Taking Labor Day Week Off

I have been involved with promoting non-profit and for-profit organizations for the past 18 years. I enjoy developing a plan that promotes the sponsors and hosting an event that makes the investors proud of their financial obligation. However, there are times that the projects can become overwhelming.

For many years, I assisted the Eau Claire Ski Club promote its annual ski jumping tournament. The main vehicle to promote the event was a 40-page booklet that highlighted the history of the sport, the club's mission and advertisements featuring the sponsors of the two-day tournament. Everything I learned about working with the ski jumping club has been retained as I attempt to publicize Festival in the Pines, the annual family-oriented event which I have owned and operated for the past 10 years.

The 8,000, 40-page booklets that I have been distributing throughout the Chippewa Valley are designed to promote the 25th Annual Festival in the Pines, which takes place Aug. 25-26 in Carson Park in Eau Claire. I travel to grocery stores, gas/convenience operations, libraries, hotels/motels and other points of interest in an effort to let residents and visitors learn more about my event. In addition, the Chippewa Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau distributes and/or mails my publication to individuals who are interested in visiting the region and want to learn more about the fun attractions that take place during the last weekend before the Labor Day holiday.

I am fortunate that I have about a dozen non-profit/service organizations that work at Festival in the Pines. The volunteers are reimbursed financially to assist their group's goals. I also relish the assistance from about 35 friends who help out at the festival who I call my "ambassadors". These personal friends spend their free time to help me for: A pair of movie passes, a polo shirt and some food and beverage tickets. I am lucky to have such help.

For the first time in 10 years, I have decided it may be best to take the week off after Festival in the Pines. This means, after next week's issue (August 24), I will have a week off before I publish another newsletter. So, from now on, I will publish 48 weeks of The Bottom Line to fulfill your annual commitment.

I hope those of you who have never been involved with hosting a large gathering will understand why I may need a week off prior to the Labor Day weekend. For those who have ever helped put on a party for 15,000-20,000 guests, I know you will appreciate the stress level associated with the process.