Craigslist? mmm -try Mattslist; the time has come to make a difference

We here at the Press and Search decided we needed to do something different. No I didn’t dye my hair - it’s still grey. Rather, we decided it was time to do something nice for the readers. What we have come up with is pretty neat. Are you ready? We are now offering FREE want ads in the Search Shopper. What? Free?  “No Way!” I am here to tell you - yes way. I like to call it “Matt’s List” , although our employees don’t care for than name. Back to the ad... From now on, you receive a two week ad in the Search that is 15 words or less for free.

So what can you advertise in this free ad? Anything you want. We ask that you keep items for sale under $750.  Commercial businesses will still have to purchase ads such as home businesses, collectors, daycare, garage sales and services. But if you have a lawn mower that you are looking to get rid of, we can and will help. If you have a mountain bike for sale, let us sell it for you. Anything under $750 we will help you sell. What do you have to lose?  Only that mountain bike, that lawn mower, that patio umbrella... you get the picture. Look for the Search Shopper Free Want Ad Coupon in this weekend’s Search Shopper.

Simply fill out the form, clip it out, and drop it off at Koehn Auto, Security State Bank, Brink’s Market, Chisago Hardware or here at the Press. Remember all of those times I wrote about needing a change in our area?  A change in who we are as a community, a change in who we are as businesses, a change in who we are as a destination. Well, I am proud to say we are moving forward. We have had two meetings so far. We have had 30 people come forward to volunteer to be on a steering committee. We still need you. We need more people to sit on our steering committee. What does being on the committee mean? It means first and foremost, that you care about our community. It means that you want to see our community thrive while keeping its own identity.

It means instead of maybe spending a half hour in front of the television, you choose to spend it with other community members trying to help the area become more vibrant, more successful, more desireable. Sounds like a lot of work?  Yes and no. Yes if you compare it to watching television. No if you take pride in our community and want to see it thrive over the next 50 years. The choice is easy folks. Let’s band together (all of us) and work to make this the greatest community in Minnesota. Your next chance to make a difference in our community will be June 25. I know it’s a long ways out, but nonetheless, it’s your chance. If you are serious about making a difference, you are asked to call the Chamber of Commerce at 651 257 1177.

The next step is for everyone who wants to be part of the steering committee to take the “Strengths Finder” test. Don’t worry, it’s nothing you have to study for. It is a test that reveals what each and every one of us is good at. Once determined, the committee can direct people to go this direction or that direction. It’s a great test, and very easy to take. Come on people - let’s make this happen. Congratulations to the Class of 2014. I have seen these kids grow over the last 11 years. I have seen most, if not all, of them while covering various school activities over the years.  This is an exceptional group of young adults. When I sit back and ponder the future, I feel better knowing these kids will be leading us one day.