Do you have some concerns, questions or ideas about running a small business?
Why not write them down here! Let's start a dialog. Let's learn from each other and not repeat the same problems other's have experienced!



Feeling "Frisky"?

Are people feeling “frisky”? Except for real estate, perhaps, I think they are. Just drive around and check out some local restaurants (at least here in the CT Shoreline area). I drove by Sunil’s New Orleans Creative Cooking in Westbrook this past Friday night…the place was packed. Just look around and you’ll see lots more people getting out into the great Spring air! If you are driving about, please check out the following:

Bring Our Music Back Fundraiser Concert in the Gallery Friday, March 26, 2010 from 7pm-10pm

Please join us on Friday, March 26, 2010 from 7pm-10pm at the Leif Nilsson Spring Street Studio and Gallery at 1 Spring Street in downtown Chester Center for a special evening of music to raise funding for Bring Our Music Back (http://www.bringourmusicback.org/), an organization dedicated to the enhancement of life through music in support of burgeoning musical talent, programs and services within our communities. Come meet us and learn about our mission while enjoying music from the Band of Humans (http://www.sailpoetslounge.com/), Dan Stevens (http://www.danstevens.net/) and Leif Nilsson’s new band, The Chester Hotel Band (http://www.nilssonstudio.com/). Liquid refreshments and a hearty fare are included in the $25.00 donation. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

The Third Sunday Salon April 18, 2010

Feeling taxed by Uncle Sam? Please join us Sunday, April 18, from 4pm-6pm at 1 Spring Street in Chester to unwind and discover a wealth of local talent and art!
Calling all first-time, in-between time, and established poets, prose writers, actors, singers, songwriters, and storytellers to share five to ten minutes of original work in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere surrounded by beautiful works of original art. Simply have an idea to open for discussion? A magic trick to share? Any and all performance/vocal art encouraged. Children are invited, but material may not be censored. Listeners welcome and much appreciated!
Feel free to bring food and drink to share, or not. This event is hosted by photographer Caryn B Davis & poet Pamela St. Clair.


Good 'ol Newsprint


Have you noticed the Valley Courier, March 18 edition? As a part of RiverDogGeneralStore.com, several participants were advertised. Yes, it wasn’t the biggest ad in the world, but it was a first and you couldn’t (those listed) beat the price. In today’s marketplace, any opportunity to advertise one’s name must be taken advantage of. Those whose names were read by many shoreline shoppers were:

· The local Beet ….a green grocery located on Main Street, Chester
· Chester Architect…Energy Design by Errol Horner, Maple Street, Chester
· John Meisel, M.D and Rosemarie Cole, APRN…Main Street, Chester
· Centerbrook Pizza…Westbrook Road, Centerbrook

Although the Internet is today’s primary avenue of information, people still like to check out the local newspaper…and that is why RiverDogGeneralStore.com will continue to place ads listing local participating businesses in the local papers.

Last…check out the Town web sites on RiverDogGeneralStore.com….there are many activities going on in the Towns. Also, many Town organizations are looking for volunteers. Like most efforts in Today’s world, the more people get involved the better the results!

Spring is Here (well all most). From talking with people around the Towns River Dog covers, people are getting in the mood to spend some money! Great news for all the local retailers. Generally, folks have been reluctant to spend their money for many reasons with job insecurity being the main reason. But with the warmer weather on its way, hopefully, people will start to spend some of their funds.

This is where advertising come in. And RiverDogGeneralStore is right there! We'll have a newsprint ad coming out in the next several days. In this ad will be several River Dog Participants...just a small perk for being listed on www.RiverDogGeneralStore.com .

You'll also notice that our site has a new link to "other services". For example, looking to create or re-create your web site? RiverDogGeneralStore.com can help...and for a very attractive price. A really exciting new feature is our Sales Promotion area. We've hooked up with a company out west which is very responsive for sales promotion items...you name it, your logo, saying, whatever can be published on an item. Everything from T-shirts to banners. What is really amazing is you don't have to order in huge numbers. If you need seven shirts, you order seven shirts...and the price will not be crazy! Need something printed (business cards, brochures, etc.) let us know that also. Contact us for whatever your needs may be. We can tell you all about these great new services.

Do you have some concerns, questions or ideas about running a small business?

Why not writ them down here!

Several people have asked for the capability to communicate with other small local businesses right here on this blog. Let's give it a try....and you don't even have to sign your name.

Small Businesses Rule!

Yes, we've been busy and haven't had the time to post as frequently as we want to. Anyway...

WELCOME...
as we have a new participant on RiverDogGeneralStore.com. It's Family Health & Wellness...Welcome! John Meisel, MD and Rosemarie G. Cole, A.P.R.N. They are the ones "running the show". Their office is located at 150 Main Street in Chester, CT 06412. The office phone number 860-526-4945. Family Health & Wellness is a part of MHS Primary Care, Inc. which is a member of the Middletown Health System. You'll notice that there are several "MHS Primary Care, Inc." signs around the CT River valley/shore area...all a part of the Middlesex Health System (Middlesex Hospital ).



THE LOCAL BEET, Chester Ct
You've got to check this store out! It's a "green grocery". Kim, the owner, takes pride in having a huge selection of local high quality goods and produce. Kim writes on the Local Beet Blog "Pat from Four Mile River Farm is always right in front of The Local Beet..inside you will find their famous nitrate free hot dogs, kielbasa and knockworst...Beltane Goat Farm chevre, Beaver Brook Farm cheeses and pesto and Two Guys from Woodbridge organic hydroponic greens and Deerfield Farm raw milk, yogurt, cheeses and soaps". Kim continues, "Chester's own Mama Manju's salsa in 4 crazy flavors, Three Sister's Honey of Essex, Can't Beet It, an amazing local horseradish/beet dip that'll delight your taste buds and the original Bridge Tofu of Middletown".


The thing that really makes me smile is its location and "state of mind". It is tucked in the corner on Main Street in Chester, CT...you almost must look for it ...but you'll see it with that great sign over the porch. Except for the computer, refrigeration and credit card machine, you will know you're in a special place far from the clutches of our super store environment.



High recommendations for The Local Beet...http://www.thelocalbeetshop.com/

Please keep RiverDogGeneralStore.com and its participants in mind! Remember that The Store's purpose is to work with and help local small businesses. This is especially true in today's very tight economic world. America's small business community keeps our world turning while each business must stretch each and every dollar they receive...and what is really cool is that when they do business, these folks really appreciated it!

Thanks...talk with you next time!