Interesting feedback from our members the past few weeks. Have spent a good deal of time lately on the street visiting with our members about the local and regional economy.
Surprisingly, it's a "mixed bag" that I'm hearing. While some business owners will smile, look around, and shyly report that they're having a pretty decent '09 year, (shhh....don't tell anyone!), there are also those who are struggling daily to keep the doors open and remain viable. The majority seem to be somewhere in between.
My gut tells me that there are more local businesses that are enjoying relative prosperity than there are those who are barely keeping their business heads above water.
"It's obvious that many of the national trends are having, at best, minimal impacts on quite a few local businesses. The fact that we're now part of a global economy still has rippling affects from one end of town to the other. It's true that everyone is closely watching their bottom line. The current economic downturn has given everyone permission to be more conservative." These are just a few phrases that have common threads in the comments I'm hearing.
In Marshall, with its deep roots firmly wrapped around fiscal conservatism and risk aversion, we will probably not realize the dizzying heights of economic prosperity, nor will be subjected to the incredible impacts that the recession is having on communities elsewhere in our country.
Marshall businesses continue to stay focused on providing quality products and services. Together, our community will have a greater chance of surviving the national economic challenges. Much more so than trying to go it alone.
That's my opinion. What about yours?
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Marshall Stands Tall and Proud
The folks from Marshall and the region stood tall on Saturday. A wonderful regional turnout was on hand for the LTD Tour as the caravan passed through our community.
While I can't speak for the participants of the caravan or the families of the soldiers whose memory and service created this wonderful event, I can share how proud I felt at the wonderful response from Marshall and the Region.
While I can't speak for the participants of the caravan or the families of the soldiers whose memory and service created this wonderful event, I can share how proud I felt at the wonderful response from Marshall and the Region.
Friday, June 26, 2009
A place on their Wall
A bit of irony you might say.
A long time member of our chamber of commerce recently told me that they no longer wanted to be a member of our organization. With a bit of prodding, I was able to learn from them that they didn't perceive that the value was there in the membership.
It was important to me to also listen to their other concerns about the community. We also discussed the value equation of what great things the chamber is currently working on and doing on a daily basis. As we got to the end of our conversation, I pointed out that the membership plaque hanging on the wall of their business was a benefit of membership along with the First Dollar Award displayed next to it.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to convince them to renew their membership. Surprisingly as I walked by the business several days later, the membership plaque was no longer on the wall, but the First Dollar Award was still proudly hanging where it had been for a number of years.
Maybe there is still value in their minds for what we do and that they will consider rejoining later in the year?
A long time member of our chamber of commerce recently told me that they no longer wanted to be a member of our organization. With a bit of prodding, I was able to learn from them that they didn't perceive that the value was there in the membership.
It was important to me to also listen to their other concerns about the community. We also discussed the value equation of what great things the chamber is currently working on and doing on a daily basis. As we got to the end of our conversation, I pointed out that the membership plaque hanging on the wall of their business was a benefit of membership along with the First Dollar Award displayed next to it.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to convince them to renew their membership. Surprisingly as I walked by the business several days later, the membership plaque was no longer on the wall, but the First Dollar Award was still proudly hanging where it had been for a number of years.
Maybe there is still value in their minds for what we do and that they will consider rejoining later in the year?
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Loud Proud and Visible
On Saturday, the communities in SW Minnesota will be paying tribute to three fallen heroes and their families.
The 4th Annual LTD Tour will be held on Saturday, June 27th. This special tribute is to honor the memories and the families of 3 Minnesota National Guardsmen who gave their lives in the war against terror in Baghdad, Iraq in February of 2005: Sgt. Jesse Lhotka; 1st LT Jason Timmerman; and SSG David Day.
The motorcycle tour and caravan travels from Montevideo to Appleton via Marshall and several other SW Minnesota Communities. Included with the caravan will be a motor coach carrying the families of these soldiers.
