Summer Report on Business Magazine Launch with Missing Ice Cream Truck Column

The quarterly issue of Report On Business is out. The theme of this issue is Small Business. A majority of GNDC's members are considered small business. The issue features content from ND Small Business Development Center, CareerViewXR, ND Secretary of State, and Labradorly Marketing. 

As usual, we announce with the missing column of our VP of Operations and Outreach, Amanda Remynse's column.

Ode to an Ice Cream Truck. [Alternative Title: The Sounds of Summer is a Business]
I live approximately 4 blocks from an ice cream truck. Recently this distant neighbor bought a nostalgic truck (from east coast) and her and her family have made a personal business from it – Olive’s Ice Cream Truck. The truck is named after their dog, their daughter is a big part of the rides, and they travel along in musical style. This may have been my favorite thing this summer – no it’s not because I’m a huge ice cream fan. Let me explain – actually, let me remind you.
 
Here's the scene – you are kicking around the backyard – maybe swinging, maybe playing ball, maybe the plastic pools are out making circles on the lawn and you hear it… faintly… the gentle tones of the truck. You cock your heard to hear if they become louder and when they do, you move. The yelling begins – “ice cream truck!” or “Dad, can we have some money!” and then you scuttle because that truck will drive by.
 
I grew up on dirt roads – no ice cream truck was taking on gravel and because of this, the ice cream truck always mystified me. I’d never seen the process. I still got the premise – music, yell, run, sweet reward. Now, I love when Olive’s Ice Cream Truck swings by because as my kids sit and ponder their choice (which is a waste because I know what they are getting before they even know – something with gum ball eye balls). The "ants" start coming… by that I mean, people start flocking – they begin to trickle out of their house, from their backyards, stopping their cars, running down the street.
 
To me… this has become quintessential summer. I love that my kids will have these memories that are innocent and lovely and pure (and screen free). They know me, I never say no to the ice cream truck – I can’t. I won’t. Again, not because I like ice cream but because I want to build up this memory and solidify it when they don’t get to live this non-responsibility mindset - when they have to think about 401Ks, taxes, healthcare plans, meal plans, buying toilet paper, and all other boring adulting.
 
So to Olive’s Ice Cream Truck – I salute you. Thank you for creating this – thank you for bringing the opportunity of this core memory. But to the rest of you, think about the overview – summer is possible because of businesses who are part of the experience. Whether it’s an ice cream truck, a zoo, a golf course, a brewery, a pool, a water park, amusement park, sports team… your favorite summer nostalgia are deeply intertwined with businesses.
 
 These businesses need to be supported, celebrated, and cherished. Whether it’s for you, your current, or your past, but also your future. Think of the rootbeer float stand and hot dog park that you would hit up. Think of the fair – where you’d get food on a stick. The postcards, the t-shirts and travel memories you’ve purchased. Think of how you want others to see it. Love your businesses who have been vital to the reminiscing you fade into and hope future generations experience whether directly or their own personal version – like Olive’s.
 
Yep, next time you hear that soft tone tinkle, you savor it all – ear perk, the run, the ice cream, the memory, the power of one business, and the season. Summer - like all the best things in life, seem to slip through your hands quickly.


SUMMER ISSUE OF REPORT ON BUSINESS: SMALL BUSINESS