DMA Buzz – Whatz Happening! Hands of Christ Thrift Store Grand Opening!

 

Your Future – Wearing Shades, Or Blinders?

“My future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades!”  “I can see clearly now the rain has gone…”  or “Raindrops keep falling on my head…”  Some of you recognize these song lyrics? What are the lyrics to your song, your future: sunshine or raindrops?

I suppose you can check the weather channel, or “Madame Rue” you know, “the gypsy with the gold capped tooth…” (bet you thought it was “the gypsy with the gold tattoo!”) Or, you can “Make Life What You Want” ™.

In our pursuit of an Active Positive Lifestyle, a recurring theme we have found around longevity (and yes, we Boomers definitely are wanting a few more quality years on this planet!) is conscientiousness.  Conscientiousness is the thoroughness and diligence to make and perform good choices.  So now what we need is a working plan to finance these extra positive “days of our lives!”

Some retirement strategies are “keep working” and “Social Security”, a one-two punch in the stomach.  We want younger folk to have jobs, stay healthy and save money.  That way “Social Security” may stay intact.  By the year 2030, 20% of the US population will be over 65 years old–and we do vote, you know?

Want to see what happens in your future? Don Kemp, Espey Financial Group, can help with a plan.  Nope, he doesn’t have a crystal ball, or a magic pill, but he can clearly show you how you can make a customized plan to control your financial future, and that ain’t too shabby!

Last week we sat with Don and some of our Duluth Merchants Association (DMA) business friends, also looking for answers.  Don showed us how a dollar of income, a dollar of spending, a dollar of investing, the local and world economies, personal crisis, and the rise and fall of your local creek can (over time) determine the size of your life boat and the length of your paddle.

This community invited RSVP event hosted at The Work Spot in downtown Duluth  is one of several informative “Brown Bag Educational Series” presentations DMA will be offering this year to help local folks and businesses succeed.  Like the recent DMA Mini Expo we wrote about in April, we view the DMA Educational Series as a positive opportunity available to the Community.  Stay tuned for next event–hope you can join us!  Positively yours, Sheri and Bill

p.s. If you enjoyed our music references, here are Youtube web links for your listening pleasure!

“My future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades!” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfWXknBLpko

“I can see clearly now the rain has gone…”  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1MjRp0ys5I

“Raindrops keep falling on my head…”  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t30cX6OGO0U

“…Madame Rue, the gypsy with the gold capped tooth …” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=va3xSE1udgM

Back to School for Duluth Merchants

 

It might be summer break for most kids, but it was back to school night for DMA members and guests, as The SchoolHouse Preschool Academy in Duluth hosted the June DMA Meeting.

Members dined on healthy and tasty subs, salad and fruit, surrounded by stuffed animals, learning toys, books, and natural playscapes as the décor of the evening. DMA member Mark Williams, of Printing Trade Company (currently running for Georgia House District 96) tested the slightly shorter furniture, as he demonstrated his alphabet and language skills for the group.

The Schoolhouse, is a non-traditional “learning community for children ages one to four who are taught by teachers who embrace the joys of learning and its unimaginable possibilities.” Angilla Jones, owner, shared with DMA members the school’s unique approach to learning, and her obvious energy and passion around helping educate our young ones was apparent. What a great way to nurture an active positive lifestyle!

In true school fashion, we had our own version of “Show and Tell”, as members and guests were all given an opportunity to speak to the group, and strut their stuff.

DMA member Kathryn Willis reminded everyone of the upcoming June 30th event on the Duluth Town Green, “The 30^th on the 30^th”, celebrating the 30 year anniversary of the Duluth Fall Festival. Music, fun and food for everyone, as the final check to pay for the Festival Center will be presented to the city. This check will make the total donation from the Duluth Fall Festival to the City over the past 30 years a whopping $1,300,000! Very impressive!

Tim Shearer, Duluth City Manager noted there are a lot of good organizations and folks out in our community working to make a difference. Being new to the area, he has already noticed that there are hundreds of non-profit groups with specific skills, interests, assets and missions. He hopes to find ways to bring many groups together to further enhance their successes.

