Main Street Minute     Ron Reischl

Why do we say “Manning, Iowa…It’s Refreshing.”??   Because of our refreshing small businesses!!!  It is a little early for Christmas but it is not too early for the following message.  “As the holidays approach, giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. 
    This year can be different. This year Americans can choose to give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!  It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?  Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber? Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement…Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course…what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.
           How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy? Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.  My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.
          OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.  Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theater.  Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.  And do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? …leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
       You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back
to us in ways we couldn't imagine.  THIS can be a new American Christmas tradition.” 
    My comments: How about a gift subscription to a local newspaper?  Flowers and/or wine from a local store?  Consider a gift certificate from the local hardware or sporting goods store for the outdoorsman in the family or gift certificate for everyone from a local restaurant!  Our retail stores have items you will not find in Walmart.  Do you have a friend with an annoying mechanical problem or dent on their vehicle?  Pay for the repair at one of our locally owned auto businesses.  And then purchase a car wash!  How about an encouraging message on Channel 10 to a friend or loved one?  Still can’t come up with a gift idea?  Manning Chamber bucks are the right answer.   And, yes, Manning businesses are Refreshing…

Introduction to Aug 2nd, 2012 launch of Manning's "It's Refreshing" brand and website.  Introductions by Kirk Huehn, Chamber of Commerce President.

Jim Gossett: Purpose of a brand and Jim Auen: Benefit of a brand.

Jim Thompson, Business Advisor, Main Street Iowa describes why the Branding consultants recommended "It's Refreshing" as Manning's brand.

Ron Reischl, Main Street Manning Board President: What makes Manning unique and why the committee chose "Manning It's Refreshing" for the brand.

Main Street Minute

Ron Reischl

Why do we say “Manning, Iowa…It’s Refreshing.”??   More reasons are highlighted below.   Manning is blessed with many volunteers giving their time to multiple community efforts.  The Main Street Manning (MSM) board greatly appreciates all the volunteer time donated to MSM.  One MSM volunteer, Laurie Stein, described why she volunteers: “Growing up within a small community, I often watched my parents doing things for others, whether it was my Dad helping out a neighbor to plant or harvest when that neighbor had health issues or an accident or my mom cleaning the church or donating food and both of them ‘doing their part’ to help support the fundraisers that were so vital for the survival of the community. This respect that I had for their dedication and time they devoted to volunteering for the betterment of their community and helping others has been instilled in me. There is no greater satisfaction than knowing that you are helping keep the vitality of your community alive and well. Volunteering not only is beneficial to the community but it is important in our schools, nursing home, hospital and for our senior citizens as well. Please consider being a volunteer. It is fun, rewarding and provides a great social outlet to get to know the people who live and work in your community.”  Laurie, other MSM volunteers and all Manning volunteers are greatly appreciated.  A tribute to volunteers stated “Because we are community governed, our board of management is also run by volunteers who give up their time each month to make sure we stay afloat. Volunteers bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise with them to our community services and they generate such warmth in their commitment to what they do.  They are a priceless group of people and we cannot thank them enough for all their efforts."  Manning is blessed by a host of refreshing volunteers.

Main Street Minute     Ron Reischl    
    There are several major projects under construction and in the planning stage for Manning.  It will be exciting to watch progress and see their completion.  As you look around the community, there are improvements and buildings that can be attributed to the work and generosity of past Manning residents.  One significant example is the monetary contributions from the Warren Timmerman Charitable Trust.  This year alone, Manning received over $67,000 for 5 projects.   Michael Nelson, trustee of the Timmerman monies, has stated Manning received $1M from 2007 through 2012.  Manning is truly a better community due to the projects that were funded. They include the Warren Timmerman Shelter House in the city park, the nearby Warren Timmerman Sports Complex and many others.  Let me give you something to ponder.  Consider the contributions made by the Timmerman Trust and imagine the additional benefits Manning would receive if we had multiple trusts benefitting our/your hometown.  Main Street Manning is exploring the development of an additional trust or trusts.  Donations can be small or large.  There are significant assets in the Manning area – especially in the agricultural sector.  Consider the positive impacts you could make.  Put your stamp – and maybe even your name – on Manning’s future.   Please give consideration to providing for Manning’s future generations…  They include your children and grandchildren or those of your friends and neighbors.  WOW!  What a refreshing thought!