Longmont-based Schallert Group Creating Economic Development Success Stories in Colorado
LONGMONT, Colo., Feb. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Schallert Group, which brings business owners from North America and beyond to Longmont for training at its Destination BootCamp®, has become a prized resource for economic development leaders in Colorado.
Jon Schallert, who refined his destination business strategy for a quarter-century including 10 years at Hallmark Cards, launched the training in 2002 and moved his company and the Destination BootCamp® to Longmont in 2007.
"We've had business owners travel to Longmont to attend the BootCamp from Australia, the Caribbean, every Canadian province, plus 41 of the 50 states," said Schallert, who has trained nearly 800 business owners in his proprietary business differentiation process.
Groups of business owners from 31 towns and cities across the USA, including Steamboat Springs and Dillon, have participated in his 6-month Community Reinvention Program (CommunityReinventionProgram.com).
"Everyone has been learning beyond expectations," said Susan Fairweather, former Economic Development Director for Dillon, who launched Dillon's involvement in the program. "Businesses are growing so much from the experience and the hands-on approach that Jon teaches. It's concrete, practical, easy to do, and doesn't require a big budget."
Tracy Barnett, Main Street Manager for Steamboat Springs, organized a regional workshop where Schallert spoke, then took 11 owners to Destination BootCamp.
"I think the biggest benefit of going to the BootCamp was all our Steamboat business owners heard the same marketing strategy at the same time," she said.
According to Shawn Lewis, Longmont's Assistant City Manager, "We're thrilled to have Jon as an integral part of the community. He adds a tremendous amount of value to our economic development efforts." The City of Longmont has offered $1,000 scholarships to the BootCamp since 2009.
"Jon has broadened the scope of Longmont's brand with the people he has brought here for his BootCamps," said Rick Samson, a Longmont lawyer and civic leader. "He's also renewed the town's interest in promoting its historic retailing roots."
J.C. Penney opened his first retail venture in Longmont, a meat market, but then learned department store retailing from Longmont retailer Tom Callahan. Penney later passed his knowledge along to another aspiring retailer, Sam Walton.
Schallert annually holds three Destination BootCamps, intensive 2½-day sessions, that begin on Tuesday and end on Thursday. This year's Destination BootCamps are March 4-6, May 13-15, and Oct. 7-9.
CONTACT: Jon Schallert, President, 303-774-6522
SOURCE The Schallert Group
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