Chris McGahee, Duluth Economic Development Manager stated downtown will be at full occupancy soon, with three new businesses coming to Main Street. The new roundabout in Duluth is functioning well, and ADCO has donated funds for artwork to be installed there. The flags placed on display for Memorial Day will remain another 30 days, while the City of Duluth competes in the most Patriotic City contest.

Meeting ended, school was over, but our lifelong learning continues! Next meeting will be on July 10^th at The Parc at Duluth where we expect to find many other folks young at heart….please join us! Positively yours, DMA members Sheri and Bill Eppright, Positive Public Image, Inc.

DMA Buzz–Whatz Happening! 30th On the 30th – Duluth Fall Festival 30th Anniversary Party!

Don’t miss the Duluth Fall Festival 30th Anniversary Party on Saturday June 30th at the Duluth Town Green!

Great music and fun and the  Admission is Free!

 http://www.duluthfallfestival.com/30th-anniversary-concert.html

DMA Buzz – Whatz Happening! Congratulations to Planet Earth Adventures!

Congratulations to our long time DMA member Albert Marquez of Planet Earth Adventures,  honored as the #1 Tour Company in Anchorage, Alaska!

……………………………………………………………………

PLANET EARTH ADVENTURES EARNS 2012 TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE

 

Honored as the #1 Tour Company in Anchorage Alaska as Reviewed by Travelers on the

World’s Largest Travel Site

Anchorage, AK – May 31, 2012 – Planet Earth Adventures, LLC today announced that it has received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award. The accolade, which honors hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Approximately 10 percent of accommodations listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award.

To qualify for the Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travelers on TripAdvisor. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.

“Planet Earth Adventures, LLC is pleased to receive a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence,” said Albert Marquez, Owner at Planet Earth Adventures. “We strive to offer our customers a memorable experience, and this accolade is evidence that our hard work is translating into positive traveler reviews on TripAdvisor.”

“TripAdvisor is pleased to honor exceptional businesses for consistent excellence, as reviewed by travelers on the site,” said Christine Petersen, president of TripAdvisor for Business. “The Certificate of Excellence award gives highly rated establishments around the world the recognition they deserve. From exceptional accommodations in Beijing to remarkable restaurants in Boston, we want to applaud these businesses for offering TripAdvisor travelers a great customer experience.”

About Planet Earth Adventures, LLC

We are your Travel Experts to America’s Last Frontier. We have over 14 years experience guiding adventures in Alaska, our knowledgeable, professional and friendly staff wants to share their knowledge and passion for this beautiful state.

We offer small group tours to Alaska’s most spectacular destinations. To knowledge seeking travelers, Planet Earth Adventures is the premium guided travel experience, with all the details taken care of so that guests can connect with the people and the places of Alaska.

Combining the best of an Alaska Adventure, from sea kayaking, hiking, wildlife viewing, dog sled tours and Northern Lights tours to name a few, Planet Earth Adventures can offer you an authentic experience and an unforgettable Alaska Vacation.

Personalized Service, High-Quality Experience, is what makes us different from the rest!

About TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor® is the world’s largest travel site, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools. TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 50 million unique monthly visitors*, and over 60 million reviews and opinions. The sites operate in 30 countries worldwide, including China under daodao.com. TripAdvisor also includes TripAdvisor for Business, a dedicated division that provides the tourism industry access to TripAdvisor’s millions of monthly visitors.

TripAdvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRIP) manages and operates websites under 19 other travel media brands, and together the sites attract more than 69 million unique monthly visitors**. TripAdvisor’s travel media brands include www.airfarewatchdog.com, www.bookingbuddy.com, www.cruisecritic.com, www.everytrail.com, www.familyvacationcritic.com, www.flipkey.com, www.holidaylettings.co.uk, www.holidaywatchdog.com, www.independenttraveler.com, www.onetime.com, www.seatguru.com,
www.sniqueaway.com, www.smartertravel.com, www.tingo.com, www.travel-library.com, www.travelpod.com, www.virtualtourist.com, www.whereivebeen.com, and www.kuxun.cn.

*Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Sites, Worldwide, January 2012

**Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Inc. and its subsidiaries, Worldwide, January 2012

©2012 TripAdvisor, Inc. All rights reserved.

SOURCE TripAdvisor

LINK LOCATION: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60880-d1809557-Reviews-Planet_Earth_Adventures_LLC-Anchorage_Alaska.html