SOKY Happenings One Whole Year

My idea to create a publication that is a positive reflection of the community is about to release its 12^th monthly issue. More than just ticking the volume number up from 1 to 2, it represents a full year of being in print. I am very proud of what we have become and also how we have gotten to where we are.

The twelfth issue is 60 pages, up from our first issue at 36 pages. We have tripled our sponsor base and have many new feature writers and sections. From “The Wine Snob” to “The Garden Hoe;” and from “The City of Bowling Green” to “The Bowling Green Area Convention and Visitors Bureau;” we have some interesting, informative and entertaining regular columns.

Making a difference in my community was a key motivating factor! We receive comments and letters every month from the organizations that we feature in the magazine telling us that we helped them achieve greater turn out and greater contributions. Most recently, the Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center held a “Teddy Bear Run” to raise awareness of abused and neglected children in our region. They wrote us yesterday and told us they had their best year resulting in more than 900 teddy bears and $30,000 in contributions. They said that our efforts to get the news out were instrumental in the success of the event this year. I thanked them for the accolades and the letter, but also for working year round on behalf of neglected and abused children who might otherwise be forgotten.

It took a great amount of faith and a lot of hard work to get where we are. I can count the days I’ve had off over the past 14 months on one hand. I cannot count the number of nights I slept in the office nor the number of nights I didn’t sleep at all because of looming deadlines and the need to get this on the streets on or before the 1^st of each month.

I’ve had to learn or relearn many skills. From changing from the PC to the Mac, to unlearning web layout and learning print layout, offset printing, DPI’s and Adobe software. I have a whole new skill set that I must admit has evolved almost miraculously. I can do and create things now that I could not before and it just feels good, especially at the ripe OLD age of 43.

We have come to a place in the business that I can finally start considering hiring people! There is a good deal of preparation for this because I am going to have to consider office space, telephone systems, computer hardware and software as well as payroll, benefits and ways to keep the staff happy and motivated. I want to create a “team environment,” without losing control or authority in the process. I want good creative people who are eager to make the magazine better each month. I have a need for at least three talented people and I hope to be able to hire them in the next 90 days.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want “out” of the business at all. I would simply like to hire a few people I can trust and count on who will help bring this magazine to press each month. People who would allow me to take some time off; or dare I dream? To travel once in a while. Yes, I have a few other business ideas I would like bring to this market and others, but I have to have my wagons in a circle on the home front first.

I would like to write about my future plans but have learned to keep those to myself. I’m just getting started and it feels great! I’ve been able to build a little business without sacrificing my integrity nor giving into the temptation to be over competitive. I did not sit down and decide to hurt others in business, I set out to help my community and I feel as though I have without the need to lash out or attempt to destroy others. It feels good, even if it has been a challenge.

The first whole year of SOKY Happenings magazine has been a challenge. I’m sure the next year will be too. I intend to stay the course and continue my efforts to not only create a useful resource that enhances my community, but to grow and expand as we continue to help our area become a better place to live. I will face many more challenges and decisions next year, but with the first difficult year under my belt, I feel better prepared and equipped to make the next steps in business.

This is going to be great!

Thank you for reading. Let me know what you think!

Taste of Bowling Green

This is kind of a follow up on a story we ran in the April issue of SOKY Happenings (pg 31) about an annual event that is very popular. “The Taste of Bowling Green” or as it’s simply referred to, “the Taste.” (www.tasteofbowlinggreen.com)

This is an annual event hosted by the South Central Chapter of the Kentucky Restaurant Association (www.kyra.org). The event was well attended and at $35 per ticket, the Dream Factory of Bowling Green likely raised a lot of money. Reportedly, they sold 700 tickets last year and raised about $15,000 to grant dreams to local children.

The Dream Factory according to their website:

The Dream Factory operates using a network of volunteers who raise funds in their communities to grant dreams to local children. We receive no government funding but rely on the generosity of members of our communities. Donors are assured that their funds remain in their communities and volunteers can see the direct results of their efforts by serving local children. (www.dreamfactorybg.org)

I feel we are very fortunate to have such a wonderful organization in our area, especially after reading; “Unfortunately, we have no means to grant dreams where we have no chapters.” on their website. You can also read about them on page 31 of SOKY Happenings April 2008.

