd like to call these the "invisible unemployed." Hard to say how many are living in Marshall.
3. A low unemployment rate means a tougher sale to bringing new jobs to town. To an outside employer this may be seen as fewer folks in the workforce to choose from if they were to try to move jobs here.
4. Or, even more scary is that many folks in Marshall who were previously unemployed may have left and moved from our community. The upcoming census efforts may shed some light on this.
I'm not sure that having the lowest unemployment rate in the state constitutes a win-win scenario for Marshall.
Fewer folks in Marshall are listed as unemployed than anywhere else in the state. Brainard sits on the opposite end of the list at 21% unemployment. The Twin Cities are in the 7+% unemployed range.
Seems pretty obvious that Brainard and other "resort cities" have seasonal jobs that keep the unemployment rate a bit inflated this time of year. Add to that the folks in the construction industry who add a fair amount of numbers to the rate as well.
For us in Marshall, the news has mixed connotations. Here's the rub as I see it:
1. The folks eligible for unemployment in Marshall may not have many jobs to pick and choose from. With such a low rate, does that mean those who chose to work are working?
2. How many folks in Marshall are currently underemployed? Some may still be taking advantage of a separation or severance package that prohibits them from officially joining the ranks of the "unemployed" (according to state rules anyway). I'd like to call these the "invisible unemployed." Hard to say how many are living in Marshall.
3. A low unemployment rate means a tougher sale to bringing new jobs to town. To an outside employer this may be seen as fewer folks in the workforce to choose from if they were to try to move jobs here.
4. Or, even more scary is that many folks in Marshall who were previously unemployed may have left and moved from our community. The upcoming census efforts may shed some light on this.
I'm not sure that having the lowest unemployment rate in the state constitutes a win-win scenario for Marshall.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
State Connections
Governor Pawlenty is coming to town next week to speak at our chamber breakfast meeting: BOB Marshall.
Two weeks ago, a joint legislative committee from St. Paul held public listening meetings at SMSU. The following week, Minnesota Education Commissioner Shirley Seagren held a meeting at the Marshall High School.
Also a couple of weeks ago, chamber and business leaders met with Congressman Collin Peterson about the national economy and an interesting piece of legislation commonly referred to as "Card Check."
At face value one would come to believe that our Chamber of Commerce and community have a bit of political muscle to get these folks to town.
While this may or may not be accurate, what really needs to be acknowledged are the efforts the folks at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce have made on our behalf to help make these meetings happen. That's right! These meetings would not have taken place had it not been for their influence and our positive working relationship.
Thanks Minnesota State Chamber for your hard work on our behalf!
Two weeks ago, a joint legislative committee from St. Paul held public listening meetings at SMSU. The following week, Minnesota Education Commissioner Shirley Seagren held a meeting at the Marshall High School.
Also a couple of weeks ago, chamber and business leaders met with Congressman Collin Peterson about the national economy and an interesting piece of legislation commonly referred to as "Card Check."
At face value one would come to believe that our Chamber of Commerce and community have a bit of political muscle to get these folks to town.
While this may or may not be accurate, what really needs to be acknowledged are the efforts the folks at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce have made on our behalf to help make these meetings happen. That's right! These meetings would not have taken place had it not been for their influence and our positive working relationship.
Thanks Minnesota State Chamber for your hard work on our behalf!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Tooting against the Grain
One of my favorite cartoons, Non Sequitor, awhile back ran a cartoon entitled: "Government's Biggest Agency: The Office of Justifying our Existence."
Whatever happened to the phrase: "actions speak louder than words"? In today's business world, not only must a business provide a quality product and service, but they also need to create the hype to tell the world about how good they are. Seems to go against the grain of our Midwestern heritage.
Nonetheless, our members expect to hear regularly from this organization concerning "what have you done for me lately?" There's no denying that the WIIFM (what's in it for me) factor runs strong.
There's a delicate balance between tooting one's own horn and working harder and harder so that others might do the tooting for us. Probably unrealistic. Finding more time in the day for horns becomes a must.
That's my opinion. What about yours?
Whatever happened to the phrase: "actions speak louder than words"? In today's business world, not only must a business provide a quality product and service, but they also need to create the hype to tell the world about how good they are. Seems to go against the grain of our Midwestern heritage.
Nonetheless, our members expect to hear regularly from this organization concerning "what have you done for me lately?" There's no denying that the WIIFM (what's in it for me) factor runs strong.
There's a delicate balance between tooting one's own horn and working harder and harder so that others might do the tooting for us. Probably unrealistic. Finding more time in the day for horns becomes a must.
That's my opinion. What about yours?
Monday, March 2, 2009
It better stay in Vegas
Sometimes the best part of going on vacation is getting home. After 4 days in Las Vegas, it was time to come home and to be honest: I was ready.
Nascar Race Weekend there with tens of thousands of racing fans at every turn. While the economy seems to be a concern everywhere, you couldn't tell by the volume of folks arriving in Vegas that money was tight. Sure, folks probably opted for the $150 ticket package rather than the more expensive one. And, the $5 blackjack tables saw more action than the $100 tables. The local newspaper there reported on Sunday that gaming revenues were down across the board for all table games and slot machines. The 2% decline in revenues amounted to millions and millions of dollars.
Construction was at a standstill, however the weekend saw the Grand Opening for the newest hotel/casino: "M" and the crowds turned out for that too. Unemployment rates, according to the newspaper were also on the rise and the job market was tight. My informal survey of about 10 different blackjack dealers revealed that they're happy to have a job, even if they now must work longer shifts with fewer breaks. They all claimed that the volume of people was still there, they just weren't betting as much at their tables.
Even the cab driver who brought me from the hotel to the airport was happy to still have a job. He talked about the need to continue to support relatives in far away lands
TSA dutifully did their job as my carry on luggage received close attention and scrutiny every step of the way. Lines in the airport were long, but folks moved efficiently through security checks and metal detectors.
The economy is a bit stronger in Vegas for my visit, and I must admit that I forgot my dirty laundry in the back of the closet. It too should probably stay in Vegas.
As with most vacations, it's good to get away and even better to get home!
Nascar Race Weekend there with tens of thousands of racing fans at every turn. While the economy seems to be a concern everywhere, you couldn't tell by the volume of folks arriving in Vegas that money was tight. Sure, folks probably opted for the $150 ticket package rather than the more expensive one. And, the $5 blackjack tables saw more action than the $100 tables. The local newspaper there reported on Sunday that gaming revenues were down across the board for all table games and slot machines. The 2% decline in revenues amounted to millions and millions of dollars.
Construction was at a standstill, however the weekend saw the Grand Opening for the newest hotel/casino: "M" and the crowds turned out for that too. Unemployment rates, according to the newspaper were also on the rise and the job market was tight. My informal survey of about 10 different blackjack dealers revealed that they're happy to have a job, even if they now must work longer shifts with fewer breaks. They all claimed that the volume of people was still there, they just weren't betting as much at their tables.
Even the cab driver who brought me from the hotel to the airport was happy to still have a job. He talked about the need to continue to support relatives in far away lands
TSA dutifully did their job as my carry on luggage received close attention and scrutiny every step of the way. Lines in the airport were long, but folks moved efficiently through security checks and metal detectors.
The economy is a bit stronger in Vegas for my visit, and I must admit that I forgot my dirty laundry in the back of the closet. It too should probably stay in Vegas.
As with most vacations, it's good to get away and even better to get home!
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