A few weeks ago, I noticed two gentlemen taking photos of our building after we'd closed for the evening. I offered to let them inside so they could photograph the interior, and learned that one was from Belgium and the other from Italy. They had been exploring the U.S. for several weeks, and were on their way to Chicago to catch their flight back to Europe early the next morning. 

When they saw the billboard about our Louis Sullivan Jewel Box Bank along the Interstate, they said they knew they had to stop. One of them has a watercolor painting of this very building hanging in his living room at home. He even had a photo to prove it. This is one of his favorite buildings from his architecture studies! 

I enjoy asking visitors and newcomers what they expected Grinnell to be like, and what surprised them once they arrived. Many expect a small town without much going on, usually saying they were surprised to discover how much is happening here. These two visitors told me they expected to find the historic bank in the middle of a run-down small town, and said they were surprised at how well-maintained the Jewel Box Bank is and how beautiful and vibrant our downtown seemed. 

It made me think about how we all have pre-conceived notions about a place before we ever give it a chance. For example, I have still not visited Fairfield but I expect to find interesting shopping and lots of art. I attended a marketing workshop recently where we talked about the importance of understanding our customers' expectations so we can make sure we are exceeding them. In Fairfield's case, if I visit them and I don't find anything art-related, then they won't meet my expectations-no matter how incredible other aspects of my trip are. It's important that they deliver what I'm expecting to see and do on my trip.

What do you think people's expectations of Grinnell are?  If you are reading this and aren't overly familiar with our community, I'd be especially interested to hear what you think of when you think 'Grinnell". Reply to this email and let me know your thoughts. 

-Emily Counts