Clebrity Night Shot

As we smell the neighborhood barbeques blazing, the laughter can be heard throughout the community, as in many communities. Off in the near distance you hear a few bangs from the presumed illegal firecrackers, then a boom or two, many wondering why people would be breaking the law. This is the presumed perception of America today in states where fireworks have been labeled as illegal, not only by the media, but also law enforcement officials.

The tradition of celebrating July 4th, also known to many as "Independence Day" stems back well before any of us today were even born. Fireworks in recent history have taken an extremely bad rap due to many past accidents and personal experiences of those who carelessly used them. You read article today on how some people oppose fireworks due to the fact that they are noisy, annoying and so on. All the things that fireworks are supposed to be, to them the annoyed ones they should not be.

Independence Day, fireworks, family get togethers, with many American's currently out of work, it sounds like a story that is not possible in America.

As we scan through the Michigan Votes website, looking at all the new bills that the lawmakers are purposing, one thing becomes apparent. Not one bill in all the bills pertains to creating a significant amount of new jobs.

We will use Michigan as an example due to the fact, there are number one, uno, in first place, for the highest unemployment numbers in America. We find bills that increase fines, jail time for offenders. There are several bills that add additional fees to the already struggling Michigan business sector. You will find bills that target past criminals, that prevent them from getting jobs or even owning businesses. You will find sections in some bills that will force them to close there existing business even if they have been law abiding, tax paying citizens, totally rehabilitated from there past. Bills, that are being introduced to regulate industries that are already heavily regulated under federal laws, bills increasing the financial burden on Michigan's struggling businesses.

At the same time, these very same lawmakers, take pay increases as the state in financial dyer straights struggles to survive. A state where those same elected officials cannot balance the budget. It appears that the syndrome of democratic policies have taken grasp with the belief that we can tax the hell out of them and then ask them, "Do not forget to vote for me now." The attitude that we will spend monies we do not have, hoping the existing businesses can survive the blow, this all in the wake of Michigan as it tries to recover. The record shows that these policies have not been working and unemployment figures clearly show just that.

"Boom" then a flash of light in the sky and another U-Haul truck blast by, speeding in the south bound direction for the Michigan border. Another family of Michigan's small business owners forced to leave behind everything that they once worked for, now victims to bureaucratic policies and the need for greed by Michigan's lawmakers. The ever rising trend is happening in Michigan at a alarming pace. As the press pads all the stories to protect the integrity of our lawmakers and public officials, reality is hitting home for many. Michigan's confidence levels have fallen to a all time low. Fingers are being pointed at the media to accept part of the blame for what appears to be one sided reporting, not telling the whole complete story.

Recently, a particular bill of interest is the fireworks law, HB5999-6000 which passed the democratic controlled house. The bill targets existing businesses with heavy fees in all aspects, hoping to generate monies badly needed in the state of no survival.

As you review who voted on the bill, several republicans jumped ship, ignoring there oath to protect the health, and well being of Michigan's citizen. One particular republican representative jumped ships to the democratic side supporting the bill, after businesses currently operating in Michigan opposed this bill and presented legitimate concerns directly to her. A bill with no foundation other than greed and out of control spending, with ridiculous regulations and guidelines.

This very same bill follows the carelessness of democratic policies, abusing conservative government functions, with a state in the financial situation as Michigan, conservative attitudes have no importance to those who represent the people. For those who feel that Michigan, is headed in the wrong direction, contact your state senator, write governor Gramholm, tell them, if it is BAD FOR BUSINESS, then it is BAD FOR MICHIGAN.

Who is this article is for?

It's for businesses located in historical communities that want to try a new approach to impressing and attracting customers - and no, you don't need to be involved in cultural tourism.

Certainly, restaurants, attractions, and hotels are good candidates for a history audit, but so are retail stores, banks, law firms, insurance agencies, and other kinds of service providers. "History" includes your own as well as your community's, so many kinds of businesses can play.

What are the benefits?

Loyal and new customers! People who live in historical communities tend to be well educated and well off, and they do pay attention to which businesses support local history. They are emotionally connected to it.

People who visit historical communities appreciate an authentic, local experience. Many of them/us have had enough of the increasing homogenization of America. By embracing these facts, and embracing your local history, you can take full advantage of current trends.

Frankly, history will add class and stature to your image and that's not a bad reputation to have.

What is a history audit?

In a nutshell, it's similar to a "customer touch point audit," but with a special focus on identifying the opportunities for incorporating history into your branding and marketing -- what you are already doing with history, and what you could be doing.

This is a new approach. You do not often find "history" and "marketing" walking together hand-in-hand to benefit the business sector, but times have changed. Businesses located in historical communities can benefit financially AND as good corporate citizens by reaching "across the aisle" to the historical community and taking advantage of their information and expertise.

What are three things you can do right now?

1: Investigate your own business's history.

Chances are, you are not a historian and neither are your marketing and PR people. Even if you are a new company, there are still historical questions to ask - including about your business's context - and it's ideal if you can work with a credible local historian or reference librarian at your public library. You want to know the answers to such questions as:

• Who founded your company?

• When?

• Why?

• What need was the company fulfilling in your community?

• Who else was involved?

• If you are an older company, how has your business changed over time and why?

• Are you located in a historic building?

• Are you about to celebrate a key anniversary?

• Are there human interest stories you could tease out?

• And be sure to ask for images (old photographs, old company materials).

2: Learn about your community's history.

If your business is located in a historical community, a published history should be readily available. You could also ask for a crash course from your local historian - perhaps for you and your marketing team. You could visit nearby historic sites, and soak in the flavor and the information.

• What are the historical themes in your community?

• Where does your business connect?

• Are there national themes that connect your business, your community, and the bigger picture?

• Are there historical community events you could support? These attract attention from residents and visitors alike.

3: Incorporate your findings.

Armed with the information you have accumulated, you, the consulting historian, and marketing team can now review every customer touch point in your business for ways to incorporate history - everything from your logo, website, and brochure to your physical plant. What you do could be simple and subtle, or complex depending on your budget and the opportunities you have identified.

• Co-host an event with your historical society or museum to show off what you did, and your business's historical connection to the community.

• Host an anniversary event for your business.

• Publicize what you did and why - this is a new approach! Be proud!

I think you will find that by thinking differently about history - as part of your business, and not some musty, dusty "thing" that's "over there" - you will reap many rewards.