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Operation Crowdfunded

In Health, Opinion, Politics, Uncategorized on September 23, 2025 at 2:58 pm

Deer In Headlines II

By Gery Deer

The United States of America: the land of innovation and opportunity, where billionaires launch rockets for sport and algorithms decide your mortgage rate. So, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that Americans now turn to crowdfunding to pay for basic healthcare. Not as a quirky side hustle, mind you, but as a legitimate strategy for survival.

This year, roughly 1.8 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer. The average cost of treatment? A cool $183 billion. That’s not per person, of course—just the collective tab. But when you break it down, individual patients often face six-figure bills, even with insurance. Meanwhile, nearly 70% of seniors will require long-term care, either at home or in a facility. And with government assistance programs shrinking faster than a hospital gown in the dryer, many are left to fend for themselves. Each year, more and more are turning to crowdfunding.

According to statistics published by Astute Analytica, Americans raise more than $3 billion annually through platforms like GoFundMe, GiveSendGo, and others—most of it for medical expenses. While that might seem a heartwarming testament to community spirit, it’s simultaneously a tragic commentary on our national priorities.

When you live in the “richest” country on Earth and someone in a white coat says the words, “You have cancer,” but your best hope for affording chemotherapy is a well-written plea and a viral social media post, something’s gone horribly awry.

Let’s compare this to the more “official” solution: Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), tax-advantaged accounts tied to high-deductible insurance plans. In theory, they help you save for medical expenses. But their nature pretty much excludes the people who actually need the money.

HSAs require disposable income to fund. Plus, they’re capped at a few thousand dollars per year. That’s great if you’re buying allergy meds or paying for a routine checkup. But without some serious money tucked away, you could still be in trouble if you need something like an appendectomy, for example, which averages around $13,000.

Crowdfunding, on the other hand, offers flexibility. You don’t need to qualify for a high-deductible plan. You don’t need to navigate IRS rules. You just need a compelling story, a few sympathetic friends, and the ability to market your misfortune.

Imagine a future where every citizen maintains a personal healthcare fund online. You could even petition the IRS to classify seniors and disabled individuals as not-for-profit entities. That way, when a billionaire donates to your cancer treatment, they get a tax write-off. It’s a win-win. You get a shot at survival, and they get to feel philanthropic without disrupting their yacht schedule.

Of course, this would also stimulate the tech economy. Crowdfunding platforms would flourish, transaction fees would soar, and a new generation of entrepreneurs would emerge to optimize the monetization of the already bloated medical crises. But there are challenges – big ones.

If everyone’s running a campaign, how do you stand out? Do you offer donor perks? “Contribute $100 and receive a personalized thank-you video from my hospital bed.” Do you hire a public relations firm to promote your gallbladder surgery? “Compassion competition” can become fierce. Those without strong social networks or digital savvy would likely struggle to raise anything at all.

With so many medical coverage decisions being made in the board room rather than at the bedside, this model has its appeal. It’s more transparent than insurance billing, more immediate than government aid, and more democratic than corporate healthcare.

Some say healthcare should be a right, not a raffle – I tend to agree. It’s absurd that anyone should have to beg for insulin or auction off their belongings to afford a colonoscopy. But in a country where tax breaks for billionaires are considered sacred and universal healthcare is viewed as some kind of socialist takeover, absurdity might just be the most realistic and successful option.

So sure, let’s embrace the irony of a system where survival depends on storytelling and digital advertising prowess and crowdfund our medical care. We will just have to hope that, someday, we’ll look back on this era not as a failure of policy, but as a resourceful bureaucratic bypass—when Americans took their health into their own hands, one donation at a time.

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Vision Quest

In Opinion, psychology, sociology, Uncategorized on September 12, 2025 at 10:03 am

Deer In Headlines II

By Gery Deer

Somewhere between the motivational posters in your work break room and the TED Talk rabbit hole you fell into online last Tuesday, someone probably told you that you need a “vision” for your life. A grand, sweeping, cinematic plan that guides your every move like you’re the protagonist in a Christopher Nolan film. Lights, camera, confusion.

