Although I knew mayors participate in ribbon cuttings for new/expanding businesses and “Welcomes” for conferences, I admit I didn’t really think about how many they do. I enjoy them. I enjoy getting to know more intimately about the businesses, enjoy their excitement in the newness of their adventure, and meeting the owners and managers. Welcomes give you the opportunity to know about organizations that I sometimes didn’t even know existed. It’s interesting to know how far some organizations collaborate. For instance, did you know that Legislators from Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota and Canada get together on regional topics like water and agriculture? I like the idea that there is that kind of conversation and collaboration going on in our country.

Today, ribbon cutting and welcomes intertwined a bit. When I do a “welcome” in North Dakota, I always ask if they considered having it in Moorhead. There are a variety of valid answers, but the ones that catch my attention is when they say, they needed more blocks of rooms, or more break out rooms. Today, with the ribbon cutting at Moorhead’s new Microtel, we moved closer to having more of those “welcomes” in Moorhead. I understand that the Marriott (National award-winning, by the way) and the general managers at the new Microtel are already working together to provide that kind of resource. So, if you are on an organization that has an annual conference or convention, don’t hesitate to suggest our local venues.