Think Outside the Big Box

The Hillsboro Free Press along with Marion County Economic Development, Marion Economic Development, and Hillsboro Economic Development produced a program on Thursday, January 8 at Tabor College to educate small business owners on the upcoming big box store coming to Hillsboro, give them the tools to survive when it gets here, and then thrive going forward.

The program started with Roger Holter who is an experienced leader and administrator in the fields of market development, retail operations and governmental operations committed to organizational growth through creativity, visioning and engagement of all associates and business partners.

He has been privileged to have the opportunity to be involved in the retail industry for more than 40 years. Positions include a broad range from the principal in four small businesses to a Regional Manager for National Retailers including Sears and Lowes Home Improvements.

Accomplishments include participation in the launch of the Sears Roebuck and Company Small Market Initiative and with the Lowes Home Improvement Company the brand launch campaign in the Minnesota Market. He has enjoyed company recognitions for revenue growth in the regional assignments achieving over $250 million in annual revenues and the good fortune of leading a store team achieving over $50 million in revenues and highest percentage growth in the Midwestern region.

Now, enjoying the amazing quality of life only available in the wholesome family environment of Marion County, Kansas with the desire to contribute to the community in a small way for the future success. Truly living and enjoying the ?Rural by Choice? decisions.

Then Marci Penner spoke on business success in a small town? Here are 8-Must-do’s.

Marci Penner and her father, Milferd Penner, co-authored three Kansas guidebooks in the early 1990s and then founded the Kansas Sampler Foundation. The mission of the foundation is to help preserve and sustain rural culture. Marci is currently the executive director of the Foundation.

Finally Tim Smith with Delivering Superior Customer Service.

Tim Smith is the President of Tim Smith Consulting, which is a management and workplace training organization located in Allentown, PA. Tim has been in the training field for over 27 years.

Some of his clients include: Executive Office of Former President Bill Clinton; The Pentagon; New Balance Footwear; Commerce Bank; Lehigh Carbon Community College; Crozer-Chester Medical Center; The United States Tennis Association; Herr Foods; The Home Depot; Lehigh Valley Hospital Network; The Independent Free Papers of America; and High Steel Industries just to name a few.

These three videos are their presentations. Enjoy.