EDITOR'S TAKE - PARKER SHOWCASE

EDITOR'S TAKE

BY SEARCH PARKER STAFF

It was an emotional conversation with a new, frightened local business owner that prompted the launch of the Parker Showcase passport. With the uncertainty of the flailing economy, and the onset of newer restrictions caused by the pandemic, Rex and Kristin Grayner realized that focusing on helping others was an answer to their own personal concerns.

Rex and Kristin decided they wanted to do something to help their neighbors and the community. They came up with an idea to give residents (otherwise unable to travel), a "passport" to experience local restaurants. They didn't want it to be just another coupon book that gets discarded; there were already too many of those hanging around. They really wanted to make a difference.

Many local restaurants were approached and ultimately 17 were included in the first printing of the booklet. None of the establishments paid anything to be included. With booklets now printed and distributed to participating restaurants, the online store was also opened and sales took off. Parker Showcase became a great success early on, as both restaurants and residents were eager to be a part of this great endeavor. The savings of the booklet was almost secondary; the thrill of being involved and pulling together as a community was the primary rush.

Rex and Kristin then decided to take things up a notch. Since only a small percentage of the local restaurants were benefitting from the booklet, Grayners decided to expand the project's impact. They took 100% of the profits from the sale of the booklet and bought gift cards to other local places. They distributed those gift cards to the public freeof-charge.

Last I spoke with the Grayners, many surrounding communities have reached out to them to launch a Showcase passport in their towns.

In these uncertain and seemingly downtrodden times, it is great to hear of wonderful people reaching out to do good. There are good stories out there, and good people like the Grayners are making them come to life.

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