HT-390674-1
JUNE 2018 VOL. 31, NO. 6
A Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Publication
In this issue:
“The consistent comment I get from guests is, ‘you have the best people here.‘ They are doing the job right and they are happy. That’s why (customers) keep coming back. It’s not always just about the food.”
Advocacy Update ..........................................................2 Chamber Voices............................................................3 hYPe News ...................................................................4 Chamber Briefs .............................................................5 Ambassador of the Quarter .........................................6 Big Help for Small Business .........................................6 Effective Technology .....................................................7 Women Excel Bloomington Awards............................12
— Andy Stewart Photo by Chris Howell.
Spotlight: Applebee’s Grill and Bar
Longevity of Bloomington Businesses
JUNE 21 11
hen Applebee’s Grill and Bar opened its doors at its College Mall location more than 20 years ago, the other dining options in the area were limited. It’s a far cry from Bloomington today, said general manager Andy Stewart, where new restaurants seem to crop up across the city all the time. And yet despite the extra competition, Applebee’s has done more than survive in Bloomington. It has thrived. For this success, Stewart — who has worked at Applebee’s since 2005 — looks to the Bloomington eatery’s ever-changing menu, its willingness to go the extra mile for customers and, above all, its people. While the food might bring people to the restaurant, friendly and attentive staff keeps them coming back. “The consistent comment I get from guests is, ‘you have the best people here,’” Stewart said. “They are doing the job right and they are happy. That’s why (customers) keep coming back. It’s not always just about the food.”
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SPOTLIGHT
continued on page 11
Business After Hours, Garden Villa
JULY
By Kasey Husk
W
Coming in July:
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
hYPe “Bring Your Boss” luncheon, Weddle Brothers Business After Hours, John Bethell Title
Effective Technology: Embracing new tools helps local businesses shine
See page 7