Now, let’s be honest – most of us are just trying to remember where we left our coffee mug and whether we fed the dog this morning. But a life vision? That sounds exhausting, and at least partially unrealistic.

Don’t misunderstand. I’m not saying you should wander aimlessly through life like a robot vacuum cleaner with a dying battery, bumping your way from wall to wall, down this hallway and that. Any purposeful achievement generally starts with a dream and some kind of plan, even an informal one. To me, that’s just common sense.

But obsessing over the idea of a perfectly curated roadmap for your life might do more harm than good. That’s especially true when we project the obsession onto others—our kids, our coworkers, some unsuspecting barista. And you need to allow for some flexibility so you can recognize opportunity when it comes and act in your best interest – that’s more how I work, I would say.

When someone says you can’t make it without a vision board and a color-coded calendar that looks like NASA designed it, they are probably trying to sell you something. In case you haven’t figured this out on your own, life is messy, unpredictable, and occasionally throws a raccoon through your metaphorical window.

Some of the most successful people I know didn’t start with a vision. They began with a problem, a deep interest in something, or just plain boredom. They stumbled into opportunities, made a few mistakes (okay, a lot of mistakes), and figured things out along the way. Their “vision” was more like a foggy windshield they wiped clean with the sleeve of their hoodie – and that’s okay.

Here’s the thing: having a vision sounds noble, but it can also blind you. When you’re so focused on the end goal, you miss the weird little detours that could lead to something better. You ignore the people around you who might need help, or who might help you.

Instead of the kind of vision you read about in self-help books, maybe what we need is a clearer view—the ability to see what’s happening right now. That way, we notice the opportunities, the needs, the small wins, and then be present enough to pivot when life throws a curveball—or a raccoon.

If you’re in a position to guide others—whether you’re a parent, a manager, or just the guy who always gets asked for directions at the grocery—there’s a temptation to impose your vision on them. You want them to succeed, so you hand them your blueprint. “Here’s how I did it. Follow this, and you’ll be fine.”

Really? People don’t come with identical parts and a universal tool kit. What worked for you might be a disaster for someone else. Your vision might be their nightmare.

Instead of handing out visions like party favors, let’s ask questions. What excites you? What scares you? What do you want to try, even if you might fail? Influence isn’t about shaping someone’s path—it’s about helping them find their own flashlight.

So here’s my alternative vision pitch: wander with purpose. Be curious. Be open. Set goals, sure—but don’t carve them into stone. Scribble them on napkins and be willing to toss them when life hands you a better idea.

Life isn’t a straight line. It’s a squiggly mess of trial and error, happy accidents, and moments of clarity that usually arrive while you’re doing something mundane like folding laundry or eating cold pizza in the middle of the night. So what to do? Ignore all the nonsense out there and do what leads you to the life you want.

While a valuable foundation, vision isn’t an absolute. Flexibility, awareness, and a good sense of humor are you best tools along life’s path. Now – what did I do with that coffee mug?

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Another New Hampshire man gets a pig kidney as transplant trials are poised to start

In Health, National News, Uncategorized on September 8, 2025 at 9:16 am

Courtesy the Associated Press

By  LAURAN NEERGAARD

Updated 8:09 AM EDT, September 8, 2025

View the entire story with video here.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A self-described science nerd is the latest American to get an experimental pig kidney transplant, at a crucial point in the quest to prove if animals organs really might save human lives.

The 54-year-old New Hampshire man is faring well after his June 14 operation, doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital announced Monday.

“I really wanted to contribute to the science of it,” Bill Stewart, an athletic trainer from Dover, New Hampshire, told The Associated Press.

That’s not the only milestone the Mass General team is marking: A pig kidney has kept another New Hampshire man, Tim Andrews, off dialysis for a record seven months and counting. Until now, the longest that a gene-edited pig organ transplant was known to last was 130 days.

