I presented this week at the Brookings Business Outlook Conference in Brookings, OR.  Although it’s an all day trip to get to this small town from Chicago,  the Oregon coast lives up to its tourist slogan of “Wild Rivers”.  I love visiting places like this for work.  Besides the scenery being exquisite, the people are always so welcoming.

When I arrive in a big city, I always get to my destination on my own and typically don’t see anyone until the day of the conference.  In a small town, they may have a welcome basket in the hotel room or welcome me with dinner.  There is nothing wrong with the former, but I prefer the hospitality of the latter.

The business people in Brookings were some of the happiest people I have ever met on my trips.  They loved to live in this part of the country and wanted to learn what ever they could to make their businesses better!

Today, I received a note from the hotel where I stayed at the WildRivers Motor Lodge:

Dear Mr. Moltz,
 
Upon check out when you left our lobby, there were three other guests in the lobby and they pointed out some cash that had fallen on the floor near the coffee maker. Since you had just been in the lobby and had made some change for a twenty, I assumed this to probably be yours. We, the guests and I tried to flag you down as you drove off the property, but were unable to do so.
I also attempted to reach you at the conference, but again was unable to do so.
I have the cash that fell on the floor in an envelope in my cash drawer. If you would like, I can send it to you in a check form, just confirm your address for me as what you had given upon your reservation point..
Talk to you soon.
Thanks
Ken

This would never happen in Chicago. I hope to return  to Brookings in the fall.  Get out of the big cities and meet rural entrepreneurs.  We can learn a lot from them.