Congratulations - BackDoor Video has MOVED

Backdoor Video has had a successful business — so much so that owners, Rob Pierson and Marge and Murl Peirson have decided to focus on the video rental business AND move to a new location.

And when I say NEW, I mean new.  They are in a new building on West Commercial and will have a ribbon cutting today to celebrate the move.

BackDoor Video has New Digs!

BackDoor Video has moved to a new (really new) building on WEST Commercial.  Contact information remains the same.

Marge, Murl and Rob have fully applied the focus of their business onto VIDEO RENTAL and Sales in the brand new structure that they completed a few weeks ago.

They will offer the same and better service for video rental and sales, plus a few unique gift choices.   They are still helping community visitors by monitoring the telephone for the Mansfield Chamber of Commerce and offering information for places to visit, places to move, ways Mansfield welcomes everyone.

Mansfield Businesses Planning for the Holidays

Mansfield businesses are gearing up to offer service to you for the Holidays.  Some will be having shopping specials that merit your attention.  I know it is kind of fun to hit the big city, but there are some businesses in Mansfield that compete with the Big Box Stores for decor gifts, books, toys and gift certificates for your gift list.

Congratulations, United Country Ridgeway Real Estate for 30 Years in Successful Business

Strong 30 years ago and stronger TODAY — that is United Country Ridgeway Real Estate’s vision statement for the years beyond their 30th year in business. (http://www.ridgewayrealestate.com)

Sue Fuge and Devon Campbell set out to deliver service to people who wanted to either sell or buy real estate in the Ozarks just 30 years ago and they continue to do so.  Their intention to keep being a part of the Mansfield business community and be good neighbors.  Read more at Ridgeway Real Estate Vision Based on Service to Neighbors

Helping Friends and Neighbors in the Ozarks

Desiree Cooley, director for Helping Friends and Neighbors in the Ozarks has announced the holiday projects for the 2009 season.

First, we have Wright County  Little Miss Merry Christmas Pageant .  Applications are available at Wright County Schools, Mansfield Community Center and the Crisis Center in Mansfield.  Learn more at upcoming blog posts.

Then, there are plans for the Caring is Sharing program.  Desiree said, “We are handing out the applications for this adopt a child or family Christmas program. If you or your group would like to adopt a family or child let me know.  I wanted to get started early this year due to the economy I think this is important.”

Additionally, Desiree has announced the locations for the Salvation Army Kettles in Wright County and seeks bell ringers for that program which Wright County to the tune of 85% of the donations taken in Wright County.  She has a goal of $15,000.

Mansfield Community Center Honored by CenturyTel

MCC was awarded $2600 in grant money from CenturyTel to be used for technology updates. The Center will be purchasing a laptop and a projector for Center use and two computers to place in the lobby for member use.

You can see a photo of the BIG Check award ceremony at the Mansfield Community Center website.

Kickin’ up Grass Bluegrass Band Competition — 2009 Wilder Days

Kickin Up Grass Entry forms and information for bands and fans is available at Wilder Days-MansfieldMo.com

Be sure to tell your friends who have bluegrass bands that we have cash prizes for the Kickin Up Grass competition scheduled for September 19, 2009 in Mansfield, Missouri during the Wilder Days events.

Mansfield Schools Host Chute Camp

When someone sent me an email last week asking for local contact information for announcing Chute Camp, I was extremely perplexed, even after I was assured this was a REAL project.  Chute Camp????

But, we’ve continued to correspond and I’ve researched and learned that this is a BIG project for basketball players at Mansfield School and players who attend area schools.

These lucky kids will have The Chute to work on their basketball presentation and scoring success on June 15 and 16.  There are sessions for 9th-12th grade girls and 4t-8th grade girls  There is a small fee of $60 for the two days.

Pre-camp application forms are available at  The Chute website http://www.stgsports.com .  Walk-in participants are welcome and may register and pay the $60 on the first day of the camp.

I’m glad to see Mansfield School taking the initiative to have a camp here.  I know it is probably great fun to go away to basketball camp, but to know you play for a leadership which promotes your skills right at home has to be encouraging and inspiring to players.  That opinion in no way diminishes the opportunity for other schools in the area to enjoy the Chute Camp because the players from area schools are invited to participate.

Most likely coaches have been priming players to keep these dates open, but just in case, BASKETBALL Players, get your application form and attend.

Ozarks Heritage Region Sponsors Business Conference

Sheri Alsup has already announced to several of our readers via email that she has reserved a booth for Mansfield information at this business conference scheduled for Thursday, May 7, beginning at 8:30 am and lasting all day.  Sheri is working in partnership with John Cipron, Wright County IDA Director.   You can find all of the promotional information released at  Ozarks Mountain Country.  Click on the OHR Business Conference link in the right hand side bar. The file will open with your Adobe Reader.

A press release included in other information about the conference says:

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An Ozark Heritage Region Business Conference is set for 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, May 7, at the West Plains Civic Center. The conference is funded by a grant from the University of Missouri Extension’s Community Economic & Entrepreneurial Development (ExCEED) Program which focuses on economic development opportunities in rural communities. Attendance to the conference is free.

This type of training would cost your business several hundreds of dollars if performed in the private section. Whether your business is manufacturing, retail or service, this is a must-attend event for all business owners and operators.

If you can help with the booth in West Plains or would like to send brochures, etc. contact Sheri at 924-7070

MEDC-IEDC Entrepreneurial and Small Business Course

Sheri Alsup’s Mansfield Community Betterment connections brought this announcement to local businesses and start-ups.

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The Missouri Economic Development Council (MEDC) has arranged for the International Economic Council (IEDC) to bring its Entrepreneurial and Small Business Development Strategies course to Blue Springs Missouri April 30th - May 1, 2009. MEDC worked with IEDC to bring the course to Missouri with the hope that economic and community developers in Missouri could take advantage of a more convenient and comparatively reasonable cost location.

Small businesses stimulate job creation, develop crucial innovations in both products and services, and promote the diversification of the economic base. Thus, it is crucial that communities and economic developers dedicate resources to developing and promoting new business startups and establish effective support systems. A community that meets the needs of its entrepreneurs increases its chances of job growth by small businesses, which translates into a more vibrant community. As large businesses downsize, a healthy business climate that supports smaller businesses will also help with the retention of skilled workers.

The course will identify the tools economic developers need to create a climate that caters to small businesses. In addition, the course will cover the characteristics of entrepreneurs and small business owners, the barriers they face, and how communities can promote their development.

This course will cover:

• Characteristics of entrepreneurs and small business owners
• Promoting small business development in your community
• Identifying and addressing the needs of entrepreneurs
• Providing technical assistance
• Growth potential for microenterprises
• Development of business incubators
• How to attract private investors and lenders
• Micro-lending programs, SBA programs, venture capital, and other innovative financing tools

There is a link to the MEDC web site (http://www.showme.org) that leads to the registration form. It is important for you to go to the MEDC web site so you can take advantage of the reduced attendance fee the IEDC offers to the host organization.

Jan Simon, Ex. Dir. Missouri Community Betterment

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