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Released: 01/24 /2011
The "Disneyland Rule" by Alan Zemek
As a newly married couple in school together in Glendale, AZ we decided to drive across the desert in a ’76 Plymouth Duster with no air conditioning and a questionable transmission on a weekend break to go see Disneyland in Anaheim California.
My new bride loved it. But after 30 years, I have a confession to make. The drive through the Mojave was the best part of the trip. The whole Disneyland thing? I just didn’t get it. Why would so many people travel from their homes to visit a fake town, with fake streets, to ride on fake railroads to look at fake natural scenery?
Later that semester, we studied the “Disneyland Rule” of business execution, and it has always been one of my most memorable case studies from business school. The Disneyland Rule was taught in a marketing class, but was actually a lesson in execution of basic operations. I used it many times in my career to get struggling managers to focus on the core elements of their business model. Anytime someone would complain about the economy being soft, or new competition, or make excuses about poor financial performance I would invoke the Disneyland Rule.
The question: “Why is Disneyland so successful?” As a case study problem, we evaluated everything from the relative strength of the Mickey Mouse brand to the attractiveness of California weather, but our professor at the time was looking for a one-sentence answer: because the bathrooms are always clean. Disneyland is successful because the bathrooms are always clean. The lesson: if you can’t execute something as elemental as basic sanitation in an entertainment world based on fantasy and illusion, the entire customer experience falls apart, along with any perception of value and investment in your brand.
What prompted me to recall the “Disneyland Rule” was a conversation I had with a downtown business owner, who related to me something they had observed recently. A young couple came into the store and snapped a picture of the bar code on the item they were interested in purchasing and uploaded it to amazon.com which gave them the on-line price for the same item. It’s what my son would call a “killer-app.”
I had two thoughts. “How cool is that!” and “It’s worse than I thought.” Not only do we have to contend with the big box retailers, Amazon is now getting regular people to do their price comparison research for them and offer a competitive response instantly.
Having spent all my summers as a kid in Park Rapids, there was nothing in “Main Street USA” I hadn’t already seen in its genuine form. A fake idyllic town didn’t resonate for me because I had already experienced everything a genuine small town could deliver. To me, Disneyland was just an outdoor shopping mall, but I will concede, a very, very clean one.
So what is our competitive response to the Amazon “killer-app”? Park Rapids needs a “killer-app” killer. What can Park Rapids deliver that can’t be found in a big box store or executed on-line? What’s our Disneyland Rule?
Our “killer-app” is us. Last week about 40 of the most energetic business owners in Park Rapids gathered for the annual meeting of the Park Rapids Downtown Business Association, and if you missed it, shame on you. If you are not a member, you should be. It’s the best fifty bucks you will ever spend to promote Park Rapids. (PO Box 142 Park Rapids MN 56470)
Our “killer-app” is why we need the farmer’s market on Main Street; it’s why we need our opera company, our art museum and M/State community college classes downtown. It’s why we need a downtown loop off the Heartland Trail when it expands west through town. It’s why we need to restore the old water tower, the Great Northern railway bridge, and to preserve our historic buildings. It’s why we need to encourage artistic and cultural expression with fairs, festivals and special events. We are the genuine article.
Come to think of it, Disneyland ain’t got nothing on us.
Released: 12/16 /2011
Chamber, PRDBA announce "Light Up Park Rapids" contest winners
Coldwell Banker/Clack & Dennis Real Estate is this year’s Light Up Park Rapids contest winner.
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Diane Dennis (right) received the traveling trophy on behalf of Coldwell Banker/Clack & Dennis Real Estate, this year’s Light Up Park Rapids contest winner. The presentation was made during the Jingle Bells Sweepstakes Drawing and Gala Celebration. Jane Larsen (left) of the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and emcee Butch DeLaHunt also drew a prize winner from the contest ballots.
