“I need more customers.”

“I need to drive traffic.”

“I need to get past this recession.”

You’ve heard these statements from small business owners. You may have said one or two of them yourself. Question is, what are doing about it?

Traditional push media advertising has unintentionally excluded the small business owner. Why? Because while radio ads, large scale mass mailings, Superbowl television commercials, and Goodyear blimp advertising are all effective ways to promote a business, are the up-front costs to do so feasible? How can small businesses compete with big box retailers who have the marketing dollars and staff to market their business using these methods? Is there a way to use today’s technology to circumvent mass media advertising methods? Yes, there is…and the answer is as simple as a Road Trip Savings key tag.

One Key Tag to Discover, Save, and Grow Local Businesses…Now that’s an idea!

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Meet Kathye Franz

We are excited to showcase Kathye Franz from Kathye’s Green Mittens, etc!

Website URL: http://kathyesgreenmittens.vpweb.com/default.html

What Type of Business is it? Handmade apparel made from recycled materials (mittens, slipper socks, jean and album purses)

Where are you located?
We are newly located in the historic Marion Center at 3211 S. Lake Drive, Suite 323 in Saint Francis, near the Cousins Center.

What items of interest should customers be aware of that frequent your shop?
We cater to customers looking for one of a kind unique wearable art. We sell Mittens, Purses, Slipper Socks, Jean Jackets, Scarf’s with “Bling” and many more wearable recycled fun art wear.

During the month of December, we donated 50 pairs of mittens to those in need for the TravelWisconsin.com Great Lakes Mitten Campaign. The mittens were donated to local charities.

In addition, we proudly donate one pair of mittens to a homeless shelter for every 20 pair sold. It’s our way of giving back.

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Meet Patricia Delmenhorst

We are excited to showcase Patricia Delmenhorst from Socialtique, LLC. Pat is not a typical crafter that makes and sells her creations at craft fairs. You will rarely find her at a craft fair unless it is a community or non-profit event.

Website URL: http://www.socialtiques.org

What makes Socialtique special to the community?

Socialtique’s business model is to sell quality jewelry and boutique items at conferences and non-profit fund raising events and to give back a minimum of 10%-20% of sales to the sponsoring organization. Socialtique supports multiple good causes – everything from scholarships for students to services for the elderly. I can also plan boutique events for any worthwhile cause. My next event is in support of Interfaith Older Adult Program’s Foster Grandparent program. This program matches low income seniors with students in MPS that need tutoring, extra love and support.

Why did you start Socialtique?

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