Advanced Organization Academy around the country

This Fall, Stephanie Redman and I saw a lot of the Denver Airport, as we went to both Cheyenne and Laramie Wyoming to work with their local Main Street managers twice, once in October and then again in early November. We also flew to Wichita and drove west to El Dorado Kansas to speak at the annual Kansas Main Street Conference.

Our first foray to Laramie was to give three presentations over two days as part of the state Main Street Program's "Main Street 201" session for managers and volunteers. From our Advanced Organization Academy series of workshops, we presented:

1. Conquering Leadership Transitions
2. Diversify Your Revenue Sources!
3. Effective Public Relations for Established Downtown Organizations.

In Kansas we presented our PR and fundraising sessions, to over 100 people at each session.

So here is what Kansas and Wyoming downtown managers had to say about our sessions:

Effective PR

• "Value of blogs for younger and diverse markets"
• "I got several new ideas...things I've never done before!"
• "Improving image is not impossible--PR is the key."
• "Tons of great information,.Could be a whole day class."
• "I really liked the checklist and info on annual reports."
• "WOW"

Diversify Your Funding Sources!

• "Revenue sources beyond the norm were explained."
• "The sponsorship brochure was an excellent idea. I will put this to use immediately"
• "Really got my creative mind working again!"
• "Fundraising explained in detail and new examples discussed."
• "GREAT STUFF!"

Conquering Leadership Transitions

• "Good exercises/interaction."
• "Thanks for reminding us to reach further into the community."
• "Info was really good and they were very passionate."

Thanks go to Jeanne Stinson, State Coordinator for Kansas Main Street and to Mary Randolph State Coordinator for Wyoming Main Street for inviting us.

These sessions are great for any downtown or commercial district revitalization effort. Contact us to learn more.

Praise for Strategic Leadership for Main Street Organizations

Earlier this month Stephanie Redman and I were in Cheyenne Wyoming to work with the five local Main Street mangers of the Wyoming Main Street program. The state program had contracted with us to present our two day training session "Strategic Leadership for Main Street Organizations." And it was a great hit.

This workshop is designed to enable seasoned downtown mangers to develop a clear strategy to take their organization and their own skills to the next level.

The workshop is in two parts. It is centered around two, hour long, one-on one-coaching sessions with us, after the manager completes self assessments: one about the Main Street organization, the other about the individual manager's leadership skills.

Both of these assessments, created by outside organizations, had real relevance for both Stephanie and me, and we decided to combine these as components of our workshop. We also include planning exercises and group discussions to help participants identify specific issues to be addressed, and then strategies to vault the organization forward.

Some of the worksheets we use address overcoming obstacles, pathways to use leadership strengths for guiding change, and creating a plan for selling organizational growth at home through a well honed "elevator pitch."

Here is what they said about Strategic Leadership for Main Street."

You ladies were an absolute treat. I am so grateful for your time and interest in our programs. I know our communities will benefit and we have found new friends. Thank you.

"The exercises were good and made me think."

"This has been fun, encouraging and validates my thoughts and efforts to this point."

"I learned that what we--and me--are doing needs to readjusted--better defined, cleaner, less clutter!"

"Donna was a great help. Stephanie's comments and suggestions are and will be very helpful. Thank you."

"Your wealth of knowledge, presentation skills and genuineness are truly amazing and appreciated."

Gee, we didn't know!

Contact me if you want to learn more about Strategic Leadership for Main Street Organizations.