Welcome to Talking Business. I am Shelly Peterson, Founder and CEO of Promoting Me. Promoting Me is a business consulting firm that helps businesses and individuals make a name for themselves and stand out in today’s digital world. I am a third-generation construction professional who has been in the construction industry for nearly 26 years. I have sold and completed hundreds of small projects and  66 major projects in 14 different state, totaling over$3B. During that period, I was also bitten by the entrepreneurial bug. While I was married, in addition to my construction career, I also owned 8 different businesses. Two restaurants, one catering company, small home electrical company, rental property, mini storage, small business consulting company and helped invent, patent and manufacture and sell a specialty product. I have always been actively involved in the community and understand the importance of networking and supporting small business.  For the past two years, I lived in Florida. I recently returned to the community and appreciate the many Hidden Gems of our small community. In the past, I have been an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, Business Enhancement Committee and was the Vice President of the Cloquet Economic Development Authority. After my short stint away, I was looking for ways to reconnect with the business community. I reached out to Holly Hansen, the Community Development Director at the City of Cloquet and asked her how we can use my new business platform to help spotlight our area and the small businesses, which I call the “Hidden Gems of Cloquet”.   It is with that that I am going to move into my interview with Holly and begin our first of many podcasts on Talking Business - Celebrating business in small town America. I hope you enjoy.

Today we are talking to Holly Hansen and she share show the City of Cloquet may be able to help your small business.