Main Street News: March 14th

At this year’s Showcase 2016, we will again host the Kid$ in Bu$ine$$ division.  It is an addition to the show in which kids can be the exhibitors.  Kids in grades 4th-12th are welcome to have a booth in which they can sell items which they have made or sell a service which they are interested in providing.

It is a chance for that young entrepreneur, that young business person, to step out into the business world and get their feet wet. Some are truly talented with the merchandise they’ve sold.  Some are very professional and have ‘grown up’ signage, flyers and display methods.  Some are naturally outgoing in personality and greet customers as they pass their booth.  ALL are excited to be doing their business and to be part of Showcase opportunity.

In past years, many kids have had booths hoping to make some money for their savings accounts or that item they have been wanting.  Who knows what products and services we will find this year. Those attending Showcase should be on the lookout for the young entrepreneurs.  Take some special time to visit with them, ask them questions about their booth and help them learn about being a business person at the same time.

Information on having a booth has been distributed in the schools, but if you missed it, registration forms are available in my office.  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to give me a call at 354-2479.  I’d be glad to give you more information.  The Showcase Committee looks forward to having a great turnout at the show this year – as Kid$ in Bu$ine$$.  

Main Street News: March 7th

            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. Keeping up with the newest social media platform, creating a website or even coming up with a direct mailing are things people have said they struggle with.

This week, the Main Street Program is teaming up with the Barnesville EDA to sponsor a Small Business Marketing Workshop to help you with these new resources. Ryan Pesch will be here from the Minnesota Extension to share information on e-newsletters, Facebook for business, free websites, cooperative marketing, and direct mailings. There will also be time for businesses and organizations from town to share with each other what has or hasn’t been working for them. There are numerous tools out there to take advantage of to enhance and grow your business. This is a great opportunity to gain some insight on these tools and how to overcome the challenges of incorporating them into your business.

The Small Business Marketing Workshop will take place on Thursday, March 10^th From 11:45 am to 1:00 pm upstairs at Wells Fargo Bank. The cost is $5 and includes lunch from the Barnesville Dairy Queen. For planning purposes, please contact Bailey at the Main Street Office to register no later than 9 am that morning. To register or questions, please call 354-2479 or email mainstreet@bvillemn.net .

Main Street News: February 29th

Do you know of or are you involved with a group or organization that needs money?

If you are active in our community, then I’m sure you answered YES.  All of our community based organizations have worthwhile projects that they are looking to fund.  So much good work goes on to help others, make Barnesville a better community and move those special interest groups forward in their goals, that most could use a few extra dollars all year round.

If you answered YES to that question, I have a proposition for you.  Consider having a Food Booth at this year’s Showcase on Saturday, April 2 from 10 am – 2 pm.   The ‘old’ gym at the high school will be busy on stage with many different types of entertainment all day long and the crowds come to enjoy the talent showcased there that day.  And they come hungry!  Many are looking for a late breakfast, some lunch, something to drink or just a snack.  It’s a great way to help fund your group and it doesn’t have to be a great deal of work. Part of the fun of attending any event is the mouth-watering food served.  We look forward to having a wide selection for all attending.

The Showcase committee is looking for food booth vendors for the day and will coordinate to avoid duplication of items.  That means no two booths will be selling the same thing.  We want you to be a success!  Youth groups, civic clubs, sports groups, 4-H clubs and more are all welcome. 

If you are interested in having a food booth, have some special food offering and also want to get the word out about your organization, just give me a call at 354-2479.  I’ll be glad to give you more information to help you decide and welcome you to be a part of Showcase.  A Showcase Food Booth is FREE, but you do need to let me know soon – space is limited.