Member Marketplace Inc.

The Back-to-School Squeeze: Why This Is a Critical Moment to Support Small Businesses

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If you work in economic development, you probably know this stretch of the calendar well. It is back-to-school season. Families are buying school supplies, replacing shoes, outfitting dorm rooms and trying to figure out how a child who was wearing last year's jeans in May somehow needs an entirely new wardrobe in August. At the same time, retailers are already looking ahead to the … [Read more...] about The Back-to-School Squeeze: Why This Is a Critical Moment to Support Small Businesses

What We’re Seeing Across Communities Right Now

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Over the past few months, I’ve had the chance to spend time on the ground in communities like Oakland County and Kalamazoo. Walking downtowns, visiting businesses, and actually talking to the people behind them. And there’s one thing that stood out immediately: People care. A lot. Not just about their business, but about their community, their customers, and the role they play in … [Read more...] about What We’re Seeing Across Communities Right Now

A Simple Guide to Succeeding on Social Media (From the Trenches)

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I spend my days deep in social media for small businesses, downtown organizations, and local marketplaces. I see what gets traction, what quietly flops, and what slowly builds momentum even when it doesn’t look flashy at first. If I’ve learned anything as a content marketing manager, it’s this: success on social media is about doing the right things consistently. This isn’t a “go viral … [Read more...] about A Simple Guide to Succeeding on Social Media (From the Trenches)

Marketing with Maddie: Consistency Over Everything

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If there's one thing I could get every small business owner to really believe when it comes to marketing, it's this: Consistency. Is. Everything. You don’t have to be a video editing pro. You don’t need to go viral. You don’t need a perfect Instagram grid or animations in every Reel. What matters most is showing up. The algorithms on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook are literally … [Read more...] about Marketing with Maddie: Consistency Over Everything

The Digital Marketplace Revolution: Why Your Chamber Needs One Now

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Adapt or fall behind—learn how to bring your chamber into the future of commerce. In today’s fast-paced digital economy, chambers of commerce and membership-based organizations face a critical choice: embrace innovation or risk falling behind. The traditional methods of fostering member connections and driving local commerce are no longer enough. To remain relevant, competitive, and valuable to … [Read more...] about The Digital Marketplace Revolution: Why Your Chamber Needs One Now