Partnership and Community Relations

If you have a Board of Directors or a “friends of the market” organization, it is important to remember to have the community represented in that group. Sometimes, by the time we get past vendors, lawyers, affiliated organization membership, the City, the County and the local political preference party, we may look up and find that NO ONE on the Board lives in the community! Or worse, actually shops at your market!
This is unacceptable. I mean that all these groups or representatives are important, but without community and customers, your market has no future. Without their representation and STRATEGIC representation, there are troubles ahead!
But who to pick? Chances are the ideal candidate is already the Chair of two or more other Boards and coaching her daughter’s lacrosse team! But that shouldn’t stop you from asking her opinion as to who would make a good Board Member for you.
Also, never overlook the young people of your community. We have some very talented and mature young people who realize they need to perform community service to build their resume and their college applications. Also, we are losing young people in much of New York State because they feel no connection to their communities. Serving on your Board could be just the ticket to show them that their home town really isn’t so bad!
Also consider reaching into another organization to recruit a Board Member or two. The Rotarians, K of C, Kiwanis, Elks, League of Women’s Voters, Association of Greyhound Owners….every community is different, with their own “dominant” volunteer and community organizations. Tap into the biggest and most well known organization and get yourself a Board Member who can bring other resources (especially customers) with them!
The Board is a reflection of the Market and must act as an advisor to the Manager and help to build the markets future. Tying that future to the community’s betterment is essential for long term growth, and giving the customers ways to help that future along is essential to the Market’s health.

Be well

Bob