Based on lessons from the New Hampshire men and a handful of other one-off attempts, the Food and Drug Administration approved pig producer eGenesis to begin a rigorous study of kidney xenotransplants.

“Right now we have a bottleneck” in finding enough human organs, said Mass General kidney specialist Dr. Leonardo Riella, who will help lead the new clinical trial.

More than 100,000 people are on the U.S. transplant list, most who need a kidney, and thousands die waiting. As an alternative, scientists are genetically altering pigs so their organs are more humanlike, less likely to be immediately attacked and destroyed by people’s immune system.

Initial experiments, two hearts and two kidneys, were short-lived and included very ill patients. Chinese researchers also recently announced a kidney xenotransplant but released little information. Then an Alabama woman whose pig kidney lasted 130 days before rejection prompted its removal, sending her back to dialysis, helped researchers shift to not-as-sick patients.

In New Hampshire, high blood pressure caused Stewart’s kidneys to fail but he had no other health problems. It can take up to seven years for people with his blood type to find a matching kidney from a deceased donor, and some would-be living donors didn’t qualify. After two years in dialysis, he heard about Mass General’s most recent xenotransplant recipient – Andrews – and applied to be the next candidate.

“I’ve always been a little bit of a science nerd,” Stewart said. Conscious of how new these experiments are, he sought out Andrews for advice and ultimately decided, “worst case scenario, they can always take it out.”

Thrilled to no longer have his time and energy sapped by dialysis, Stewart said he’s easing back into desk duties at work and visited his old dialysis clinic to “let everyone know I’m doing all right and maybe kind of give some people some hope.”

Riella, the kidney specialist, said Stewart had his anti-rejection drugs adjusted to counter an early concern and that Andrews has needed similar adjustments. He said it’s far too early to predict how long pig kidneys might be able to last — but it would be useful even if initially they can buy people time off dialysis until they get a matching human organ.

“A year, hopefully longer than that – that’s already a huge advantage,” he said.

The new eGenesis trial will provide gene-edited pig kidney transplants to 30 people age 50 or older who are on dialysis and the transplant list. Another developer of gene-edited pig organs, United Therapeutics, is about to start enrolling people in a similar FDA-approved study.

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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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The Hero Sandwich

In Opinion, Uncategorized on August 25, 2025 at 7:06 am

Deer In Headlines II

By Gery Deer

When I was a kid, we had an in-ground pool in our backyard. About the size of a two-car garage, my father, a skilled concrete worker and mason, built it himself. As spring gave way to summer, my dad would uncover, clean, and fill the pool for the season.

It was one of my favorite times of the year. The weather was still reasonably cool for early summer, and I was fascinated by the huge tanker truck that carried the water to our house. I grew up around trucks and other heavy equipment, so you’d think I would have little interest in such a thing. But when you’re five, everything is much bigger than life, and we didn’t have a water truck.

My brother and sister were pushing me around our pool in a plastic boat around 1969, a couple of years before the ham sandwich incident.

Although I could swim, my parents never learned. I always thought that was strange since my dad grew up on the banks of the Ohio River. So, unless my older brother or sister was in the pool too, I had to watch through the chain-link fence.

One particularly memorable pool opening day, when I was about 4 years old, the water truck arrived around lunchtime. I peered eagerly through the screen door. Mom stuck half of a boiled ham sandwich in my hand, told me to be patient, and she would take me outside when I’d finished my lunch.

I have an oddly specific memory of Mom commenting that this was the last of that particular lunch meat and not to waste it. I’m not sure why that stuck with me, but, at the time, it seemed pretty important.

At some point, I promised to finish the sandwich if she let me go outside, which did the trick. After all, Dad was out there, and I could stay by the fence. My case effectively pleaded, and the judge’s decision rendered, I happily toddled outside with my ham sandwich.

