Don't miss what's happening in the Rushford Peterson Valley!
Important details from the  "Roadside" Advertising in the Digital Age workshop
If you missed yesterday's workshop from the University of MN-Extension, we want to give you some important information about how people are attempting to find your business. There are approximately 7.1 billion mobile-connected devices--nearly equal to the world's population. It should come to no surprise that people of all ages are using mobile devices to get directions and advice on places to shop, to eat, to fix a car, to buy insurance, to find things to do--you name it! Research shows that people lose trust in a brand if the business is listed incorrectly.

At the workshop, we learned that Apple iPhones and iPads "Siri" assistant uses Yelp data to direct people with their directions and Android devices use Google Maps (the most used smart phone app in the world). At a minimum, we need to ensure that our businesses, organizations and attractions in the Rushford Peterson Valley are found and have accurate details on Yelp and Google Maps. The Chamber coordinator is available to help you claim your business on Yelp and Google Maps; please call 507-458-6253 to make an appointment. Here are the steps you can take:

(1) Claim your business on Yelp. Go to www.yelp.com and search for your business. If you find your business or organization, click on the link to Claim this Business (you may have to click on the "?" symbol with the word "Unclaimed"). Create a Yelp account in order to provide accurate details about your business. Make sure to include the following:
  • Physical address
  • Phone number with area code
  • Website
  • Hours (Yelp directs people to your business when you're open)
  • Business category or categories
  • Respond to both positive and negative reviews
(2) Find your business on Google. If details or location are not correct, you will have to first either verify this business (verify ownership via phone or postcard) or use the "suggest an edit" link. For greater control over your listing, please verity this business and create a Google account to access details on Google My Business.

The above are two steps you can take today to become more accessible to potential customers--those searching for the goods or services you offer! Churches, local governments, schools, and civic organizations can also use these tools. The Chamber will be adding our valley's non-business attractions and destinations to these map and location-based apps (such as parks and points of interest), so please send an email with any suggestions you think need to be added.

Again, please call or email the Chamber to set up an appointment for assistance with the above steps. Thank you to the Rushford Economic Development Authority and Rushford Foods for sponsoring this workshop. Thank you to Tri-County Electric Co-op for the use of the meeting room.
Trail Maintenance Update
The trail is fully open. The re-paving between Peterson and Rushford that was supposed to happen this fall will not occur until next spring. The contractor has been delayed in other projects due to the rainy September and does not want to tear up the trail if there won't be time to put in the new pavement before winter. The new completion date for the re-paving will be May 26, 2017.
Rushford Peterson Valley Chamber of Commerce
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