USCIS’ Post

Planning event experiences has always been my jam, but there is NO event quite like the Minnesota State Fair. This document captures it all: the attention to detail, the reality of giant masses of people gathering in one place, and the pure joy when it all goes to plan!

Very interesting article on the influence of Black caddies on the game of golf by my Spatial Research & Design colleague Craig Gill. Definitely worth a read!

Ever been to the Minnesota State Fair? Today’s the last day, but did you also know it’s the largest state fair in the U.S. by average daily attendance? 135k+ people per day - Pretty wild, right? When I first launched Joycoast, consumer shows were our go-to for getting the word out and connecting with customers. Last year alone, we did over 50 shows! This year, we've scaled back a bit, but the Minnesota State Fair is a must for us. The exposure is incredible, but man, twelve straight 12-hour days can be a grind for the whole team. Some fun facts: * The daily average attendance this year is over 135,000+ people. * 1859 was the first year of the MN State Fair, AKA the “Great Minnesota Get-Together”. * It’s the second-largest state fair in the United States by total attendance, after the State Fair of Texas (which is 24 days, compared to MN’s 12 days). * Around 300 different food vendors, and around 900 other booths. * The cookie vendor can produce upwards of 3 million Cookies per day! * Around 50 tons of glass, plastic and aluminum are collected and recycled during the duration of the fair * Joycoast has exhibited at the MN State Fair 3 times so far :) #sustainability #MNStateFair #smallbusiness #eventprofs Joycoast, Sustainable Gifts

What if Two Old White Guys Ran for President of the United States? August 27, 1932, an entrepreneur showman by the name of “Head-on Joe” Connolly staged a train collision exhibition at the Iowa State Fair. This was a presidential election year between Rosevelt and Hoover and each train had a party affiliate (Rosevelt/Hoover). Each locomotive was placed on a single track in the direction of the other and at opposite ends of the fairgrounds. With a full head of steam, they were launched toward each other to create a grandstand train wreck viewed by nearly 70,000 people in the August heat. The estimated speed of each locomotive was 50 MPH and the impact was in front of the grandstand as planned. The carnage spewed debris including wood and shrapnel into the stands and surprisingly no one was injured. Still, people just couldn’t look away and were mesmerized by the spectacle. https://lnkd.in/gjtjFV7V I watched the first presidential debate last night and I believe this Iowa State Fair account aptly describes the US presidential race this year. I don’t talk politics because I generally think it is not appropriate for LinkedIn. From a business standpoint, it is important to support economic growth, personal freedom, and our democratic society so the US can maintain its position as a respected world leader. It is easy to find examples of conflict areas that are less prosperous than the United States. I was hoping for a discussion on policy, instead, we got a demonstration of avoidance and expert finger pointing. Still, I wonder how we got into the current situation where neither candidate is IMO acceptable. Those of you that are old enough to remember the waning months of the Reagan presidency and the last few months of the Nixon presidency may understand what I mean when I say, history ignored will repeat. I am disappointed we are here as I see no good options moving forward. It pains me to select the least objectional candidate in a US presidential election. While hope appears to be in a 4-year stasis, it seems the best attitude is to understand both sides of this polarizing conundrum and find out what the real fears are and how we can work together to better our nation and ourselves. We are better than this America and we have some work to do to earn our spot on the global stage. Be challenged, do important work, and make a difference. Jim

In this NorthJersey.com article, Daniel Munoz shares the challenges recent college graduates in New Jersey are facing and strategies young professionals can implement to land jobs. I’m proud to lead Braven in #Newark and work in deep partnership with Rutgers University - Newark to equip students with the skills, networks, confidence, and experiences to navigate the job market and land jobs worthy of their degrees–many of which are referenced in this piece. If you’re interested in learning about our impact in Newark, check out our 2024 Jobs Report: https://lnkd.in/esy5fsSR.

How are you marketing your business? Street fairs are great for business. It's not direct ROI tho. It's more about planting the seed in the local community. Once they see you or realize what you do then you stay in there face by doing different events and staying involved in the community.

Junior Achievement of Greater St. Louis has been around since 1943! We have heard memories from so many alumni about how their experience with JA has impacted their life. If you have a fond memory or JA story you wish to share, just follow this link https://lnkd.in/ghAZmsyB or comment below.

Advocating for freedom of association is crucial, especially for organizations like Greek life, which often provide valuable opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and community service on college campuses. Greek organizations not only offer a sense of belonging and camaraderie but also foster leadership skills, philanthropic endeavors, and academic support systems. These groups contribute positively to campus culture by promoting inclusivity, diversity, and a strong sense of community. By participating in initiatives like the First Amendment Institute, members of organizations like Tri Delta gain a deeper understanding of their rights and responsibilities as advocates for their organizations and the broader community. This knowledge empowers them to effectively engage in dialogue, promote positive change, and uphold the values of freedom and association. Ultimately, recognizing the value of Greek life and supporting initiatives that empower its members to advocate for their rights ensures that these organizations continue to enrich campus life and contribute positively to society.

My first podcast interview and what better way to begin than talking about all things lobbying and government relations, one of the most important decisions I’ve ever made. Thank you for the conversation, Deepak and State Lobbying Heroes!