One of my most memorable talks was one I did in Wimbledon, ND (population 237), which brought out over 100 people to listen and learn about what they could do to improve their town. I’ve subscribed to the Wimbledon Newsletter, a monthly publication, ever since. You can see the front page here.
A recent issue celebrated plans for the reopening of a community café. A local board has been formed and a recent pot-luck supper brought in $5,000, which inspired two local entrepreneurs to start it back up. In their first two weeks in operation they averaged 125 customers/day. Not bad for a town of 237!
Unfortunately, as plans for the café were taking shape, the local grocery store put up a for-sale sign. Mike & Judy Schlecht, who have owned the store for several decades are both in their 60s, and are wanting to slow down a bit. They have set a July 1st deadline for selling their store. If you are an adventuresome entrepreneur you might give them a call. Remember, Wimbledon, ND is the only spot in the USA that you can play tennis at Wimbledon. I’ve got my own t-shirt that advertises that fact.
Towns go through ups and downs. Wimbledon has been through their fair share. I hope that they get the café started and that someone steps forward to buy the grocery store. Their future as a town probably depends upon it.
This is their website for the newsletter
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