They will arrive in Marshall at approximately 11:15 a.m. Their route will take them from the intersection of Highways 59 and 68 through downtown Marshall, then past the National Guard Armory, heading west on Highway 19. The group turns north on the bypass and will head west on Highway 68 towards Ghent.
In Marshall, residents are encouraged to fly flags, tie yellow ribbons, line the streets along the tour route and wave, shout and help pay tribute to the memories of these brave young men.
Along the bypass, the eastern most north bound lane will be closed off from 10:30 until noon, so that commercial and emergency vehicles can park and show their respect. Honking of horns, flashing of lights, is encouraged.
Let's not forget the memory of these Minnesota Soldiers. The caravan will be passing through our community non-stop. Please take 10 minutes of your day to help honor and recognize this special event.
The 4th Annual LTD Tour will be held on Saturday, June 27th. This special tribute is to honor the memories and the families of 3 Minnesota National Guardsmen who gave their lives in the war against terror in Baghdad, Iraq in February of 2005: Sgt. Jesse Lhotka; 1st LT Jason Timmerman; and SSG David Day.
The motorcycle tour and caravan travels from Montevideo to Appleton via Marshall and several other SW Minnesota Communities. Included with the caravan will be a motor coach carrying the families of these soldiers.
They will arrive in Marshall at approximately 11:15 a.m. Their route will take them from the intersection of Highways 59 and 68 through downtown Marshall, then past the National Guard Armory, heading west on Highway 19. The group turns north on the bypass and will head west on Highway 68 towards Ghent.
In Marshall, residents are encouraged to fly flags, tie yellow ribbons, line the streets along the tour route and wave, shout and help pay tribute to the memories of these brave young men.
Along the bypass, the eastern most north bound lane will be closed off from 10:30 until noon, so that commercial and emergency vehicles can park and show their respect. Honking of horns, flashing of lights, is encouraged.
Let's not forget the memory of these Minnesota Soldiers. The caravan will be passing through our community non-stop. Please take 10 minutes of your day to help honor and recognize this special event.
Friday, June 19, 2009
SoS: Hang our hats!
Sounds of Summer is back and gaining more and more traction every day. A fun schedule of events has been outlined, with more and more community groups and organizations jumping on the bandwagon of support! Good for them!
The strategy of the new organizers of this community event is sound and viable:
"Don't bite off too much and make certain that the programs planned have both the financial and volunteer resources in place to make certain that they are successful."
Community Celebrations often give a peg to hang a hat upon. Bragging rights, civic pride and support are all components and reasons to put time, talent, energy and resources into a celebration.
Now is the time for the entire community to make the commitment to this year's Sounds of Summer Celebration. It requires an entire community to insure the success of a community celebration.
It's time to step up Marshall.
The strategy of the new organizers of this community event is sound and viable:
"Don't bite off too much and make certain that the programs planned have both the financial and volunteer resources in place to make certain that they are successful."
Community Celebrations often give a peg to hang a hat upon. Bragging rights, civic pride and support are all components and reasons to put time, talent, energy and resources into a celebration.
Now is the time for the entire community to make the commitment to this year's Sounds of Summer Celebration. It requires an entire community to insure the success of a community celebration.
It's time to step up Marshall.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Remind me again
Almost a daily question: "Remind me again why I belong to our chamber of commerce?"
Here's the short version:
We work hard every day to provide value and services to our members and the community. We're doing the things that most people just assume happens on its own.
*80 Years of Organizational Stability and Leadership
*We ARE the voice of Business in Marshall and the Region
*We provide Business Education and Training
*We lead in the areas of Legislative and Government Affairs
*Superior Business Networking Programs
*We have aggressive and effective committees
*We conduct dynamic programs and event
*Daily services to our members, community and the public
Sometimes it's not about ringing the cash register. However, most days it's about making Marshall and the region a better place to live, raise a family, and conduct business.
Here's the short version:
We work hard every day to provide value and services to our members and the community. We're doing the things that most people just assume happens on its own.
