Yesterday, State Rep. Nick Kahl

I am happy that our new State Rep. for this area, Nick Kahl is reaching out to the people in the district. I have attended one of many open discussion sessions he has held since taking office. Nick is now setting up "coffees" in various shops within his district to reach out to constituents, and yesterday he met w/citizens here. I appreciate his insight to support local small business as he gets the message out. Yesterday at least 3 new customers discovered Park Place Coffee by visiting with him.

Even those who would not take a Saturday morning to talk politics, but took their Saturday morning for a visit to the crepe shop became a little wiser on political issues. There are those who voiced opinions and there are those who just listened. I bet many of these customers hadn't considered how to get funding for roads now that gas taxes aren't efficient sources of revenue due to more fuel efficient cars and the contrasting agendas to get people to conserve, yet collect money.

Many other discussions were held and many ideas were shared, though I admit to missing quite a bit due to business on a sunny Saturday. This is why Park Place is here. To make the community a little more aware, even if it happens through osmosis!

More about the contest, social media, and friends

From the previous blog, you will have read my appeal for everyone to go the link and vote for my grant submission. I have always been one who has felt a little awkward about asking for attention. I have been the worst hostess ever for tupperware or candle parties because I don't like to impose on others for my behalf. I felt a little different about asking people to vote for Park Place, since I knew that many feel it is important to them also.

So, as I catch up with the social media craze, I used my facebook and my linked in to ask for votes, and attached the link. I hoped to go back and check my grant submittal and see more and more clicks for votes. What I found was much sweeter.

Not only do people go to the site to vote, but my customers have been going on and writing such kind things about Park Place and the importance of it to this community. Of course, winning the business grant would be great. I await the results later on next month. But, the value to me - the pride and warmth I have gotten the opportunity to feel has been priceless.

I really do believe Park Place makes a difference. And maybe I like getting a little more attention after all. Next - purple hair and maybe some bright red hip boots....?