Where do we go from here

Sharon McLeay
Times Contributor

 

Wheatland Business Women closed one door and opened another as a final service to the community, by holding a town hall meeting at the Days Inn on Oct. 21.
“Wheatland Business Women was formed to talk about business, as a way to get together with one another and do various things,” said Darlis Collinge, facilitator for the meeting. “When they made a decision to dissolve, we thought this could be a last gift to the community. We recognized perhaps there is a new need in the community, something that current business people or new business people could develop in the community to grow their businesses.”
The question considered by about fifteen members of the attendees was whether there was actually a need for a business group in the community, what those needs would look like, if there were any gaps or existing agencies that could meet needs and possible suggestions as to how they can be filled.
“What is done here tonight will need to go further and someone will need to step up to move that forward,” said Collinge.
The group was divided on whether a new group was needed, or if current services could provide clearer information to business owners what they offered.
“A strong business community is a thermometer for community health,” said Jill Crossland, the new president for the Strathmore and District Chamber of Commerce. Everyone agreed a vibrant Strathmore and District Chamber of Commerce with a good reputation is important in a community, but a few members said a new group could develop and help the Chamber to overcome some of the past issues.
Some of the suggestions about possible needs that could be met were:
networking opportunities, marketing information, training and opportunities, mentorships such as the Masterminds programs, customer attraction and retention programs, a collaborative cooperative partnership amongst organizations based on trust, teamwork and integrity, higher than entry level educational opportunities offered on-line or in person, access to qualified shared staff, equipment, facilities and expertise, increase community awareness and shared information such as available commercial space within the business community, financial management, start-up assistance and support, and communication skills development. Full details and summaries of the meeting were sent to those attending the meeting.
To continue, a new group would need to fundraise $250-$400 to hold a second meeting. A second meeting would identify and clarify steps for future development of a group and determine if they would be appropriate for the Strathmore and District Chamber of Commerce to address some of the needs, or list other entities that could provide for priority issues.
The Community Futures Wild Rose and the Strathmore and District Chamber of Commerce will be asked for assistance in setting up another meeting and whether they could provide a facilitator for that meeting. For complete brainstorming ideas and summaries of the meeting, check at the Community Futures Wild Rose Strathmore office.