The Taste is a huge collection of restaurants, liquor stores, beverage vendors and food suppliers who set up small booths in a trade show fashion. Most of these displays offer samples of the companies featured goods. From Makers Mark Bourbon to Cosmos Tomato Cheesecake there are a variety of flavors represented.

There is a competitive spirit among the vendors to make a great presentation. I’m not sure what the criteria is exactly, but organizers arrange a kind of contest among the participating companies and award a best in show and honorable mention platter to the best booth. WhaBah Steel Horse Saloon (www.whabah.com) captured the top prize (for the second time in a row) and Bowling Green Technical College (www.bowlinggreen.kctcs.edu) was honorably mentioned.

Carrie and I enjoyed samples from many of the booths but there were two that really caught our attention.

Four Roses Distillery (www.fourroses.us) offered sample of two of their bourbons. The Four Roses Single Batch and the Four Roses Small Batch. I tried both straight up and have to say they both were quite pleasant. I’m not a bourbon drinker, but these were very rich and smooth. Of the two, I preferred the Single Batch.

Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese was another stand out of the night. Not only did they offer some great  samples, but we learned that they are right here in South Central KY. We had the pleasure of meeting Mr. (Kenny) & Mrs. Mattingly and they explained that they have been dairy farmers in Barren County KY for many years and Cheese producers since 1998.

The cheese: I have to say that I have never tried a more unique and tasteful cheese as I did that night. They offered several of their handmade cheeses, but I could not stop eating the horseradish cheddar. According to their website (www.kennyscountrycheese.com), they produced 34,000 pounds of cheese in varieties that include Cheddar, Colby, Jack, Asiago, Swiss and Havarti, as well as some outstanding blue cheeses last year.  Also according to the website; “Two extra touches that he believes make his cheese more special for his customers are coagulating the cheese with vegetable-based rennet, to make it more acceptable to vegetarians and hand cutting/packaging each block or round of cheese.”

Oh, and then there is the band! That’s right folks, a great night of food and drink is not complete without a great band and the Taste did not disappoint. The popular group, “Skip Bond and the Fugitives” were the band for the evening and they did a great job. Admittedly, I am partial to this group because the drummer (Jim DeCesare) is a good friend; the trombone playing singer (Dave Gottfried) is the Father-in-Law of my son (does that make him like a brother-in-law? Not sure); and this band was featured in the April 2008 issue of SOKY Happenings.

It was a very enjoyable evening all around. We saw many friends, tried some great food and spirits, and came away thankful to live in such a great community. We are looking forward to next year’s event and plan to publicize it more completely in ’09.

A big shout out to Vicki Weaver who helped us get the article and information together for the magazine. She is a hard working nurse and is also the President of the Dream Factory of Bowling Green. THANKS VICKI!!!

More pictures http://sokyhappenings.com/gallery/2008_04_10TasteofBG4web/

April 2008 – My Journey Continues

For the friends and family who keep up with this web page, and others who read for whatever reason, it may come as no surprise that I am taking on a new hobby. Yeah, like I needed another hobby eh?

But first; let me bring you up to date:

My skills with the MAC computer and Adobe software continue to improve, develop and grow. I’ve been able to cut down the time per page on the magazine greatly! I still only use it during press week because I remain comfortable with the PC for general purpose computing and website development.

April 2008 Click for table of contents

SOKY Happenings: This is going great! We picked up The City of Bowling Green as a sponsor as well as several others. I have been asked to consider another significant sponsor which if we can work things out, will be something we will be very proud of. We will likely be taking the magazine up to 60 or 68 pages in May and adding a number of new sections. We are also looking at expanding a few current sections that seem to be popular. April has another winning cover and three new sections. Pick one up when you’re out and about.

Family: David III and Jenn have moved to TX and finally received their belongings. David is doing well in school and they are getting settled in. I think there is a little home-sickness but nothing that can’t be overcome. Jesse is settling into his new digs as well. Carrie and I still work all of the time but will be taking a little “micro-vacation” this weekend. We rented a cabin at Barren River State Resort Park and we plan to do a lot of nothing! Ahhhhhh.

