I don't want to be the person who only does what everyone else does. Why? For obvious reasons, because I want to build a business that is bigger than myself, and I wanted it located in my now-home community of Delavan, Wisconsin - not Lake Geneva). A couple incidents occurred this week here in Delavan, that really struck home among the business owners here in Downtown Delavan, and will be a topic on the agenda of this week's Downtown Delavan Business Association meeting. (Meeting the Friday morning at City Council Chambers on Friday a.m. at 7:45)
We heard that staff at Lake Lawn Resort suggested to guests at the Resort visit a neighboring town, Lake Geneva, because there was nothing in Delavan for them to do. This was particularly discouraging as we also were the subject of a Facebook meme that featured Simba and Mufasa of the lion king basically 'dissing' Delavan - again in favor of Lake Geneva.
Do we have issues? Of course, but I'd like to see a community that does not. In it's favor, Delavan is a place of parks, of unique independent stores (as well as 'big boxes', if that's your thing), of 2 lakes - one great for boating, one particularly suited for 'nature goers'. Delavan has a broad main boulevard with no parking issues. You can walk up and down clean main streets, view Victorian architecture at its best, and enjoy a variety of specialty foods and baked goods. Oh - did I mention, there are no parking meters in Delavan! We have our own bandshell one block off the city's main thoroughfare, with concerts all summer. Delavan has it's own gardens, sponsored by the Delavan Rotary and local citizens - and great Parks & Recreation programs. We are a thriving community, with a committed school system. And whether you appreciate the politics or not, the current WI Governor, Scott Walker, hailed from Delavan. Success is indeed possible, especially when you grow up in Delavan, Wisconsin.
My blog posts regularly feature issues encountered by small business owners in my community, (yes, including myself). We have all the tools at our disposal to ensure a more positive image, we must use them. Consistently and vigilently updating web sites, blogs, and social media sites are key to dissolving the negative image that keeps popping up. With suppport from you, my reader and inhabitant of Delavan, we will continue to raise the awareness that Delavan is indeed a great place in which to live or visit.
Laura Jacobs-Welch
Owner, Brick Street Market
