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.