Main Street News: April 19th

It seems like everyone is so busy this time of year. Running to different kids’ activities, farmers getting in the fields, and everyone is busy getting things done around their houses. I encourage you to take some time to slow down and take in a fun, relaxing evening by yourself, with your spouse, or get a group of friends together to unwind from the hustle and bustle of spring.

The Main Street Program is hosting the Toast of the Town on Friday, April 29th at the new, highly anticipated, Purple Goose Eatery & Drinkery. The fun begins at 7:30. In its seventh year, this casual and relaxed event has become a favorite for many to attend. It is a great time to come out and visit with friends and neighbors, try some new wines and beer and have a great time. It is a great opportunity to try something new for your taste buds. We have revamped this event and excited to change things up a bit. Being that we are now hosting it at the Purple Goose, we have decided to up the value of the ticket. Tickets are now $50 and include a four course meal, beer and wine tasting, a complementary drink ticket, chance to win some great door prizes, and the feeling that you helped your community! Meal options include your choice of steak and shrimp or chicken and ribs. Both meals also come with a salad, baked potato, and dessert. This is a great way to come check out the newest restaurant in town and support your community at the same time. Back by popular demand is the Spirit Tree – come and boost your spirits while trying your luck at the tree.

All proceeds from this event to go towards the beautification efforts for Barnesville. Our community has enjoyed the flower baskets and planters, festive Christmas garlands and special banners all year long.  Ongoing expenses for those flowers as well as future plans of adding trash receptacles, new banners, improving the welcome planters at entrances to town and other similar items are on the horizon. The Design committee continues to work toward that end and hosts this event to cover those same expenses.   

Tickets are available at the Main Street Office. Come on out and support Barnesville’s Main Street Program at the Toast of the Town on April 29th. We guarantee you’ll have a great time!

Main Street News: April 12th

National Volunteer Week is April 10-16 and MANY volunteers are busy right here in Barnesville. 

Over the last few weeks I have relied heavily on a number of volunteers in a variety of ways. Main Street always has been and always will be a program of volunteers. That is true in any community that has a Main Street Program. But I will say that Barnesville probably has the best of them all. Perhaps I am a bit prejudiced, but having worked with volunteers in both paid and unpaid positions, I can say that with all honesty.   

In a small town such as Barnesville, many of our volunteers wear many different hats for many different organizations. These volunteers work hard to make Barnesville a better community. The reasons why they volunteer vary but we know they don’t do it for the pay, for the thanks or for the notoriety. Maybe they have a special connection or take pride in knowing they are helping others.

 

Barnesville and I are both fortunate to have known such dedicated volunteers. They really are the heart of the community and cannot be thanked enough!

Main Street News: April 4th

Showcase 2016 happened on this past Saturday. It was another busy day in our community for businesses and residents both. Special thanks to all who made it possible again this year. Without the participation of the businesses and organizations represented, it would not have been held for this the 24th year. I heard many comments from vendors that they had a great day and were glad that Barnesville has a show right here in town.

All of the businesses who participated this year are to be commended for their commitment to Barnesville. They have gone out of their way to have a booth, invest their dollars in the event and reach out to customers and visitors alike. This forward thinking indicates their willingness to do business with you. It indicates their motivation to serve you as their customers and listen to your inquiries and suggestions. It is extra work for everyone at the business for them to be at Showcase and we do recognize that. Barnesville will thrive in today’s economy because of the support of its residents. Let’s continue to support these enterprises with your business – they are here for YOU! 

The entertainment, presentations and activities provided were second to none. We appreciate the time those individuals gave to help make Showcase an enjoyable event for all of those attending. Carol Albright and her art students provided an additional bright spot in our show with the Art Show. By sharing their talents and knowledge, they made a wonderful addition to this event. The food vendors were a hit with tantalizing smells luring us to the old gym for a delicious meal or a treat

I would like to thank the committee for the efforts put forth in organizing the event. Dar Hines, Bruce Albright, Becky Eggiman, Pete Larson, and Shane Raw have spent countless hours in meetings of preparation, soliciting entertainment, food vendors and booths as well as the manual labor in the set up & tear down of the entire gym! We also appreciate having the school as a facility in which to hold showcase. The administration and staff are so cooperative to work with. An event of this size and nature would not be successful without their support!  There are so many others who volunteered in a variety of ways to make the show a success: Irene Schenk, Sophia Swenson, Sally Braton, Kay Lane, Miss Barnesville Emma Vold, Ivy Olson and Cathy Wheelright. A HUGE thank you to all! We couldn’t have done it without you!

A special thank you is given to The Barnesville Lions, Barnesville Thursday Nite Lions, VFW Post # 4628 and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary 4628 for sponsoring the Barnesville Bucks door prizes again this year. We do appreciate the generous support from these entities.  

We look forward to Showcase 2017 and seeing you again!

Main Street News: March 28th

Not only is our office busy getting ready for Showcase this week, but we are also celebrating “Mom & Pop Business Day” on Tuesday March 29^th. The definition of a “Mom & Pop Business” is a small, independent, family-owned business. Unlike franchises and large corporations, which have multiple operations in various locations, Mom and Pop Shops usually have a single location. That being said, Barnesville is home to many of these businesses!

          The vision of a small-town Mom and Pop stores serving the community is one of Hollywood's favorites. We not only get to see it on TV and in movies, but we get to live in the heart of it. Knowing their customers so well, is a huge advantage for small town businesses. Their customers are also reliable and return so frequently. They are our friends, family and neighbors; and we build a special bond with them each time the visit the store.

          You can find many of these Mom and Pop businesses at Showcase this Saturday, April 2^nd at the Barnesville High School from 10 am – 2 pm. We have over 40 different vendors who are all ready to showcase what they have to offer. We also have a full entertainment schedule, a fabulous food court and door prize drawings. The students from the school have also been busy to get ready for the Student Art Show. Come out, bring the family, and enjoy the day. There will be something for everyone!

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: 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 .