It’s time to celebrate! With another busy summer and fall season coming to a close and with the whisper of snowflakes in the air, we want to celebrate our successes. With the surge of social media, I find we frequently connect via Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. The value of a good old face-to-face conversation may have slipped into the shadows. But I disagree, and we have planned a fall party for you to gather, share congratulations and a pat on the back, enjoy a wonderful meal and of course, laugh.
Dare I say we have become used to expressing ourselves on most social platforms? Picking up the phone or meeting for coffee seems secondary, and hiding behind your social platform does not always serve its purpose. I like to think of networking with some clear goals in mind. Ask yourself, what is it that I want to learn from that person? Make a point of listening and identifying shared interests. If you find that common interests aren’t jumping to the surface, think about what you can add to the conversation. Being a major extrovert, I find myself introducing myself to visitors and asking where they are from and what made them choose Cook County MN as their vacation destination. The answers are fascinating, and a common link for continued conversation often unveils itself.
And now, while we might not host many formal networking opportunities in our communities, they do exist. Visit Cook County, and the Cook County Chamber are always happy to host the Fall Gala each year. We have been told time and time again how much people enjoy the opportunity to visit (network) with community members. The Gala includes a social hour, dinner, and music and also allows the opportunity for you to network with local business stakeholders as well as state legislators. The party this year includes social hour music and after program dancing by DJ Beavstar. We also will take you on a historical photographic journey with our historian extraordinaire Dan Helmerson. And last but not least, the first Heart of Hospitality Awards will be presented as well as the Norman Deschampe Community Service Award.
Register now for the Fall Gala scheduled for Tuesday, October 22 at 5:30 p.m. at Papa Charlie’s at Lutsen Mountains. You can find registration information, lodging and other details on our website at www.visitcookcounty.com or directly at fareharbor.com/visitcookcounty/items/9214/
Linda Jurek is the executive director of Visit Cook County. Linda is a 1978 graduate of Cook County High School. She lived much of her adult life in Duluth where she raised a family, returning home when her current position was offered to her.
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