I think Dad was distracted. He chatted away with the water truck driver about whatever it is that truck drivers talk about when they’re waiting for gravity to do all their work for them. I adjusted the straw hat mom plopped onto my head on the way out the door, and clutched my sandwich as I stealthily made my way inside the enclosure and around to the opposite side of the pool.

I know – I wasn’t supposed to be there – and I knew it then too. But I was a handful back then and didn’t always do what I was supposed to do. Finally, I was near the filter vent – a favorite spot for me to sit and dangle my feet in the water.

This was the pool my father built for us – the fence I mentioned in the story has yet to be added. This is just after the construction was completed.

I tried my best to disappear behind a deck chair when Mom called for Dad to make sure I ate my sandwich. He relayed the orders, noticed where I was standing, but seemed unconcerned. I took a big bite of the sandwich, crept over to the edge, and peered into the water. A moment later – kerplop! There I was, like a fishing bobber, headfirst and feet sticking out of the shallow part of the pool. I can still recall the feeling of being swallowed by water.


As quickly as it happened, I was yanked out of the pool by my foot, now missing its sandal. My father was taken over by fear but never missed a beat. Worried I’d taken a lung full of water on the way in, he put me over his knee, face down, and started thumping on my back. “Spit,” he repeatedly shouted at me as the heel of his hand rapped on my back. I shook my head in defiance. “No.” After a minute or so, I complied. Out of my mouth spewed a wad of half-masticated ham and bread that hit the cement with a splat.

When I fell in, I had a mouthful of food, and I held my breath, which kept the water outside, where it belonged. Upon my rescue, I was reluctant to spit it out because I was afraid I’d get into trouble for wasting it. That ham sandwich and my father’s quick action saved my life. The moral? Do what your mom tells you – and hold onto your ham sandwich.

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Vision Quest

In Health, Opinion, psychology, Religion, sociology, Technology, Uncategorized on August 22, 2025 at 1:32 pm

Deer In Headlines II

By Gery Deer

Somewhere between the motivational posters in your work break room and the TED Talk rabbit
hole you fell into online last Tuesday, someone probably told you that you need a “vision” for
your life. A grand, sweeping, cinematic plan that guides your every move like you’re the
protagonist in a Christopher Nolan film. Lights, camera, confusion.

Now, let’s be honest – most of us are just trying to remember where we left our coffee mug and
whether we fed the dog this morning. But a life vision? That sounds exhausting, and at least
partially unrealistic.

Don’t misunderstand. I’m not saying you should wander aimlessly through life like a robot
vacuum cleaner with a dying battery, bumping your way from wall to wall, down this hallway and
that. Any purposeful achievement generally starts with a dream and some kind of plan, even an
informal one. To me, that’s just common sense.

But obsessing over the idea of a perfectly curated roadmap for your life might do more harm
than good. That’s especially true when we project the obsession onto others—our kids, our
coworkers, some unsuspecting barista. And you need to allow for some flexibility so you can
recognize opportunity when it comes and act in your best interest – that’s more how I work, I
would say.
When someone says you can’t make it without a vision board and a color-coded calendar that
looks like NASA designed it, they are probably trying to sell you something. In case you haven’t
figured this out on your own, life is messy, unpredictable, and occasionally throws a raccoon
through your metaphorical window.


Some of the most successful people I know didn’t start with a vision. They began with a
problem, a deep interest in something, or just plain boredom. They stumbled into opportunities,
made a few mistakes (okay, a lot of mistakes), and figured things out along the way. Their “vision” was more like a foggy windshield they wiped clean with the sleeve of their hoodie – and
that’s okay.

Here’s the thing: having a vision sounds noble, but it can also blind you. When you’re so
focused on the end goal, you miss the weird little detours that could lead to something better.
You ignore the people around you who might need help, or who might help you.

Instead of the kind of vision you read about in self-help books, maybe what we need is a clearer
view—the ability to see what’s happening right now. That way, we notice the opportunities, the
needs, the small wins, and then be present enough to pivot when life throws a curveball—or a
raccoon.

