"We can't start your business for you, but we can definitely help. We can hold your hand." - Bill Wagoner, City of Arcola

Last week, we met Hannah Myers and Bill Wagoner with the City of Arcola.

Myers, a former CEO facilitator, helped us understand the importance of community engagement and civic groups, a town's revenues and expenses, GIS mapping, and the options businesses have for increasing revenue.

Wagoner walked us around downtown Arcola's main intersection, and explained how his job as City Administrator is to add value to the community. He talked about budgets, grants, state reporting, park improvements, local taxes, and some of the more recent business changes in Arcola.

One of the most important takeaways from our time with Wagoner - "Getting into business is great. Getting out of business is another thing." As we are just beginning to think of starting our own businesses, Wagoner pointed out that all businesses need an exit strategy, too.

Myers also listened to our badge business and 1 to 100 ideas, and helped us think through some of our CEO class planning.

And, this was our first opportunity to practice our introductions, as students are expected to greet all guests, and take turns providing an introduction to the class.