It's not all doom and gloom out there in America. Some good things are happening here in The Great Recession. Culture shapes economy, and here we have some successful cultural examples.
1. Trader Joe's
These guys have reconnected with the idea that food should be good, and shopping should be fun. The prices are generally very good, the quality is very high, and almost every item on the shelf carries their brand name. Last night, we cooked up salmon patties purchased from the freezer section, and they were wonderful. Trader Joe's understands the power of THE BRAND, and that everything that bears their brand should be first rate, to reinforce loyalty to the brand.(Something GM and Chrysler forgot long ago.)
2. Cracker Barrel
Same idea, but in a family restaurant context. The food is plentiful, tasty, comforting, served up cheerfully. Often, you have to wait for a table, especially on Sundays. No problem, they have one of the most cleverly-merchandised gift store operations on the planet. They have become a major recorded music retailer via their private-brand (that brand thing again!) label. In time for this Christmas, they're expanding to a co-branded line of merchandise with country star Alan Jackson.
In both places, the employees are genuinely happy to be there. The brand trumps all. They deliver good product and good fun to boot.
On the not-for-profit front:
1. The American Choral Directors Association
This organization is actually growing in the face of The Great Recession! Under the energetic leadership of Tim Sharp, the organization seems to have relocated its 'mojo'. Choral singing is a fabulous tool for music education, and its benefits extend far beyond arts alone. It is also relatively inexpensive, since everyone comes born with a voice, and there is no upper limit to the numbers who can participate. It's recession-proof art that everyone can participate in.
2. The University of Louisville
In the midst of The Great Recession, and in spite of some truly embarrassing scandals, U of L managed to raise $98 million from donors in the year just ended. President James Ramsey was a great hire seven years ago. In the wake of chaos left by his egoist predecessor, Ramsey brings a refreshingly level-headed leadership rooted in both his career in economics, and the fact that he was raised in Louisville--a graduate of Fern Creek High School. His roots and family are there. Both his children attend U of L. His full resume is published on the website, complete with home address and phone! The opening paragraph of the 2009 State of the University address, delivered by the provost, is inspiring reading.
Again, attention to the brand, the mission, the employees, the customers--they just don't seem to go out of vogue.
They prosper because they serve.
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