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 Hannah Grimes
Retail Focus Newsletter
January/February 2012 |
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Events to Help Your Business Innovate
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The Power of Your Employees Workshop:
How to Manage Them to Success
Having a happy, cohesive and productive work team is key to the success of any enterprise - but not always easy to create. This workshop will focus on how to create a culture of open communication, accountability and respect so your organization continues to grow and prosper. Cost: Free. Audience: All levels of businesses from any industry. Register Now!New Hampshire Energy Programs:
Increase Your Energy Efficiency &
Your Bottom Line
NH Businesses for Social Responsibility
Wednesday, February 8, Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Online Webinar
Energy costs are on the rise and putting pressure on the bottom lines of businesses throughout New Hampshire. Find out how energy efficiency programs can greatly reduce you energy costs by as much as 50% and create a more comfortable environment for customers and employees. Learn about two energy programs focused on improving the energy efficiency of New Hampshire businesses. This webinar will share how these programs can help you lower energy expenses and earn incentives for doing it. Register Now!
Social Business Workshop
With Lisa Sieverts & Liz Sumner, Facilitated Change
Tuesday, February 21, Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Hannah Grimes Center - Suite C, Keene
Increase Connection, Collaboration and Innovation with Social Business. Confused about "social" tools for business? This entertaining and useful presentation is an introduction to Social Business. Liz Sumner and Lisa Sieverts will show how the features of "social media" are used to solve real business problems. You will learn why "becoming social" may be the right thing for your company, and how to get started. Audience: All levels of businesses from any industry. Cost: Free. Register Now!
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Events to Help You Connect with Retailers & Other Experts
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EZ EXPO 2012
Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday, February 14, 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Keene Country Club, Keene
Come and meet your next customer, supplier or partner! Showcase your business as an exhibitor or attend to network and learn about fellow members... or both.
- $25 includes a table space and entrance with breakfast for two.
- $10 for entrance with breakfast for additional attendees.
- Bring your own 3' table.
- A limited number of spaces with an electrical outlet are available for an extra $10.00 (bring a 10' extension cord).
Join us for this fun and friendly opportunity to present your business to other Chamber Members. Reservations and prepayment are required. For details or to register a booth, contact Nancy Bishop at nbishop@keenechamber.com or call 603-352-1303.
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News & Resources to Inform & Inspire
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Independent Businesses Report
Strong Holiday Sales
Originally Posted in New Rules Project, By Stacy Mitchell
An annual survey has found that independent businesses had strong sales growth over the holidays and appear to be benefitting from growing public interest in supporting locally owned retail stores, banks, restaurants, and other enterprises. The survey, which was conducted by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance in partnership with several business associations, gathered data from 1,768 independent businesses across 49 states over an 8-day period in January. Among the key findings: - Independent retailers, which comprised about half the survey respondents, reported stronger holiday sales than the industry average. While overall holiday sales were up 4.1% in 2011, the independent retailers surveyed said their holiday sales increased 6.7% on average.
- More than three-quarters of the businesses surveyed said that public awareness of the benefits of supporting locally owned businesses had increased in the last year.
- Independent businesses in communities with an active "buy local" campaign operated by a local business organization reported annual revenue growth of 7.2% in 2011, compared to 2.6% for those in areas without such an initiative. ("Buy local" campaigns run by Independent Business Alliances and Local First groups are now underway in about 150 cities.)
 Looking specifically at retail respondents, the survey found that those in areas with an active "buy local" campaign reported holiday sales growth of 8.5% in 2011, compared to 5.2% for those retailers in areas without such an initiative.
Download the survey results here.
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