If you’re in a position to guide others—whether you’re a parent, a manager, or just the guy who
always gets asked for directions at the grocery—there’s a temptation to impose your vision on
them. You want them to succeed, so you hand them your blueprint. “Here’s how I did it. Follow
this, and you’ll be fine.”

Really? People don’t come with identical parts and a universal tool kit. What worked for you
might be a disaster for someone else. Your vision might be their nightmare.
Instead of handing out visions like party favors, let’s ask questions. What excites you? What
scares you? What do you want to try, even if you might fail? Influence isn’t about shaping
someone’s path—it’s about helping them find their own flashlight.

So here’s my alternative vision pitch: wander with purpose. Be curious. Be open. Set goals,
sure—but don’t carve them into stone. Scribble them on napkins and be willing to toss them
when life hands you a better idea.

Life isn’t a straight line. It’s a squiggly mess of trial and error, happy accidents, and moments of
clarity that usually arrive while you’re doing something mundane like folding laundry or eating
cold pizza in the middle of the night. So what to do? Ignore all the nonsense out there and do
what leads you to the life you want.

While a valuable foundation, vision isn’t an absolute. Flexibility, awareness, and a good sense
of humor are your best tools along life’s path. Now – what did I do with that coffee mug?

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Free event for farm pesticide disposal collection

In Uncategorized on August 22, 2025 at 1:23 pm

XENIA — A disposal collection event for farm pesticides will occur on Wednesday. The event will take place from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and be held at the OSU Extension Office located at the Greene County Fairgrounds.

This is a great opportunity to safely and properly dispose of old or unwanted farm chemicals at no cost. The collection is sponsored by the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Only farm chemicals will be accepted.

Any items such as paint, antifreeze, solvents, and household or non-farm pesticides will not be taken.

Pre-registration is encouraged. To register or for more information, please contact the Ohio Department of Agriculture at 614-728-6987.

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C2 Market at Davis-Linden Building Celebrates Dayton’s Creativity and Commerce —Rooted in Historic Innovation

In art, Local News, Technology, Uncategorized on August 22, 2025 at 12:41 pm

DAYTON, OH — On Saturday, September 20, and Sunday, September 21, from 10 AM to 4 PM, the Davis-Linden Building will host the C2 Market. This vibrant weekend event blends Dayton’s legacy of innovation with its modern creative spirit, and it is open to the public.

Located at the corner of Davis and Linden Avenues, just north of U.S. 35, the Davis-Linden Building is more than just a venue—it’s a landmark of Dayton’s industrial past. Originally home to the Davis Sewing Machine Factory, the site later became the birthplace of the iconic Huffy Bicycle, a brand that pedaled its way into American homes for generations. Today, the building has been reimagined as a hub for creativity and commerce through the “C2 Initiative.”

This will be the first of what the C2 organizers hope is many regularly scheduled events. (AI-generated rendering pictured here.)

The C2 Market will feature a variety of member tenants showcasing their work, from wood crafting and glass creations to specialty photography. Visitors will have the chance to meet the creators, explore a portion of the historic building, and learn how its legacy continues to inspire new ventures.

“The C2 Initiative is an effort to create a community of creativity and commerce,” said Becca Brumfield, Operations Manager. “Our goal is to help enlighten Dayton and encourage the innovative spirit that thrives in our city.”

What sets the Davis-Linden Building and the C2 program apart from other creative spaces like the Hub at the Dayton Arcade or the Front Street art district is versatility and room for growth. “We are an exclusive facility that provides not only office and artistic space, but also light manufacturing, storage, and studio space as well,” Brumfield explained. “And there’s room to expand. We want our member tenants to grow with us. Their success is tied to ours.”

Looking ahead, the C2 Initiative plans to launch community-focused projects that give back to Dayton through mentorship, education, and collaborative outreach—ensuring that the building’s future is as impactful as its past.

