Month: January 2022
If you’re like me- and almost everyone else in this country- the end of the year is a time to look back and assess. I enjoy the nostalgia and reminiscing that occurs at this time of year, but it can also be a time of dread. It’s a time to realize you either hit the mark or you didn’t. And if you did, you may be apprehensive about being able to do it again in the new year.
So collectively we seek to make resolutions.
We tell ourselves we’re going to do it differently this year. And many times that sets up to fail right out the gate, because we forget about it, or we fall back into our old routines. That doesn’t mean though that you should not or can not succeed at making changes. Make the changes small and incremental. Here at the Glenwood Area Chamber of Commerce this is how we are going about our resolutions.
Make it a team effort. We started this in November/December, but we created improvement goals for our organization and assigned them to people within the organization, including our board. If you are like me, then you probably geek out over excel spreadsheets that are shared with everyone that needs to be involved so everyone is on the same page. Accountability is key.
Derive your why. We talk about “what’s your why” a lot here at the Chamber. It helps us operate from a place of understanding. Just as it is important to understand why you started your business or why you do the kind of work you do, it’s important to understand why you are making the changes or adaptations. Are you making them just try something new? Or are you making the changes because you want to see an increase in social media traffic? Or an increase in people purchasing a specific item? Or an increase in the backend efficiencies? Make sure you believe in the why, otherwise it will fall flat.
We hope these small tips help you as you start this new year. Just remember sometimes just taking time to improve one what you already have is a big enough goal. We want you to know that we are excited for the new year and thrilled that you have chosen Mills County as the place to do business.
Upcoming events.
Business and Brews: Grand Re-Opening of Loves on January 20th at 5:30 PM
Legislative Forum: February 5th at 10:00am at the Glenwood City Hall
The Tale of Two Cities. “It was the best of times and the worst of times”. Growing up it was one of those books that my parents strongly encouraged my siblings and I to read. Being an avid reader, I figured no problem. However, this book was an unstartable and unfinishable book for me. However, the title of it has stuck with me. I am sure many of you have seen the comments on facebook or maybe you’ve said something to this effect “oh that’s a Malvern event not a Glenwood one” (or vice versa), or “why can’t we have more decorations or art like Malvern.” or “why can’t there be a shop hop in Malvern”. We like to pit Glenwood and Malvern against one another. Which at times leaves me baffled. Not because I don’t understand it, but more so because at my core I am all about collaboration. Especially when it comes to building communities to encourage people to come visit.
Both towns have some amazing things to offer: from restaurants, to boutiques, to hair salons, to vet clinics and more. Both have a deep sense of pride and history. Malvern has an artistry, progressive, and quaint vibe. Glenwood is known for its homecoming and has seen growth around the downtown square. When you peel back the differences you find that these towns have more in common than they do different.
I recognize though that they have some inherent differences. Maybe the biggest difference is that Malvern has a dedicated betterment organization, where Glenwood does not. And this is the opportunity. We all have our opinions about the communities that we live in. But what are you doing about those opinions? What are you doing about the concerns you have? Or the big audacious ideas you have for your community?
Malvern Area Betterment Association is always looking for people who want to help. And in Glenwood there is a group working at forming a betterment organization.This Tale of Two Cities doesn’t need to be one of competition. Both towns can thrive and grow and support each other. We just need to shift our focus from a fixed mindset of this how it has always been to a growth mindset. Imagine, what if all the towns in Mills County worked together to support each other and Mills County became the best County in Iowa? Will you join me in this effort?
Events this Holiday Season
Keep the Cheer Here: There is still time to get your Bingo card and participate!
MABA Festival of Trees Dec 3rd and 4th: check out their facebook page for a full list of times
Glenwood Rotary December 5th Spaghetti Dinner 11-1 at the Mills County Museum. This is a fundraiser that goes to support local nonprofits across Mills County