Not always sure how to proceed, sometimes we find ourselves just jumpingright into (or should I say "pushed into") unpleasant situations. As agrowing business owner, I struggle with how to coach struggling neighboringbusinesses. I believe that we are all in this together as a community ofbusinesses so the health of one business does rub off on another.I serve as a Board member on Berryville's Main Street, an organization thathas tremendous potential to do good but unfortunately has struggled in thelast several years to foster healthy relationships and resources within thedowntown area. We recently completed a business plan together which hascaused us as a group to have a reality check.Next week we will host our first member's meeting of the year at our localfire hall in order to work diligently on communicating our vision andhopefully to gain new ideas and support. My personal challenge has been tohelp cast vision, to help lagging members re-engage in the organization'swork, and to speak some hard truths with as much tenderness as possible.I believe that with God's help, it is possible for old towns like ours tobe restored with a vibrant business district striving to serve one anotherin joy and having fun while doing it.
