My name is Joe Cullinan and I am the store director of the Faribault Hy-Vee Food Store.
I’ve been part of the Faribault community now for 2 ½ years. I remember when I first came to town on a cold February day. My family stayed in Worthington Minnesota where I was the store director there so that our daughter could finish her sophomore year of high school. I wouldn’t recommend doing that without strong support from your family. I really pushed the envelope when we sold our home and they had to stay in a Super 8 Motel for a month. We’ve moved several times before, but a girl in high school is a tough one.
Shortly after I arrived here I was contacted by Kymn Anderson from the chamber and she wanted to set up some time for her and Todd Markman to not only welcomed me to the community, but to introduce me to what the Faribault Chamber is about. We visited for some time and they really made me feel welcome.
Then Kymn called me and invited me to be part of the “I Get It” a shop local campaign. I said yes without hesitation. I’m a big believer in shopping local. It’s the backbone of any community and the more that we can get that message out there the better for all. Most people really never think about how the impact shopping local has on a community. Especially in retail – it dictates how many people we can employ not only full time, but also part time opportunities. The amount of hours that we can schedule is a direct result of sales. You can see that the more people local businesses can employ the more that those folks will be purchasing goods and services which in turn builds a healthy community.
I’m very proud of the fact that I work for a company that has never had to lay off any full time employees in our history. Especially with the challenges that we’ve all worked thru in the environment of the economy these last few years.
Retail, like any other business has to keep pace with or stay ahead of the changes that happen in this “instantaneous” world in which we operate. Not only are there numerous choices for all consumers with traditional “brick and mortar” businesses, but the internet is the fastest growing area of commerce. The vast majority of goods and services being purchased via the internet doesn’t help the “shop local” theme. Those dollars are taken out of the community and does have an impact.
Kymn called me again and asked if I would like to be part of the Chamber Board and without hesitation I said that I would love to. The Chamber is truly here for not only the business part of the community, but as a salesperson or cheer leader for the city of Faribault and surrounding areas. They have a staff that is really there to promote your business. It doesn’t matter if you only have yourself or employ hundreds they are there.
I couldn’t end here without having a sales pitch for the chamber. If you are already a member or have wondered what the “Chamber can do for you” just contact them and ask. Kymn and her team can tell/show you all of the events and happenings that they have planned throughout the year and how they can impact you in obtaining the goals that you have set forth for your business.
Joe Cullinan Store Director – Faribault Hy-Vee
“Making lives easier, healthier, happier”
