From March 21-28, I traveled to Beit She'an, searching for a focus for my participation on the P2K Steering Committee. Having visited Beit She'an briefly on three previous Federation missions, I felt a connection, knew I wanted to participate, but hadn't found a way to direct my energies. I did help with the P2K Community Involvement Taskforce here is Cleveland, but didn't feel equipped to help chair a committee without firsthand knowledge of the area and people of Beit She'an. When people become involved in a project, they can be more effective if they are doing something they like, and are good at! A focus of the long term success of the partnership is to feel that people in Cleveland are connecting with the people of Beit She'an, and can feel satisfaction about their participation above and beyond their annual contribution to the Federation.
As part of my marketing consultant business, I run several networking groups for small business, and thought there might be a way to create a link with small business people in Beit She'an as my contribution to the Partnership. Small business people everywhere have a lot in common, and the issues they confront have no boundaries. After discussions with Fran Immerman, Kobi Tav and Nitzan Aviran, an itinerary was arranged for me; participation in the Steering Committee meetings, visits to several small businesses and organizations, a luncheon with a Businesswomen's Forum, meeting the new group of Community Builders, and touring the Beit She'an area, including Shabbat at Ein Hanatziv. As I went from place to place, met more and more people, and saw the area, I absolutely fell in love with the entire region. I feel as if I built a very strong connection within a very short time, and have adopted Beit She'an as my Israeli home. The people I met were so warm and friendly, and not only gave of their time, but extended the hand of friendship. This whole experience is one of the highlights of my life.
Based on this experience, my participation seems to have divided itself into five categories:
Continued participation on the P2k Steering Committee, and efforts on behalf of the Community Involvement Taskforce in Cleveland. Participation in Community Builders visits, and networking program at my home (in the works, will submit plan when date is secured).
Working with Nitzan Aviran to create the networking groups and links between small business people in Beit She'an and Cleveland. We have started this process, details to follow.
As an individual volunteer, offering marketing and networking ideas, information, and advice to small businesses and organizations in the Beit She'an region. I will work with Nitzan on this to make people aware of my offer. This would require their ability to email, and some English.
Good will ambassador for the Beit She'an region. I will promote tourism and encourage people to spend more time in the area. This will promote economic development, and help Clevelanders to feel the strong link helpful to the long term success of the Partnership. I hope to give some presentations in Cleveland, telling about my experiences in Beit She'an. I am also submitting a letter to the Jewish News.
As part of my business, if people are interested, I can act as an agent for them in the Cleveland market, so Clevelanders will have an opportunity to buy items such as Judaica and jewelry made in Beit She'an. This would involve a small commission from the businesses, which would help defray my travel costs and allow more frequent visits to the region. This would be done outside the Federation, although I would follow up on contacts they may have. I will work with Nitzan to see if this is feasible.
As these plans continue, I will submit progress reports to the Steering Committee and to and everyone involved in these projects. Enthusiam and energy can carry someone a long way, and I certainly have that!
Many thanks to the Federation for assisting me with this trip. I will return the favor many times over!
Nisan 5764 - April 2004