Fitness and Martial Arts: Haven’t been going! This is really frustrating because I have no excuse! I simply need to get up and go, but I don’t. Oh sure, I have dozens of “reasons” not to go because of the work load, but the bottom line is I am not going. I have plans to start running at a local park to try to get myself back in the habit. But plans are far from action and I must be about the doing, not the planning.

Okay, the new hobby!

PowerShot SD200

Actually, it’s not new per se, but I am going to spend some more time on it. Photography! I am investing in another, more capable camera. I am driven by the need for better photos for the magazine as well as a desire for higher quality images. The Canon PowerShot S3 IS I purchased last year was a great step up from the Canon PowerShot SD200, but it still lacks some quality and control I desire.

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

My biggest issue with the S3 is it seems a little moody! I want to get more creative and use ambient light and when I do, images come out blurry and grainy. I really want a camera that I can use in a public setting without a flash and get high quality images for publishing and printing.

My last blog on the subject was way back in November of 2006 (http://blog.davidfrancis.org/2006/11/dave-shutterbug.asp). I’ve read it again and I guess it is safe to say that I am going to be making the transition from “Shutterbug” to amateur photographer. I am looking forward to a better camera, but will also consider an affordable class if I can find one.

The camera I have my sights on is the Canon EOS Rebel XSi. This is a brand new (yet to be released) camera from Canon with so many advanced features I don’t understand them all. The main thing to me is the quality of photo as well as the image stabilizing features. Also, the large 12.2 megapixel images will be easy to “crop zoom” with software which is something I do to hide my inability as a photographer. (grin)

I've wanted an EOS Rebel way back when digital was a glimmer in the eye of pro photographers and I used to carry around dozens of rolls of film when on assignment in public affairs. When the digital versions came out, they were thousands of dollars and way out of reach for me. They are still expensive, but this new one is less than $1000 and has many of the features of Canon cameras costing 5 times as much.

Canon EOS Rebel XSi

Here is What Canon Says: For stunning photography with point-and-shoot ease, look no further than Canon's EOS Rebel XSi. The EOS Rebel XSi brings staggering technological innovation to the masses. It features Canon's EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Live View Function, a powerful DIGIC III Image Processor, plus a new 12.2-megapixel CMOS Sensor and is available in a kit with the new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens with Optical Image Stabilizer. The EOS Rebel XSi's refined, ergonomic design includes a new 3.0-inch LCD monitor, compatibility with SD and SDHC Memory cards and new accessories that enhance every aspect of the photographic experience. Source: www.usa.canon.com

The major drawback to this camera is the fact it isn't being released until April 27th. This is frustrating because I need it before then for a special section of the magazine as well as a very special event we've been invited to that will require great photo's for the May issue of the magazine. I will limp along with my S3 and be patient for this great camera.

I also plan to talk with the fine folks at Shutterbug as well as Kenny Coots our photographer for the magazine. I may even join his amateur photo club to be able to learn and network with them.

The cost? From what I can tell, I'll be spending about $800 for the camera and lens. I will likely buy another lens once I learn about them a little as well as a strobe and good photo bag that will hold the stuff plus my other cameras. I'm excited about this! As much as I enjoy taking snapshots, I'm looking forward to taking real photographs.

Easter Weekend 2008

It’s early Saturday morning; the sun is shining and the birds are chirping. It’s a nice day, outside. I’m here in the office preparing our 11^th issue of SOKY Happenings instead of painting Easter eggs. It’s a labor of love, yet it is labor nonetheless.

The recent weeks have been good. My eldest son married a wonderful young woman and moved to Texas for a year while he attends Air Force Tech School. My youngest son completed his Air Force training and has moved in with friends here in Bowling Green. We have added several new sponsors to the magazine this month and retained all but one sponsor whose selling season ends on April 15^th.  

In all, I would say things are going quite well. We have reached an important revenue point in the company and the task of putting the magazine together is easier each month as I continue to develop my skills and experience on the Macintosh computer.

There is a lot of work to do!!! Essentially, I want to double our sponsors, as well as double the page count of our little magazine. I want to reach out to the surrounding counties/communities and develop those markets as well. I also want to gain a few good clients who could use a good publisher to layout and print their periodical.

