The Elk River City Council has taken another step toward silencing train horns in the city, by determining how to pay the estimated $1.35 million cost of the "quiet zone" project.

Qualifying Elk River as a quiet zone entails installing some railroad crossing safety enhancements and a wayside horn system (see list below).

The City Council unanimously passed a resolution Tuesday to use $850,000 in profits from the city's two liquor stores (Northbound and Westbound) as an internal loan to help pay for the project initially.

Under the plan, the $850,000 would be repaid to the city's Municipal Liquor Store Enterprise Fund over 10 years from property taxes beginning with taxes payable in 2016.  

By Bob Phibbs 

They hire better people. It is next to impossible to train someone who really doesn't like people to begin with. Hire better.

Their merchandise and/or service stands apart from the rest. Whether it is the boutique that carries only locally sourced jewelry or the dry cleaner who fixes a zipper you didn't know was broken, your competitors may be doing something you don't. What can you do to top them?

They know how their products are better and can tell their customers in a way that doesn't trip their idiot switch. Commit to retail sales training that covers more than product features.

They have a good website and understand the basic keywords that drive online traffic to their doors. Revamp your website.   

They have given up mass couponing and only reward those on their email or other lists. Build your email list to retain those who have already shopped with you.

They try new things. Remember how powerful collaborating with other retailers can be (at the upcoming MMBA Regional Meetings) and never be afraid to try new marketing practices - even if it is something you might not use yourself.  

They don't keep comparing themselves to others but hold themselves accountable for their actions, for their choices in products and for the people they employ.  

So quit reading this now, hang up the phone or get off Facebook and help the customer in front of you.

Tired of hating your competition?

Then do something about it!