Main Street News: February 27th

Every day in our walk in life, we have the opportunity to promote Barnesville, to encourage growth of businesses, our school and our entire community. Telling people why we choose to live here, telling them about the things we enjoy about our community, telling them about the school system and about the businesses, services and organizations that we have are all qualities that we share. We do this through our business and personal interactions everywhere we go. Just mention Potato Days and everyone’s heard about Barnesville!    

This past weekend we had a huge opportunity for us to tell others our story. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, volunteers visited with interested visitors to the Barnesville Booth at the Home and Garden Show at the Fargo Dome. Many people were interested in leaving the larger communities for a small, town to raise their families. They were excited to learn more about what Barnesville has to offer and what sets us apart from the other similar size towns in the area.

The volunteers that helped tell the Barnesville story this past weekend include city council members, EDA board members, Main Street Board and committee members and residents. They all have a special interest in doing what they can to help grow Barnesville. We appreciate their generosity in giving their time and enthusiasm at the booth, but it doesn’t stop there. We need your help to continue these efforts all year long! Help us continue to share the message that Barnesville is a great place to call home! 

It’s been said, “Enthusiasm is NOT the same as being excited. One gets excited about going on a roller coaster. One becomes enthusiastic about creating and building a roller coaster.” This quote sums up the attitude of many of the volunteers for Barnesville that we work with. They are building a better Barnesville through their enthusiasm.

Main Street News: February 20th

It is no secret that doing business has changed as technology has advanced. Could you imagine going about your normal day without new technology, doing business none the less? No phone, no calculator, no computer? Think of looking something up in a book instead of doing a simple Google search. Technology these days is supposed to make life easier for us, but for some it has made it more challenging, especially when it comes to running a business. Keeping up with the newest social media platform and successful marketing efforts are things people have said they struggle with, but they know it is essential to make their business successful.

This year, the Main Street Program has gone through a total transformation. We unveiled our new logo and brand, started the Friends of Main Street Program and revamped our membership benefits. That includes our most exciting benefit of 10 hours of social media or marketing help to our gold members. We listened to our members and hope we can help them in these areas they struggle with. There are numerous tools out there to enhance and grow their business. We want to help our members take advantage of these tools and incorporate them into their business.

We are excited to help our businesses out in any way we can. But our business community needs your help as well! I know everyone has heard how important it is to shop local, but have you ask yourself “am I doing everything I can to keep my dollars in the community? Maybe it is more convenient for you to get your items up town or you think you can save a few bucks. Our businesses depend on your loyalty. Maybe you think can’t get what you need in town. I’m sure if you ask any Barnesville business if they can get that item from their store, they would be more than happy to order it in for you!

Main Street News: February 13th

It has been an exciting few weeks in the Main Street Office, especially when the mail comes! Between membership dues coming in and people signing up for Showcase, I have been busier than ever.

First off, I want to thank everyone who has already sent in their membership dues. We are so fortunate to have so many people who value their membership and know they are benefiting Barnesville through their commitment. But secondly, I want to thank the new members that have decided to join this year or move up a membership level. This has been the most exciting part, to see names of businesses and people who see the impact the Main Street Program has in Barnesville. You too should be excited about what you are doing for this community! In the past, each member received a plaque indicating they are a Main Street member. This year, each member will receive a window cling to display at their business. Please be on the lookout for these when you are making your stops around town and patronize these businesses!

Also, to those that are still considering joining I would like to encourage you to take part. If you have not been contacted and would like more information, please contact me and I would be more than happy to share the benefits of becoming a member! New this year, members also receive a 25% discount on their booth at our 25^th annual Showcase event. The Main Street program has been in existence in the Barnesville community for 26 years and continues to work very hard to promote our city as a great place to live, work and play though numerous projects and events throughout the year. Our annual membership drive helps us bring in needed revenues to continue these projects and make plans for other ways to help our community.  

If you have any questions about the Main Street Program or may be interested in becoming a member or “Friend of Main Street” for 2017, please feel free to contact me at the office by calling 354-2479 or sending an e-mail to mainstreet@bvillemn.net. Barnesville is great, but together we can make Barnesville better than ever!

Main Street News: February 6th

Although it seems like a long way away, mark your calendars for the 25^th annual Showcase event on Saturday, March 25^th from 9 am- 1 pm at the high school. It will be here before we know it! New to town or have a new business adventure? Maybe your looking to get your business some more exposure or you have a new product to launch? Showcase would be a great place for you to have a booth! We invite local businesses to showcase their products and service. Organizations are welcome as well! A booth at Showcase would be a great opportunity to answer questions or provide interested people with information about their cause. This is also an opportunity for you as a customer to visit with a business about your needs or interest in their products, as well as get more information about joining or supporting a local organization.  Because it is our 25^th annual Showcase event, we are offering 25% off the booth cost to all Main Street Members! Brochures went out late last week, but if you didn’t receive one and are interested in having a booth please call me at 354-2479 or email mainstreet@bvillemn.net.

We are hoping to have area restaurants and organizations managing food booths, set up in the old gym with lunch and treats available for you all day. We have a full slate of entertainment and an art show scheduled as well.  If your organization is looking to raise some money and interested in having a food booth, please contact me and we will get you signed up! 

Sponsored by Main Street, the Showcase brings over 1,000 local residents and visitors to see just what we have to offer.  It is also a time for us to ‘Showcase” our community.  Make plans to attend Showcase for a few hours of fun, food and activity on March 25th.

We also have a number of meal fundraisers and events to offer in our ‘small town’ over the next few weeks which will bring out many residents and visitors.

                                      February 6 – BHS Winter Band and Choir Concert

                                      February 8 – Valley Care & Rehab King and Queen Coronation

  February 11 – Thursday Nite Lions Butterfly Ball

                                      February 14 – VFW Valentine’s Day Dinner

                                      February 25 – Booster Club Girls Basketball Tournament

                                                              

Don’t hesitate to participate and support your local charities, churches and organizations. We have several opportunities to eat out (read… no dishes to wash!)  and support a local group as well.  Stop by for good fellowship and good food:  They are what makes Barnesville home to us all.