I’m on track even if I’m not as far down the path as I had hoped. Impatience? Perhaps more like wishful thinking. I had hoped that we would be a little further along than we are, though we have come a long way for sure. Just like anything worthwhile, it has taken time and hard work to achieve what we have within a year. It feels good to have accomplished what I have, even if the limited resources require that I continue to do most of the work myself.

All of the work. Yeah, I continue to be the publisher, graphics guy, salesman, promoter, accountant, marketer, computer geek and bottle washer. Everything from coaching writers to refining the printing process. I’ve learned a lot over the past year, and I continue to learn every day. It’s good.

I have failed to find my “zone” as far as personal fitness goes. I really want to get back in the habit of going to the gym. I want to get back into shape not only for the physical benefits, but also the psychological. I remember when I was exercising every day a few years ago and I felt stronger mentally as well as physically. I kick myself when I think of the condition I would be in now had I not stopped going to the gym, but remember that I can get it back and improve upon it if I will just get started.

It won’t be happening this weekend, that’s for sure! Actually, I hope to get the bulk of the layout work done this weekend, which would be way ahead of schedule, so I can consider starting my workout next week. At least a little running in the park or something.

So as you are getting all dressed up for Easter service, Sunday Brunch and Basketball, I’ll be nose to the grindstone working on my beloved SOKY Happenings magazine.

Leaping Into the Future

Today is leap day 2008 and I feel the need to open my websites back up. Mostly because I have plenty to say about today, but also because of a number of requests and inbound links to older blog posts.

Today: My eldest son is getting married to a wonderful woman! They will be leaving within two weeks for so David can be on active duty for about a year. It’s a good day!

Tomorrow: I pick up our latest edition of SOKY Happenings magazine which is printed at a higher quality and on better paper. This is our best issue yet and will introduce three new features as well as include most of the recent additions as well.

Next week: SALES! I’m hitting the road and going to try to grow this “little magazine” by 33% per month for the next 3 months. I have personal and company goals to meet.

March: Besides the sales goals, I have many web company related goals which include some major additions to the magazine web site as well as a few new client sites. (www.soky.net)

Sorry for the brief silence, but I had to get my wagons in a circle. I am happier than I’ve ever been in my life. I feel it’s all finally coming together and frankly, it feels great! Besides the wedding, there seems to be a lull in the drama that is my life and I feel focus and centered, even if still a little off balance with the requirements of business, it just feels good.

That is all... thanks for reading.

Churchill Downs Launches Official 2008 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Web Sites

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Jan. 4, 2008) – Churchill Downs today launched the official Web site for the 2008 Kentucky Derby, http://www.kentuckyderby.com/, and the official 2008 Kentucky Oaks Web site, http://www.kentuckyoaks.com/. The redesigned sites feature clean, bold designs that take advantage of cutting-edge Web technology while continuing to offer unparalleled coverage of the Kentucky Derby, its sister race, the Kentucky Oaks, and the prep seasons leading up to both historic events. The 134th running of the Kentucky Derby will take place on May 3, 2008, while the 134th Kentucky Oaks will be held on May 2, 2008.

  

The new Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Web sites offer rich information archives on their respective events while providing in-depth analysis and information on the 2008 editions of each race. New features include an enhanced widescreen video option that provides visitors with the opportunity to enjoy free prep race and workout replays in crystal-clear quality. The sites will also include exclusive analysis videos and interviews that will be available only on http://www.kentuckyderby.com/ and http://www.kentuckyoaks.com/.
As in years past, the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Web sites will feature blogs written by leading handicappers that cover the prep seasons leading up to Kentucky Derby 134 and Kentucky Oaks 134, as well as daily news updates, RSS feeds, and detailed information on each Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks contender. Downloadable video podcasts, updated weekly and available through both Apple’s iTunes and the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Web sites, will provide updates on all major Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks prep races.

(Just make sure you have Flash and JavaScript enabled. WHEW)
http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/news/2008/01/03/churchill-downs-launches-official-2008-kentucky-derby-and-kentucky-oaks-web-sites

 

Looking ahead for this blog

This blog has become somewhat redundant in that most of the content is also posted on my homepage. Actually, I tend to post more often on my homepage than I do here. For this reason, I will be removing this blog from the internet.

