Doug Hamilton, Superintendent of School District 151, in South Suburban, Illinois was our guest speaker at the South Holland Business Association Luncheon, September 24th, 2009.

The topic:  "Schools,  An Untapped Market"  was presented by Mr. Hamilton with such simplicity, that businesses who who were in attendance must have all been thinking the same thing.... "why hadn't we tapped onto this before?" 

"Use US as a resource", he reiterated repeatedly!  We listened as the Superintendent, (who remembered when South Holland was mostly made up of onion fields)  insisted we view schools as the biggest business in our neighborhood, sharing that we have not taken advantage of it as a neighborhood resource.    With there being 30,000 students enrolled, at South Suburban College, it is the biggest employer in South Holland, and is the most marketable. 

He went on to list a number of creative ways to get contracts with the schools that would promote products of the businesses .  He asked the question..... "What can schools do for you?"

Here are a few of the highlights:

• Check School calendars/newsletters for activities to participate in 
• Go in with other companies to bridge projects with
• Invite children to bring report cards in to receive a treat
• Display achievements done by students in your place of business
• Offer business days/tours of the business to the schools, but KNOW something about the school first!

Below: guest pictures....
We left with renewed inspiration to apply tips learned from the luncheon!

The Luncheon meal was catered by Jimmy Johns, and took place at the South Holland Community Center in South Holland, Illinois.

Left, President of the South Holland Business Association, (SHBA), Mike Abbott, thanks and prepares the well attended audience before introducing Mr. Hamilton.             

Abbott's Minute Printing Center, Inc., located at 611 East 170th Street, in South Holland, Illinois has been servicing the community since 1972.

Diane Rice, Owner/ Broker/Realtor & Property Manager Of Rice Property Management & Realty, located in South Holland, Illinois holds Real Estate Licenses in Indiana and Illinois, and is co-owner with her husband, Anthony R.  Rice of Rice & Rice Painting & Carpet Cleaning.  Diane Rice has current membership with SHBA.  Are you seeking Property Management?  We can be located at:

  www.862RICE.com