Last Thursday, I was thrilled at the turnout at the first meeting of the Winona Business and Professional Association. Despite the rain and the cold, around 30 people filled the Winona Community House to hear plans to resurrect the association.
A year or so ago, a group of local business leaders got together with the intent to resurrect the organization, one that was very active and successful in years past. We decided on a mission and created bylaws to present to the community at an After Hours Social. Our plan was to allow a Winona Business and Professional Association member host the monthly After Hours at their place of business to not only support the organization but promote their goods and services to fellow members.
After two After Hours, it was clear the community was not yet ready to re-launch the association, however, this last year, people in the community began speaking out in support of a need for an association of business leaders, civic and church leaders, and members of the community to come together to work to better the City of Winona and Montgomery County.
A meeting was planned for last Thursday, and people came – listening to ideas and sharing their own, and I left the meeting feeling optimistic about the future of our community.
Mohandas K. Gandi said, “A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.” Yes, they can.
Everyone in the community is invited to be a part of the association. The only prerequisite is the desire to better the Winona community. So teachers, healthcare workers, those working in retail and the service industry, pastors, retirees, and anyone else living and working in Winona, please join us. Annual dues are very little: $25 per year for a business, $15 for a family, and $10 per individual. Even if you decide not to be a dues-paying member, we still would love to hear your ideas and concerns.
If anyone is interested in being a part of the Winona Business and Professional Association, please contact me for information. You can reach me at the paper at 283-1131.
The next meeting is set for February 20 from 5:30 until 7 p.m. and will be hosted by Sharon and Seth Kent of WONA. A location has not yet been determined.
Switching gears…Saturday, February 1 is the annual Taste of Soup event at the Community House in Carrollton. Tickets are $10 each, and all proceeds go to support the Carroll County Society for the Preservation of the Antiquities.
I have always said there are two events that I look forward to the most each year – Taste of Soup in Carrollton and The Tasters’ Luncheon, benefitting the Winona-Montgomery Public Library, in Winona. Maybe it is because each serve delicious food. Or maybe it is because guests receive a cookbook filled with recipes of the dishes served at the event to take home.
Whatever it is, both of these events are my favorites of the year. And Tasters’ Luncheon is just a couple months away, so stay tuned!
To purchase tickets for Taste of Soup, contact Carrollton Town Hall at 237-4600. I hope to see you there.
