Written by: Matt Curtis, Wayne’s Ski & Cycle
Last month I sat down with a group of local business owners for a Small Business Roundtable and I left feeling encouraged. We did not fix every problem in an hour, but the honesty and open conversation mattered. When small business owners talk candidly with each other, progress starts to happen. Chamber President Colleen Frein and Vice President Allyson Krull joined us simply to listen and understand what owners are experiencing day to day, reinforcing that this effort is about hearing real concerns and shaping support.
This group was formed as part of the Chamber’s strategic planning and is intended to help guide priorities over the next three years. The purpose is to hear directly from small businesses, understand what support is actually useful, and build future programs around real world experience. The goal was simple, listen first and build something that has lasting value.
A lot of the challenges discussed will sound familiar. Foot traffic can be unpredictable, and customers are spending more carefully right now. Hiring and keeping employees continues to be difficult, especially when trying to recruit people to move to our community. Utility costs are rising and the mental weight of running a business alone is real. Marketing is another common question, not just how to promote, but how to know if the money being spent is actually working.
The biggest takeaway was connection. Owners quickly realized they are not dealing with these issues by themselves. Sharing ideas about organization tools, time management, employee benefits, and marketing strategies created real energy in the room. Working alongside other owners helps lift the burden that often comes with running a business on your own.
The Chamber is working to support that collaboration. We are still shaping what this group will look like going forward, but whatever it becomes I am confident the Chamber will help us move ahead. They have shown they listen and respond, with programs like the childcare initiative and the small group health insurance program coming directly from member needs, along with new tools being explored to help businesses better understand their customers. We will continue hosting regular roundtables with some open discussions and others focused on specific topics, and if this sounds like something you could benefit from or add value to, please reach out to Allyson ([email protected]) for more information. Everyone is invited to have a seat at the table.
Small business builds community. When we support each other, we strengthen Mason City’s economy and quality of life at the same time. I am excited to keep these conversations going and I encourage any business owner to join us at the table.