I was working until Saturday in Florida and missed the Iowa Wine Growers Association’s Annual Conference. Each attendee received a copy of Make Mine Wine, and, no doubt, a creative spark, a best practice or a new idea from the speakers who presented valuable information.
Monday night I had the privilege of introducing Make Mine Wine to an interesting collection of entrepreneurial-minded Central Iowa business people. At the event, hosted by Tom Steen of Transition Capital Management, six business owners outlined their business visions, strategies and needs. I was captivated by the creativity of each of the young businesses showcased. Each has designed products and services to meet the needs of a specific audience and are working and thinking hard to find the path to success. The successful people in the audience have the experience, knowledge and ideas that can help the young companies succeed. The evening was inspiring and I was honored to be there.
A day of photography was on tap for Tuesday. Make Mine Wine editor, Kent Darr, and I spent an enjoyable day in awe of the creativity and attention to detail that Dean Tanner of Primary Image brings to each and every photograph. You’ll know what I mean when you see the cover of our upcoming issue. Food stylist Janet Pittman worked her magic, and Cynthia Betts, our table landscape artist, contributed as well. The snow was flying outside, but we were appreciating the sights and smells and beauty of spring, as well as the excellent customer service we received from Dean and his team.
I was captivated by bright young minds setting off creative sparks in Building 7 at Des Moines Area Community College on Wednesday when Kent and I interviewed Paul Gospodarczyk and Randall Vos. Stay tuned and hold on. Enologist Paul and viticulturist Randall are quickly putting conferences, competitions and educational programs in place that will rocket Iowa to the forefront of the Midwest wine industry. You can read about Paul in the spring issue of Make Mine Wine. I’m a creative person and it is easy for me to see the strong connection between innovative new businesses and new industries, supportive successful business people, and excellence in customer service.
When I was in Florida I heard Seth Godin (Purple Cow marketing guru) say, “Ideas that spread win.” So make or do something excellent worth talking about. Later from the stage, Ronan Tynan talked about the power of encouragement.
Innovation … Support … Excellence. It can make all of the difference!
Cheers!
Barbara