Okay... maybe not entirely. J

I just posted on www.soky.biz about some of the changes I will be making to that blog, many of those changes will apply to my home page as well. Basically, I will be moving this blog to my home page and it will become an all in one location for this blog and my personal website.

As with the Soky.biz website, I will read each of the 200+ posts on this blog and keep most, delete some, and add keywords, tags and categories to all that remain. It will be a lot of work and will take some time, but it’s all part of the overall plan to simplify my life.

I really do appreciate your interest in this blog, my life and what I have to say... even if for entertainment purposes. I’ve got plenty to say and intend on becoming even more “vocal” as my interests, hobbies, and things that bug me increase.

Thank you for reading and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Looking Ahead

As promised, here is a little peek into my mind and plans for 2008.

I just spent the last half hour writing out some of my business plans for the Magazine and the Web businesses. I’ve decided to withhold that information for now simply to protect my business interests. I have some great ideas and I don’t need them turning up elsewhere before I get a chance to make a go of it.

I read my pre 2007 journal and I am so very surprised at the changes I have subject myself to this year. Last year at this time, I had no idea I would be a magazine publisher. There are many things different this year from the last; the people I trust are different; the tools I use are different; the dreams and plans are much different in so many ways. Though there are so many differences, there are many things that remain unchanged. My personal commitment to do the right thing, keep my integrity and to serve others above myself remains intact and that brings me comfort.

I anticipate many changes this year. Carrie and I [still] want to sell our house and I [still] want to get a more professional office. Funny though, the office I envisioned last year is in the same place, though the business conducted will be vastly different than I had envisioned just 12 months ago.

I intend to be more aggressive this year. No more Mr. Nice guy? Well, I’ve learned a good deal observing other businesses as well as how public relations and politicians achieve their objectives. It seems that if I want to “win,” I must be willing to man up and say what I need to say. In the past I have not said things or done things simply because it might hurt some feelings or because I didn’t want to be selfish. Those days are over! I must do what needs to be done to build my companies even if I have to be more “in your face” or more aggressive.

I will also be making the decision to (or not to) run for public office this year. That’s an entirely different post and probably for an entirely different website. (grin)

My desire to get back into shape remains and I will be about the doing of it this year. I did it before and I will do it in 2008. I will journal my progress though I may not publish the pictures and all until I am in better shape. I’m quite disappointed in how far I’ve let myself go in the name of building a business or being too busy. My routine will be simple to start with and progress as it did last time. My goal is to lose some weight at first, but then to gain it back as muscle.

There is another desire for 2008. Carrie and I have talked about it many times and we are going to start getting out more. We are going to attend more events that are listed in our magazine; we are going to meet more people; I’m even thinking about joining the masons to expand my personal network of people I can trust. There is likely to be an “image improvement” this year as I have a desire to change my dress and appearance.

As you can see, I have many things I want to do this year. Many things I want to change and accomplish. In hindsight, I didn’t list most of the changes that took place in ’07, yet I am completely transformed from this time last year. I can’t say that I will achieve all of these goals, but I do think it is useful for a man to look at what he wants to change once in a while. A great feeling of accomplishment can come from reaching lofty goals. I believe that setting your personal expectations a little higher and accomplishing them is much more satisfying than not expecting so much... and reaching it. I want to be a stronger man, a smarter man, a man who has fun and enjoys life and a man who can look back and know that he has achieved his goals with honor and integrity. So far so good... why stop now?

May all who find this have a wonderful 2008. Remember the past, look to the future and set your sights on a goal you don’t think you can reach; when you reach it, you’ll know you’ve done something great.

A new year is a coming and I'm ready for it!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A new year is a coming and I'm ready for it! I've been posting regular updates on my personal website more than here because of the changes I intend to make to the blog engine I use. I was checking my statistics and can see that this site is still visited regularly and the feed well consumed. Well isn't that special?

I have enjoyed many victories in 2007 and though there were some challenges as well, perhaps some that could be defined as defeats; I turned those challenges into victories as well. I built a brand new business and am on the threshold of many new and exciting ventures. I am proud of my accomplishments in 2007 even though these accomplishments simply set the stage for 2008 and the great things to come.