Parking is available at 15 Davis Ave and 115 Davis Ave, with entry through Door 1 (corner of Davis and Linden, up the long, cement staircase) or Door 4 (across from 115 Davis Ave). For more information, visit www.davislindenbuilding.com.

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Greene County cycling tour event proceeds presented to veterans’ suicide prevention subcommittee.

In Education, Health, Local News, psychology, Science, Senior Lifestyle, Uncategorized on August 15, 2025 at 9:08 am

XENIA, OHIO — Representatives of the Greene County Parks and Trails, Trail Sentinels volunteer group, visited the Greene County Veterans Services office on Tuesday, August 12th, to present a donation check to the Greene County Suicide Prevention Coalition Veterans Subcommittee. The donation is the result of funds raised from the first annual Greene County Cycling Tour for Veteran Suicide Prevention, held July 19th.

The event raised $1,800.00 for the coalition, and it was made possible thanks to the hard work of the Greene County Parks & Trails staff, the Trail Sentinels, and through generous sponsorships from the following: Rodriguez Financial Strategies, LLC, White Allen European Auto Group of Dayton, and GLD Communications of Jamestown. Their support helped cover logistics and ensured that every dollar raised could go directly to the Veterans Subcommittee’s efforts.

From the Greene County Suicide Prevention Coalition Veteran’s Subcommittee: Captain Dennis Eng, Scott Page, Andrew Ullom, Bill Hoying, Wanda Ortiz Thayne, Teresa Innocent, Desiree Rollyson, Tim Spradlin. From the Greene County Parks and Trails: Assistant Director Richard Kharman, Chief Ranger/Army Veteran Darrell Hannah, and Trail Sentinels Rick Sedlotshek and Gery Deer.

The Greene County Parks & Trails Trail Sentinels, a dedicated group of volunteer cyclists who patrol the trails and host seasonal workshops and group rides, played a pivotal role in the day’s success. They provided on-trail support and manned rest stops stocked with snacks and cold drinks, ensuring riders stayed hydrated and energized throughout their journey.

The event started early in the morning from the Fairground Recreation Center. The 38 registered riders had their choice of four scenic routes, each winding through the county’s lush trail system and quiet backroads.

“This ride was about more than miles—it was about mission,” said Gery Deer, a Trail Sentinel volunteer and event liaison to the veteran’s organization. “We’re proud to work on behalf of our veterans and help bring attention and financial support to the resources they need.”

Adding a touch of whimsy and nostalgia to the event were members of the Central Ohio Ghostbusters club, a charity cosplay group known for their appearances at fundraisers, children’s events, and festivals. Dressed in full gear with their version of an “ectomobile” at Xenia Station, they brought smiles and photo ops to riders and spectators alike.

A large contingent of veterans participated in the ride as well. Retired Colonel Rafi Rodriguez, a 30-year Air Force veteran and a sponsor, took to the trails himself to support the cause. “The ride was a lot of fun,” he said. “It was great to learn more about what the coalition does to support veterans on Greene County.”

The donation check was formally presented this week to the Greene County Suicide Prevention Coalition Veterans Subcommittee, marking the culmination of a community-driven initiative that blended recreation, advocacy, and heartfelt generosity.

“This contribution will help us expand outreach and support for veterans in Greene County,” said a representative from the coalition. “We’re grateful to the cyclists, volunteers, sponsors, and everyone who came together to make this event possible.”

More than just a fun bike ride, this tour was a moving tribute to those who’ve served and a rallying cry for mental health awareness. Planning is already underway for next year’s ride, tentatively scheduled for the same weekend. Visit www.gcparkstrails.com to follow the events calendar throughout the year.

Trail Sentinel Gery Deer and event sponsor and rider, Col. Rafi Rodriguez, USAF (Ret.)
Central Ohio Ghostbusters – Who ya gonna call?

