A couple months ago, Elizabeth Weese, Executive Director of the Great Plains Theatre, contacted me about reviving the Bonebrake Concert Series, which is a series of live music concerts that I helped promote at the old theatre location for three seasons.  We brought in over thirty musical acts from coast to coast and Canada to perform in Abilene.  Although putting on a concert series is a lot of work, we had fun doing it.  Visiting with the audience, many of whom were from out of town, and being entertained by the great musicians was very enjoyable.  With the announcement of this fall's Bonebrake Concert Series, I was recently interviewed by Dennis Weese, who made the comment that economic development can be fun.  I agree.

Events and attractions are not only fun and educational; they are economic activities that bring commerce to the community.  The Central Kansas Free Fair and Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo begins next week and thousands of people will be enjoying themselves during the six day event.  The Great Plains Theatre has a production of "Pump Boys and Dinettes" beginning on August 5th.  The Enterprise Fall Festival, Trails, Rails, and Tales (150th Anniversary of the Chisholm Trail), and Chisholm Trail Days are just around the corner.  You never know what a visitor is going to need while they are here.  Lodging, dining, and gasoline are the obvious needs.  However, they may decide to buy a shirt, shop for antiques, or need a car repair.   

  

Volunteering for events is another way to meet people whom you may develop a business relationship with.  Regardless of the type of business you are in, being seen is vital to your success and there are lots of fun and fulfilling ways to achieve this.  The Trails, Rails, and Tales event and Abilene booth at the State Fair are looking for volunteers to help with these events.  I have volunteered for a number of these types of activities over the years and have always had fun doing them. 

On an individual business level, making personal connections is very important to create top of head awareness in the community.  A number of local businesses and organizations have hosted Business After Hours, ribbon cuttings, and open house events that are not only enjoyable, but great opportunities to visit with others in a comfortable pressure-free environment.  People do business with people they know and trust... strive to become known.  If you attend a Bonebrake Series concert, you should have a good time and will likely create an impression that will lead to commerce walking through your door.