Welcome to the Minden, NE Chamber of Commerce’s new blog site. What you will see here will be a mix between serious information and what might border on silliness, including but not limited to:
- Great stories about life in a rural, small town in the middle of Nebraska from the people who love it.
- Information, pictures, and updates about what is happening with the Chamber.
- Business tips for the small-business owner.
- Other items that might strike our fancy. Make a suggestion!
Right now we are getting ready to kick off our newest “Shop Minden” campaign, but with a twist. It is my hope that we would be able to energize our businesses by highlighting some of the things that they do that you just can’t get anywhere else. So I’m asking for your help! Do you have a story about one of our local businesses that really sticks out in your mind? Was there a way that one of our businesses went above and beyond for you? Just to get the ball rolling, let me share one of my personal favorites.
Born and raised in Minden, I am no stranger to the small town scene. In fact, after living in both Wichita and Kansas City, I was more than ready to return to my small town roots. Shortly after moving back, I was struck anew by just how much I love life outside of the metropolitan hustle and bustle. I pulled up at our local Casey’s store to fill my car. Since I was planning to pick up a pop, I did not swipe my card to pay at the pump. The loudspeaker boomed with the attendant’s announcement, “Pump 3 is ready. Please pay inside.” I grinned and waved at the attendant through the store window, as I am no stranger to Casey’s. But that isn’t the story. In a matter of seconds, a pickup rolled up to the opposite side of the pump, where the owner slipped his credit card into the reader to begin fueling. Again the loudspeaker crackled to life. This time the attendant’s voice had a bit of a stern tone. “Bob,” she said, “I’m mighty disappointed you’re not coming inside to pay today.” Bob turned to the window, grinned sheepishly and shrugged his shoulders. I’m betting you that next time Bob paid inside.
Only in a small town do you get pestered for taking the quick and easy way of fueling up your truck. Only in a small town does the local gas station attendant want you to actually come inside and chat for a bit. Only in a small town does face-to-face interaction trump convenience.
So if you have a similar story to share, I’d love to hear it. And maybe your story will be used in our upcoming campaign.
Who says bigger is better? In Minden, we beg to differ.
Marcy Brandt, Director of the Minden Chamber of Commerce
www.MindenNE.org
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