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Pitch, Publish, and Perfect: Join Award-Winning Authors and Industry Experts at the Appalachian Writers Conference 2025

In Books, Business, Education, Entertainment, Local News, Uncategorized on August 15, 2025 at 8:42 am

Berea, KY – Writers from across the country will converge in Kentucky this fall for the 2025 Appalachian Writer’s Conference 2025 (AWC), an immersive, genre-inclusive gathering designed to sharpen craft and demystify the business of publishing. From agent pitch sessions to expert-led workshops on branding, contracts, and publicity, AWC equips aspiring and established authors alike with the tools to thrive. Founded by Martin Sisters Publishing President and CEO Melissa Newman, Ed.D., the conference has evolved into a nationally respected event featuring award-winning faculty dedicated to helping writers succeed, regardless of their path or project.

“I strongly believe that everyone has a story, and most people have more than one,” Newman explained. “What we offer at our conference is the opportunity for writers to learn from professionals and develop the skills they need for a successful career as an author.”

Returning to this year’s faculty are fantasy/romance author Summer Hanford, fiction novelist Sherry Robinson, crime thriller novelist Susan Furlong, and screenwriter Mark Daniels. Frank K. Newman, J.D., President and CEO of the law firm Cole, Cole, Anderson & Newman, PSC, will be back to share insights into publishing and media contracts. Gery Deer, GLD Communications‘s creative director and author of the Pulitzer-nominated op-ed series “Deer In Headlines,” also returns with a session on making a living writing professionally in between book projects.













Deer first attended in 2023 as a participant but transitioned into a faculty role and took on a support position last year. “This is a unique experience for writers, and the intimate setting is ideal, in my opinion, for a better learning experience,” he said. “Melissa has created an environment of support and education, and the faculty is part of the group, interacting and spending time with the participants as fellow artists.” Deer also noted that they continue efforts to improve the event based on participant feedback.





For example, a literary agent joins the faculty for the first time at AWC. Jackie Kruzie, author, literacy advocate, and associate literary agent at Focused Artists, will lead sessions on “Perfecting Your Pitch,” “The Dreaded Synopsis,” and a Lunch-and-Learn Session called “Should I Get an Agent?” She will also meet with authors for eight-minute pitch sessions. Another new addition is award-winning crime, thriller, and suspense novelist Trace Conger. In addition to class presentations, faculty will participate in the “Ask Me Anything” lunch panel to answer questions and discuss writing and publishing topics in a conversational setting.





Martin Sisters Publishing and the Appalachian Writers Conference present the Appy Inkwell Awards for the second year. “We want to give writers a chance to have their work recognized,” said Appy Inkwell Awards Coordinator, writer, and English Literature instructor Mary Ryan Wineberg. “We may even discover some new literary talent.”





This award celebrates outstanding achievement in fiction writing and offers talented writers the opportunity to showcase their creativity and skill before a supportive community of peers. Participants can submit up to 2,500 words of unpublished fiction, in progress or complete, that demonstrates originality, craft, and storytelling prowess. Eligible submissions include: a complete short story, a short story collection, or a piece of flash fiction.





The Dr. Pam Parry Lifetime Learning Award also debuts this year. It was created in memory of Dr. Parry, an integral presence within the AWC faculty and a trusted conference advisor whose remarkable life touched many. This award will celebrate someone whose passion for lifelong learning and generosity in the writing community make a lasting impact.





For registration and event details, visit: www.appalachianwritersconference.com. (Click to watch a highlight reel from the 2024 event.)





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Photos from the 2024 Event:































































































														

			


			

					

				
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BUSINESS: Why Referral Partnerships Are Delivering Better ROI for Small Businesses

				In Business, Local News, Technology, Uncategorized on August 5, 2025 at 3:53 pm

				

					








By Gery Deer





Editor: The Jamestown Comet / Creative Director: GLD Communications





In the past year, small business owners have increasingly shifted their marketing focus toward referral partnerships—and for good reason. 






Digital fatigue is turning customers away from their screens.






