Main Street News: March 21st

“Do you have trouble hearing?” asked the teacher of a youngster who sat dreamily at his desk.

“No, Ma’am,” replied the boy. “I have trouble listening.”

Anyone who has every worked with children, either as a profession, a volunteer or as a parent can relate to that quip. Actually, it reflects some adults too! 

Most of us are like that. The ability to listen is not an inborn trait. It takes a conscious effort to do it well.  Successful listeners are people who: Listen intently - their minds do not wander. They concentrate on what the other person is saying. Repress their own egos - they don’t interrupt. Nor are they thinking only of what they want to say when the speaker finishes. Are patient – nothing is more annoying than a person who has no patience to hear you out.  Are concerned – they care about what the other person is saying because they are about that person.

Showcase 2016 is an opportunity for businesses to reach out to their customers and listen. Many of the businesses participating really want to connect with their customers and do that. They will listen and try to meet your needs. Perhaps Showcase doesn’t allow enough time for you to sit down with that business manager or owner and work out specifics of your situation, but it is an opportunity for you as a customer to meet them. You can reach out to them and take that first step. 

Whether you are an ‘old’ customer or a ‘new’ perspective one, those businesses at Showcase want to connect with you and are happy to visit that day and in the future. They want you to do business with them. They appreciate their customers and are committed to our community. Their presence at Showcase is just one more piece of evidence of that.

Showcase 2016 will be Saturday, April 2. Stop by the high school from 10am – 2pm for a chance to visit with many businesses or check out someone new. We have a large variety of vendors that are looking forward to seeing you at their booth. It’s free admission so you can’t beat the price!

Barnesville is fortunate to have the businesses that are willing to support Showcase, say thank you to their customers and ‘show’ to those in attendance what they have to offer. Come out and join them in a great day of hospitality, business, entertainment and good food.

You could be surprised at who is exhibiting. Try a business you’ve never been to or worked with before.  Think outside of your ‘normal’ routine and give some local business owner a shot at obtaining your business. They have committed to our community. We, as individuals, can give them our business and support the community at the same time.

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: 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.