Recently the board members from Waldo, Southtown, and Brookside met for the annual board retreat. This year’s focus was “how to survive in a declining economy.” Special guests from the financial, philanthropic, and small business communities provided excellent overviews of the current national and local situation and suggestions/resources that may be of assistance. The general feeling from the panel members was that our community is in much better shape than the outlying new shopping areas that have many vacancies and un-established residential areas.
The general theme heard from attendees was to keep upbeat, share more good stories instead of the “doom and gloom,” promote and network as much as possible. This is the time to reach out and appreciate existing customers and improve customer service. Focus on core services and be innovative. Pool marketing efforts and even job share with other businesses. Encourage everyone including the business people, to support their local businesses and community!