How can "history" work
for "business?" Three answers revealed in our FREE report!
(Just click on the image.)
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 | | 3 Ways Your Business Can Benefit from Supporting Local History |
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Greetings!
I love to call attention to business people who are doing good works on behalf of local history in ways that benefit their community AND their business. That's really at the core of History Smiths' mission after all, so I delight in sharing examples! Two outstanding ones are in Article #1.
Article #2 offers ideas for banks or credit unions opening a branch in a new neighborhood. What an opportunity to connect with local history and win the hearts and minds of new customers! (For you history folks, these ideas are all potential revenue streams for you!)
And if any of you are old book enthusiasts, I wanted to plug the upcoming Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair. It's November 12-14, 2010 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, and it is a real treat if you've never been. Actually, for me, it's quite dangerous, but I will steel my will power and go anyway!
Keep in touch, and -- as always! -- wishing you every success!
 Bonnie Hurd Smith |
Two Corporate Citizens Step Up for Local History
and "Everyone" Wins
by Bonnie Hurd Smith
 | | Haunted Happenings is now a well-managed, family friendly event in Salem, MA |
Two examples of outstanding corporate citizens supporting history just crossed my path, and I wanted to share their inspiring stories with you.
The first one is a thirty-year success story, and it involves Haunted Happenings in Salem, Massachusetts. Thirty years ago, in 1980, you may recall that Halloween in the United States had become rather disturbing. There were instances of razor blades in apples, tainted candy, and the like. The holiday, which had long since evolved into a costumed, memorable, literally sweet childhood joy had essentially been taken over by a very dark element. It was no longer the innocent pleasure it should have been.
Even in Salem, Massachusetts, where the historical story of the Salem Witch Trials has lived side-by-side with the contemporary holiday for generations, Halloween was troubling for families. In 1980, as the President and CEO of the Salem Witch Museum (and Salem native), Biff Michaud decided to act. He put up his own money to fund the first-ever, city-wide Haunted Happenings to transform Salem's Halloween into a truly family friendly event. He involved dozens of people and organizations throughout the city, and the city itself, and it worked! Over the years, Haunted Happenings has grown and changed. Today, it is a month-long festival that draws families and crowds of every age to a well-managed, safe, enjoyable, diverse event.
Biff is quick to credit Salem's current mayor, Kimberley Driscoll, and all of the city employees and Salem organizations that make Haunted Happenings work today. But it was his vision 30 years ago, his steady leadership since that time, and his generosity as a leading corporate citizen in Salem, that have created one of Salem's premiere economic development machines. (continued)
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When Banks and Credit Unions Branch Out,
Do They Connect with Local History?
 | | Bank teller "roping in" a new customer |
by Bonnie Hurd Smith
Recently, a local bank I know opened a new branch in a historic neighborhood of a historic town -- yes, in New England, everything is that closely defined. The bank is not new to the town, but they are new to this neighborhood, and so they have an enviable opportunity to connect with local history. Residents in this particular neighborhood are very attached to their history. In fact, when asked where they live, residents will refer to the neighborhood and not the town. Again, what an opportunity for this regional bank to show customers they "get it" and really endear themselves. How? (continued)
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