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!