As digital advertising costs climb and consumer trust in traditional media wanes, referral-based strategies have emerged as a high-impact, cost-efficient alternative. For businesses seeking sustainable growth and deeper community engagement, referral partnerships offer a compelling return on investment (ROI) that outpaces many conventional marketing channels.





GLD Communications, a strategic communications firm based in southwest Ohio, has been at the forefront of helping small businesses harness the power of referral marketing. Through customized branding strategies, community outreach campaigns, and digital visibility audits, GLD equips entrepreneurs with the tools to build meaningful partnerships that drive measurable results.





Here are six key reasons why referral partnerships have become a go-to strategy for small business owners in the last year:





1. Higher Conversion Rates from Trusted Sources





Referred leads are significantly more likely to convert than those acquired through paid advertising or cold outreach. According to Nielsen, 92% of consumers trust recommendations from people they know over any other form of advertising. This trust translates into action: referred customers are four times more likely to make a purchase.





For small businesses, this means that a well-structured referral program—whether through customer incentives or strategic B2B alliances—can dramatically increase conversion rates without the need for aggressive ad spend.





2. Lower Customer Acquisition Costs





Referral partnerships offer a leaner path to customer acquisition. Unlike paid media campaigns that require ongoing investment, referrals often come at a fraction of the cost. A study by the Wharton School of Business found that referred customers cost less to acquire and are more profitable over time.





GLD Communications helps businesses identify and nurture referral channels that align with their brand values, reducing acquisition costs while enhancing customer quality.












3. Improved Customer Lifetime Value





Referred customers don’t just convert—they stick around. Research shows that they have a 25–31% higher lifetime value compared to non-referred customers. They’re more loyal, more engaged, and more likely to become brand advocates themselves.





This long-term value is especially critical for service-based businesses, subscription models, and family-owned enterprises that rely on repeat business and word-of-mouth reputation.





4. Stronger Community and Brand Advocacy





Referral partnerships naturally foster community engagement. Whether it’s a local business collaborating with a nonprofit or a service provider teaming up with complementary vendors, these relationships build trust and visibility within shared networks.





GLD Communications specializes in crafting community-oriented narratives that elevate brand advocacy. Their storytelling approach—often blending emotional depth with factual reporting—helps businesses connect with audiences on a human level, turning customers into ambassadors.





5. Better Measurability and ROI Tracking





Modern referral tools have made it easier than ever to track performance. Platforms like ReferralCandy, Yotpo, and HubSpot offer automated tracking, CRM integration, and analytics dashboards that allow business owners to monitor key metrics such as referral conversion rate, cost per acquisition, and net promoter score.





GLD Communications supports clients in selecting and implementing these tools, ensuring that referral efforts are not only strategic but also data-driven.





6. Adaptability to Privacy and Ad Fatigue Trends





With increasing restrictions on third-party cookies and growing consumer fatigue around digital ads, referral marketing offers a privacy-friendly alternative. It relies on first-party data and authentic relationships, making it more resilient to changes in the digital landscape.





As part of its digital marketing services, GLD Communications advises businesses on how to pivot toward trust-based strategies that align with evolving consumer expectations and regulatory standards.





Building a Referral Strategy That Works












Referral partnerships aren’t just about asking customers to “spread the word.” They require intentional planning, clear incentives, and consistent follow-through. GLD Communications recommends starting with the following steps:





    

  • Identify natural referral partners: Look for businesses or individuals who share your audience but don’t compete directly.
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  • Create a compelling offer: Whether it’s a discount, exclusive access, or a charitable tie-in, make the referral worthwhile.
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  • Track and optimize: Use referral software or manual tracking to monitor performance and adjust as needed.
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  • Tell your story: Use branded content, testimonials, and community features to reinforce the value of your partnerships.
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For small business owners ready to elevate their marketing ROI, referral partnerships offer a path that’s not only cost-effective but also deeply rooted in trust and community. With the guidance of firms like GLD Communications, these strategies transform informal word-of-mouth accidents into powerful engines of growth.