Joel Maxwell of Max Bailey Photography photographed Coldwell Banker’s Christmas lights and put together a photo for the traveling trophy. |
Released: 12/11/2011
PRDBA Photo Contest Winners Announced
Photo contest winners Elizabeth Lallak (left) of Albertville and Nancy Wilkins (right) of Deerfield Beach, FL. are pictured with Joel Maxwell of Max Bailey Photography. Both winners were in Park Rapids for the holidays. Max Bailey Photography sponsored the contest. |
Judges have selected the winners of the Park Rapids Downtown Business Association’s website photo contest.
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Released: 11/18/2011
Chamber, PRDBA invite public to vote in lighting contest
The public is invited to choose this year’s Light Up Park Rapids contest winner.
The light decorating contest will run from Wednesday, Nov. 23 through 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. Voters’ ballots will be entered in a drawing for a gift basket to be given away during the Jingle Bells Sweepstakes Drawing and Gala Celebration that starts at 5 p.m. Thusday, Dec. 15 at Century School. The winner does not need to be present to win.
Fifteen businesses are participating with lighting displays in their windows or on their buildings and are listed on ballots available in the Park Rapids Enterprise or on the Park Rapids Downtown Business Association website, or Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber website, www.parkrapids.com.
Ballots may be dropped off at Coborn’s, J&B Foods or the Park Rapids Chamber office, 1204 Park Ave. So. Only the official ballots or votes from the website will be counted. Ballots must be turned in/submitted by 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 (one ballot per person, please.)
The winning business will receive a traveling trophy with a photo of the winning display, a $100 donation to the charity of the winner’s choice and bragging rights for a year.
The Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Business Association are sponsoring Light Up Park Rapids. For more information, please contact the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce by calling 218-732-4111 or emailing luann47@gmail.com.
Released: 10/21/2011
Passport drawing winners announced
CPA Garnett Pederson of Pederson, Smith, Roehl & Co. drew the winning Passport entries at Bella Caffè. |
 Tony Bundy, Park Rapids Downtown Business Association treasurer, presents Mary Haaland of Nevis, this year's Passport winner, with a $1,000 check. Mary's name was drawn from more than 225 entries in the second annual promotion. |
Mary Haaland of Nevis is the winner of $1,000 cash in the Park Rapids Downtown Business Association's Passport drawing.
Winners of Passport second chance prizes are April Brown of Lonsdale, Linda Schulte of Nevis and Nicole Roepke, Carre Vanderheyden and Lee Zwickey, all of Park Rapids.
The drawing was held Oct. 20 at Bella Caffè, ending the second annual Passport promotion which started in June. "The Park Rapids Downtown Business Association appreciates the support of all who entered," said Tony Bundy, Passport Committee chair.
The following businesses participated in this year's Passport promotion: 3rd Street Market, Albrecht Jewelers, Amish Oak & Americana Furnishings, Avant Garde on Main, Beagle Books & Bindery, Bearly Used Thrift Store, Bella Caffè, Beyond Juice, Body & Sole Boutique, Coborn's, DAC Salvage Depot, Four Seas Chinese Restaurant, Fresh Catch, J&B Foods, Max Bailey Photography, MinneSoda Fountain, Monika's Quilt & Yarn Shop, My Happy Place Arts & Crafts Studio, Olde Liberty Shoppe, Park Ace Hardware/JC Penney Service Center, RiverBend Home Expressions, Summerhill on 2nd, The Good Life Cafe, The Tin Ceiling, Trading Post, Whatnot, Wildwood Enchantment and Zula - Clothing & More.
Released: 10/3/2011
CONTACT:
Donovan Dearstyne
Hubbard County Attorney
(218)732-4133
Business owners, residents encouraged to participate in countywide check diversion program
Hubbard County Attorney Donovan Dearstyne, Hubbard County Sheriff Corey Aukes and Park Rapids Police Chief Terry Eilers are encouraging business owners and residents to participate in a new countywide check diversion program.
The need for a locally based program came out of a spring workshop on bad checks and shoplifting, sponsored by the Park Rapids Downtown Business Association.
