July 16, 2010 6:39 AM PDT
Jennifer - One thing that I do is try to make a stop at the local Chamber of Commerce's in the small area towns that I call on. They usually have Chamber newsletters that announce new businesses - this has been really helpful. I became involved in our Chamber and was recently voted in as an 'Ambassador', in which I am invited to attend coffee calls and ribbon cuttings for all new business in and around the area. Our local Chamber also travels to smaller surrounding communities to learn a little bit about them & their businesses, economic development, etc. I am in a community of only about 30,000, but we have MANY smaller communities that surround us. Good luck!
July 16, 2010 9:02 AM PDT
That is an awesome idea, Kent!