You will never have to pay to be listed as a top neighbor. Period. That important detail clarified, let's discuss how we arrive at two "top neighbors" for a given region:
Localism is a bustling collection of hyper-local communities, and the top neighbors should reflect those members who are most active. When ranking users in a given region, several factors are considered. To get your foot in the proverbial door, you need to have posted at least one "Localism" article or photo for the region.
The very best way to quickly rise to #1 is to post high-quality local content. Keeping a steady strem of incoming posts and photos will massively tilt the scales in your favor.
What doesn't count toward the top neighbor ranking? ActiveRain points and community sponsorships. The top neighbor spots will always go to the most active members in a region. We want to create a level playing field that encourages the growth of communities — talent and dedication are required to win the day.
I recently chatted with Lisa Platti, co-owner with her husband Brad Renner of Cue-2-Go. I found out that their business has been around for quite some time, and, actually there are 3 businesses.
Brad and Lisa met at a catering service they both worked for and after a bit of match-making attempts by the owner they got married.
Since Brad was a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America it was natural for he and Lisa to aspire to own their own food business; this all came to fruition in 1986. Lisa made a point of telling me they started Renner's Creative Celebrations, Inc. the catering portion of their business in January and what was significant about that was that this time of year is in the dead of winter, so for the first several months very little happened. Since then they have catered many events ranging from an event for just two up to events with 800 in attendance. On one occasion, they did a wedding anniversary dinner for a couple who could not go out for dinner.
Then, ten years ago, they decided to add to the business by starting Renner's Creative Cuisine an on-line business to sell all the wonderful deserts, rubs, salsas and chutneys that Brad made. Of course, I had to ask for example of an item that sells well. Lisa told me that the walnut diamond desert cake was a hot item and she walked over to a counter and brought back a piece for me to try. I, too, thought it was very good. She also mentioned that men especially loved the smoked pickled Jalapeno, because it is both hot and smoked. They have much repeat business and have clients who buy large quantities year after year.
Then, three years ago they decided to add more products. Both Brad and Lisa love barbecue so this was an easy choice. They converted a refrigerator into a smoker and that is how Cue-2-Go was launched. Now, people stop by to pick up all sorts of barbecue meals. This is actually how I was introduced to the business - my son loves barbecue. When I was planning a menu for his graduation party he requested that I incorporate some of Brad and Lisa‘s barbecued meats.
For years I have driven by this old grey barn in Columbia County NY but never found the right conditions or time to take a photo. Well, I finally did.
A barn like this is a reminder of how important agriculture was to the economy of the region. It is still important. However, during the boom years of real estate some of the large tracts of farmland in the region became housing subdivisions. Seeing a barn like this makes me think of what life was like many years ago; hard work, but, with a sense of pride from watching the fields come to life or from experiencing the birth of lambs and calves.
Oudoor space is so important. We are fortunate to have many lovely parks in the Hudson Valley. This particular park is operated by Art OMI and is located in Ghent NY. If you follow my blog you have seen other pieces of sculpture located in this park.
The other day I was having breakfast with my husband in a diner when I suddenly had the impulse to pop a quarter into the juke box and let the music play. Mark you, I have never used one of these machines before.
My husband immediately sensed that one of my impulsive moments was about to become reality, and emphatically said no to this.
I did not give up. Immediately, I asked wouldn't you like some Ray Coniff music with breakfast?
Of course, the answer was no, and he added that the other customers wouldn't want it either.
Really, I can't be the only one who has had such an impulse right?
Today I stopped by this window to look at the artwork on display. It was then that I noticed the cat who loved art. He was looking at the painting as if he was analyzing it. Soon, others were drawn to the window. Yes, this was one of those moments that brings a smile to your face.
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