Our main presentation was Bernard (Bernie) Butcher, owner of the Tallman Hotel in Upper Lake with his wife, Lynne. His presentation focused on the history of Upper Lake and how a hotel like the Tallman came to be.
In the late 1800s when it was originally built, the Tallman was a stop on the stage line that came from Ukiah and took riders up to the resorts of Bartlett Springs as well as to points beyond. As such is was a bustling place with vacationers, loggers, and workers at the local fruit packing warehouses.
As time went on, the hotel served these travelers until the early part of this century when changes in the local business climate as well as changes in transportation rendered the hotel almost useless. Under the family's tutelage it remained in business until 1962 when the doors were closed for the last time and the for sale sign went up.
Finally, 42 years later a buyer was found for the property and that was the Butcher family. After extensive renovations, the hotel was re-opened with additional rooms as well as a re-creation of the Blue Wing Saloon and Cafe right next door. The original one was torn down during prohibition.
The Tallman Hotel and Blue Wing Saloon and Cafe serve as a beacon of hope on Main Street in Upper Lake, proving that there is business to be had in Lake County with the right marketing and an exceptional product. This beautiful hotel and property are a great asset to the people and businesses of Lake County.
Business of the Month
After a gala grand opening on October 10, Lucerne Pharmacy in Lucerne now is ready to work with customers of both pharmaceuticals as well as other items. Many people might not realize the extent of the gift items available at Lucerne Pharmacy including many, many locally-produced items. They also have shirts, pants and more with "Lucerne" badging which are great things for tourists and locals alike.
For those looking to get something for someone who has everything, a stop at Lucerne Pharmacy's gift shop might be a surprisingly refreshing change. Furthermore, they gift wrap!
Of course there are also items in the pharmacy and a complete diabetes shop.
Additional Speakers
Pat from Upper Lake High School indicated that there will be a candidates forum a the school on October 26 from 6-8pm.
In addition, the School is looking for businesses to mentor some of the graduating students. These ambitious members of society are looking to learn and the School hopes your business would take one in and show them how business is done.
Marketing Minute
Tony Barthel's Marketing Minute focused on Google and how it can help your business. Google already has information on you, but you can affect whether or not that's the correct information. This is especially useful if you own a business as you can create a Google account with the correct information in it while also offering specials, providing a spot on the map where you are and much, much more.
Simply register for a free Google account (if you haven't already). Once your account is approved, you can tell them about businesses you own, yourself (if you care to) and such. Doing this, the Featherbed Railroad was able to correct the incorrect information about their location on the map, for example, and consolidate a number of incorrect listings into one correct listing. This then blossomed into better and a great number of Google searches finding the Featherbed Railroad.
Any paid member of the Northshore Business Association gets a web page, which can actually be the official page about your business if you don't already have a web page. You can put any content you like on this page including address, photos, descriptions, coupons, or whatever you like. Truthfully, the more rich content there is on the page, the more likely Google is to find it.
Eric Seely indicated that they are closing in on the finishes stages of the renovation of Main Street Upper Lake. The sidewalks are close to being done and the roadways are next, followed by the landscaping including the lighting. Lastly, the arch will go across the street. Seely indicated that the entire project should be completed in time for the Christmas Parade, which is to be held on December 5.