Dearstyne subsequently met with Tina Peterson about operating a program through HAPA (Human Achievement Performance Academy) and gained approval from the Park Rapids City Council and Hubbard County commissioners. The program is being implemented by the Hubbard County Attorney, Sheriff's Office and Park Rapids Police Department.
"As consumers and taxpayers, we all pay higher prices because of the losses associated with people issuing worthless checks," Dearstyne said. "Law enforcement spends significant resources investigating and prosecuting people who issue worthless checks. The number of worthless check cases increases every year."
When businesses ask check writers for a phone number, drivers license or other form of identification, consumers need to understand the information is needed to protect them, too. The main goals of the program are to collect restitution for victims, increase accountability from people who issue worthless checks, educate and assist Hubbard County merchants and residents in reducing the number of worthless check cases and reduce the costs to law enforcement associated with investigating and prosecuting worthless check cases.
The program is available at no cost to the taxpayer or area business owners. It is solely supported by the people who issue the worthless checks.
Participation does require businesses to post a sign where customers can see the service charge at the time a check is accepted. Two forms also must be completed. The sign and forms may be downloaded from the county attorney's website: www.co.hubbard.mn.us/attorney.htm or call Peterson at 218-237-4114 or 1-855-559-4114.
The new Hubbard County Check Diversion Program is for worthless checks only. Matters relating to counterfeit, altered, forged or stolen checks or checking accounts opened using fraudulent information will continue to be reported to law enforcement.
Released: 5/31/2011
Pick up your Park Rapids Passport today
The 2011 Park Rapids Passports are available at participating Park Rapids businesses. The free Passports offer shoppers discounts and other rewards and the chance for one lucky person to win $1,000 cash in a drawing Thursday, Oct. 20.
Here’s how it works. Make a purchase at 12 of 29 participating businesses before Oct. 17, 2011. Receive a Passport stamp for each purchase. Collect 12 stamps, complete the entry form inside your Passport, tear it out and drop it off at a participating
Passport business to be entered into the $1,000 Grand Prize Drawing. Partially completed Passport entry forms may be entered for a Second Chance drawing. There is no limit to how many times you may enter.
Each Passport also has a page for your photo, a photo with our downtown ambassador Parker, fun facts about Park Rapids, things to do and an events calendar.
The following businesses are participating: 3rd Street Market, Albrecht Jewelers, Amish Oak & Americana Furnishings, Avant Garde on Main, Beagle Books & Bindery, Bearly Used Thrift Store, Bella Caffè, Beyond Juice, Body & Sole Boutique, Coborn’s, DAC Salvage Depot, Four Seas Chinese Restaurant, Fresh Catch, J&B Foods, MainStream, Max Bailey Photography, MinneSoda Fountain, Monika's Quilt & Yarn Shop, My Happy Place Arts & Crafts Studio, Olde Liberty Shoppe, Park Ace Hardware/JC Penney Service Center, RiverBend Home Expressions, Summerhill on 2nd, The Good Life Cafe, The Tin Ceiling, Trading Post, Whatnot, Wildwood Enchantment and Zula - Clothing & More.
While you’re visiting the area, please pick up the new Positively Park Rapids Destination Guide,
including a map of the area featuring the best places to shop, dine and play.
Released: 5/21/2011
PRDBA photo contest winners announced
Judges have selected the winners of the Park Rapids Downtown Business Association’s website photo contest.
The winners of the winter/spring contest are Renee Bexell, Jenn Hanisch and Sue Tomte, all of Park Rapids. Northwoods Bank of Minnesota sponsored the photo contest and awarded $50 prizes in each of three categories: Park Rapids Area Lake Scenes, Recreation and Wildlife and Main Street Scenes.
You can view the winning entries as well as all of the photo contest submissions, by visiting our Photo Contest Gallery.
If you would like to participate, read our Official Contest Rules and then complete the Contest Entry Form to submit your entries. The submission deadline for the summer/fall contest is November 30, 2011.
The contest is intended to capture and celebrate the beauty and unique character of the Park Rapids and surrounding area.