I posted a longer verion of this on my personal website (www.davidfrancis.org) but I thought I would share this little piece...

I have many MANY plans for 2008! My priorities remain on getting the magazine in a stronger position, hiring the right people and then expanding the product. I have a couple of other business interests I would like to pursue in '08 as well as my own personal commitment to health and fitness.

My business plan is just like the fitness plan;

• I will gain strength and stamina slowly and methodically. I will walk before I run concentrating on posture and endurance, not only on the treadmill, but also in my business.
   

• I will lift lighter weights so that I can maintain the proper form, realize the greatest benefit and prevent injury; it will be the same in my business as I concentrate on good business practices, sound financial management and great customer service.
   

• I will push myself at the gym to continue to gain mass, loose fat and increase strength; the same will be in business as I will continue to strive for greater market penetration, continued cost management and increased revenue through dedication, hard work and integrity.
   

• I will devote myself to the fitness plan yet remain flexible enough to modify my workout to reach specific goals; the same will be for my company as it takes a great amount of perseverance, dedication and specific plans, it also takes the willingness to adjust those plans to reach specific goals.

I have found that it takes a great amount of effort to reach fitness goals as well as business goals. There is no magic pill, no "easy" routine, and no shortcut. No matter if the fitness goal is to loose weight, gain mass or increase strength, it takes many adjustments, many days of effort and a commitment to the end result. Business is much the same as it takes many days, long hours and the willingness to work hard and do the things that are hard. Reaching the goal usually means reaching many intermediate goals along the way.

Reaching the goal can be the most rewarding thing in life. Working out for 6 months straight to reach specific goals results in more than a bigger bicep, a thinner waist or a stronger heart. Reaching the goal also brings a feeling of accomplishment and a satisfaction that far exceeds the tangible benefits of looking better. The accompanying feeling of accomplishment and victory is unexplainable and can only be realized through many hours of hard work and devotion to the plan. The end result is indescribable and worth every bead of sweat, every day of soreness and every week of devotion.  

It's the same in business.

The companies I've mentioned here and on my other blogs are still on the radar so to speak, but just like my plans for fitness and growth, I will concentrate on the best exercises to reach my goals. If I were to attempt to bench press 500 pounds right now, the weight would be unmanageable and likely hurt me as it crushed my chest. I will however work hard daily to be able to bench press 500 pounds... and similarly, I will work hard daily to bring my business goals and objectives to pass.

May all who read have a wonderful 2008!

Why I am not posting much...

I have suggested that a good blog is posted to at least twice a week. A great blog is posted to once or more a day with content that will attract and retain a target readership. I have also suggested that if you are not willing to post to your blog frequently, you should consider a different method of communication.

Then... I break my own rules.

I have been incredibly busy creating a local area events guide called “SOKY Happenings.” It is up to 52 full color pages with more than 10,000 copies being printed each month. I have personally created and overseen the entire process down to the smallest detail while remembering that suggestions, advice and good counsel is priceless.

We have been very fortunate to have several people who are willing to assist, write and offer guidance and there’s no way we could have done what we have without them. Yet still, every detail must be considered and addressed and that takes time.

Another reason I have stopped posting as often or as openly is due to some concern for privacy. I noticed that I would write my thoughts and ideas and soon find them used in other companies and/or products. While I should be flattered by this, I had to consider the consequences of this on my own business. As a result; I have metered what I write more stringently to protect my current business efforts as well as the many new businesses I have planned in the short and long term. (Anyone selling 10 acres in downtown Bowling Green? {grin})

I hope to be up and blogging again soon, but for the foreseeable future; I will be building a brick and mortar publishing company instead of blogging. I do post more frequently on my personal homepage just to keep friends, family and associates informed. www.DavidFrancis.org. All other collaboration is accomplished on private forums with secure access.

Thank you for reading and also for your letters of encouragement. I try to answer them all so if you haven’t heard from me, the letter could have been automatically sorted to the junk mail folder. I receive about 50 “spam” letters per hour and though I scan through that folder before I empty it, sometimes things are missed. As a rule... if I receive a letter, I always acknowledge it.