*80 Years of Organizational Stability and Leadership
*We ARE the voice of Business in Marshall and the Region
*We provide Business Education and Training
*We lead in the areas of Legislative and Government Affairs
*Superior Business Networking Programs
*We have aggressive and effective committees
*We conduct dynamic programs and event
*Daily services to our members, community and the public
Sometimes it's not about ringing the cash register. However, most days it's about making Marshall and the region a better place to live, raise a family, and conduct business.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Customer Service
In today's tight economy, business owners and managers need to be pulling out all the stops to make certain that current and potential customers have every opportunity to do business with them.
Each of us needs to take a hard look at finding ways to make it easier for our customers to do business with us. Extended hours and services are just part of the battle.
The other day I walked into a shop and greeted the clerk with an enthusiastic "hello." It was returned with a blank stare and a frown. It didn't take me long to take care of business and leave. On another occasion I called a local business and the person answering the phone gave me the impression that I had just interrupted their day. I'll probably think twice before calling them again.
One incident that just really caught be by surprise was watching the owner of a small business park their vehicle in the parking spot closest to their door at the beginning of their work day. A couple of hours later when I passed by, their vehicle hadn't moved from the busy parking lot. I wonder how many potential customers drove by and didn't stop because there wasn't a parking space close to that store?
Granted, these are probably extreme instances of poor customer service. There are plenty of folks who do an outstanding job. From time to time I'll try to identify them in this blog.
That's my opinion. How about yours?
Each of us needs to take a hard look at finding ways to make it easier for our customers to do business with us. Extended hours and services are just part of the battle.
The other day I walked into a shop and greeted the clerk with an enthusiastic "hello." It was returned with a blank stare and a frown. It didn't take me long to take care of business and leave. On another occasion I called a local business and the person answering the phone gave me the impression that I had just interrupted their day. I'll probably think twice before calling them again.
One incident that just really caught be by surprise was watching the owner of a small business park their vehicle in the parking spot closest to their door at the beginning of their work day. A couple of hours later when I passed by, their vehicle hadn't moved from the busy parking lot. I wonder how many potential customers drove by and didn't stop because there wasn't a parking space close to that store?
Granted, these are probably extreme instances of poor customer service. There are plenty of folks who do an outstanding job. From time to time I'll try to identify them in this blog.
That's my opinion. How about yours?
Monday, June 8, 2009
Round Up the Weed Whackers
Last summer one thing I noticed was that several roadways coming in to our community had weed issues on the median strips. Highway 59 coming North from Slayton and Highway 19 near the High School were the most obvious.
When asked, someone with knowledge on the subject pointed out that they are State Highways and that MnDOT is responsible. They also pointed out that occasionally the City will help out too.
Last fall, Marshall City Administrator Ben Martig and I were comparing notes on a variety of subjects and the "weeds in the medians" concern showed up on both of our lists. (I suppose that when you're new to town like we are, these types of things are much more obvious). Ben confirmed that it should be MnDOT's responsibility to take care of those, but probably weren't a priority seeing how they were within the City Limits of Marshall.
We both vowed then and there that this summer would be different. Even if we both had to get out there once a month with weed spray and tools, the weeds welcoming folks to our community would not become an issue this year. Later this week we'll be meeting with MnDOT officials about this very subject.
Now if someone would just deal with the lack of "Welcome to Marshall" signs at the gateway entrances.
When asked, someone with knowledge on the subject pointed out that they are State Highways and that MnDOT is responsible. They also pointed out that occasionally the City will help out too.
Last fall, Marshall City Administrator Ben Martig and I were comparing notes on a variety of subjects and the "weeds in the medians" concern showed up on both of our lists. (I suppose that when you're new to town like we are, these types of things are much more obvious). Ben confirmed that it should be MnDOT's responsibility to take care of those, but probably weren't a priority seeing how they were within the City Limits of Marshall.
We both vowed then and there that this summer would be different. Even if we both had to get out there once a month with weed spray and tools, the weeds welcoming folks to our community would not become an issue this year. Later this week we'll be meeting with MnDOT officials about this very subject.
Now if someone would just deal with the lack of "Welcome to Marshall" signs at the gateway entrances.
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