Category: Community Involvement

Many owners and managers underestimate the importance of this activity, they do so at their peril. Community involvement is a fundamental key to success.

Re-thinking small city malls

Paul Wagenaar

Many small city malls have failed and deservedly so.

They didn’t fail because the basic concept is wrong. Many of these malls failed to adapt and were not flexible to the changing realities of the merchants they almost took for granted. Is it too late? Perhaps for some.

For merchants and mall operators with vision, there is an opportunity in my opinion. By combining social needs, 21st-century environmental practices with the basic convenience, utility, and economics of “one-stop” shopping … there is a future.

Awareness & Education

Paul Wagenaar

One in seven Canadians is affected by this problem as you read these words.

The problem is that this issue is a symptom of larger problems that require expensive and longer-term fixes. This post was meant to deal with 10 solutions, but even at a baker’s dozen, there are likely some missing.

Awareness and education is the first step.

Debate, conversation, collaboration, and solutions.

Paul Wagenaar

Constructively debating, collaborating and dealing with each of these issues would strengthen our society and would provide economic opportunities for growth of businesses. These are just a sampling of the social issues that we should be discussing as part of our economic plans. Social responsibility is not mutually exclusive from economic growth.

Stigma and Food Insecurity

Paul Wagenaar

All of us are affected by social stigma. On occasion, we are the victim of it. Other times we can perpetuate it. Stigma and bias can result from the best of intentions as easily as it can be the result of ignorance. People may want to impose their concept of “what is right” or to help someone to “avoid making a mistake.” Stigma is especially prevalent for people who suffer from poverty or are from marginalized communities.

Building Culture = Building Success

Paul Wagenaar

Building a solid culture and a solid team isn’t easy. It is worth the time however, and it is worth the investment … every time. Here are some proven ideas to consider, they have worked for others and many of them can be done quite easily and inexpensively.