Connect Travel DIY: Book Smarter. Save More. Travel Your Way.

 

Plan Your Trip Your Way With Savings, Flexibility, and Support When You Need It

Welcome to Connect Travel DIY, your convenient online hub for booking travel on your terms. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway, a family vacation, a cruise, a group trip, or the trip of a lifetime, Connect Travel DIY gives you the freedom to explore, compare, and book with confidence. Search top travel options all in one place, including hotels, flights, car rentals, cruises, vacation packages, attraction tickets, shore excursions, group travel, and travel insurance.

Why spend hours jumping from site to site when you can access featured travel deals and booking options in one easy place? Connect Travel DIY is designed for travelers who want more control, more convenience, and more value. Compare choices at your own pace, customize your itinerary to fit your budget and style, and take advantage of opportunities like hotel discounts, low airfare specials, cruise promotions, attraction savings, and package deals.

Travel planning should feel exciting, not overwhelming. That is why Connect Travel DIY offers the best of both worlds. Book your own travel with the flexibility and independence you want, while knowing friendly help is available when your trip needs a little extra attention. From simple bookings to more detailed plans involving multiple travelers, special requests, or changing schedules, you can start online and connect with real support when needed.

No matter where you want to go, your next trip starts here. Explore your options, lock in great deals, and create the travel experience that works best for you. Visit Connect Travel DIY today and discover how easy it can be to book smarter, save more, and travel your way.

Get started now and turn your next travel idea into a booked adventure.

Your one stop travel hub for hotels, flights, cruises, car rentals, vacation packages, attractions, group travel, and more — with the freedom to book on your own and friendly support when you need it.

Click on above image of Cats on a Cruise to see apparel at reduced pricing. 

Click here to get your FREE Cats on a Cruise coloring sheet. 

Reset Wednesday: A Midweek Productivity Strategy for Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs

 

Reset Wednesday is all about helping small business owners pause, review progress, refresh their focus, and move forward with purpose. In this video, Terry Scott explains how Wednesday can become your midweek checkpoint for checking goals, measuring what has been accomplished, and making smart adjustments before the week slips away. You will learn how to use Wednesday to tackle challenging tasks, batch administrative work, schedule meetings more efficiently, and create space for strategic thinking instead of staying stuck in nonstop reaction mode. If you want to improve productivity, time management, focus, and business momentum, this Reset Wednesday approach can help you finish the week stronger.

Wednesday is what I like to call Reset Wednesday. It is the middle of the week, and that makes it the perfect time to stop for a moment, look at what has happened so far, and decide how you want the rest of the week to go. A lot of business owners start strong on Monday, stay busy on Tuesday, and then drift a little by Wednesday without realizing it. That is why Wednesday matters so much. It gives you a chance to check progress, refresh your thinking, reset your priorities, and move forward with intention instead of just reacting to whatever shows up.

The first thing Wednesday should be used for is a midweek checkpoint. Look back at Monday and Tuesday. Ask yourself what got done, what got delayed, and whether your actions are still lining up with your weekly goals. This is not about beating yourself up. It is about making smart adjustments before the week gets away from you. A good Wednesday reset can keep a small problem from becoming a frustrating Friday.

Wednesday is also a great day to tackle the things you have been avoiding. By now, you have a little momentum from the week, and that makes it a good time to take on a more difficult project, a decision you have been putting off, or an important task that requires focus. Instead of letting those harder things hang over your head, use Wednesday to lean into them and make real progress.

For many business owners, Wednesday is also the right day for meetings and administrative work. If you batch meetings into one day, it can help protect the rest of your week for more focused work. It is also a good day to handle emails, return calls, process paperwork, send invoices, update records, or take care of the routine tasks that need attention. When you group those things together, you often get them done faster and with less mental clutter.

Another smart use of Wednesday is to work on the business, not just in the business. This is a great day to spend some time thinking strategically. You might review systems, look at opportunities for improvement, consider a marketing idea, plan next week’s content, or identify a process that needs to be cleaned up. Growth does not usually happen by accident. It happens when you step back often enough to make better decisions.

And finally, Reset Wednesday should include a personal reset too. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is take a short walk, clear your head, step away from the screen, or simply pause long enough to think clearly again. Burnout does not usually happen all at once. It builds quietly when there is no space to reset. A little midweek refresh can make a big difference in your energy, attitude, and decision making for the rest of the week. For me, Wednesday night is a time I spend with my Christian brothers in a leadership class; that helps me.

So if I were to simplify Wednesday into one sentence, I would say this: Wednesday is the day to check your direction, reset your focus, and strengthen your finish. When you treat Wednesday as more than just the middle of the week (don’t anyone say “hump day”), it becomes a powerful tool for staying productive, staying clear, and finishing strong.

A smart Wednesday for a business owner might look like this. Spend the morning reviewing progress and tackling one important task you have been avoiding. Use part of the afternoon for meetings, admin work, or planning. Then finish the business day by making a few adjustments that help the rest of the week run better; maybe write down a few things that you’ll do first thing tomorrow morning when you get to your desk.

That is the power of Reset Wednesday. It helps you refresh, refocus, and move forward on purpose. This is Terry, America’s #1 Business Resource Consultant saying, “Make it a great day”!

 

Tuesday's KPI Strategies for Small Business Success

 

Tuesday is one of the most important days of the week for small business growth, sales follow up, lead generation, and relationship building. In this video, Terry Scott shares why Tuesday should be used to create opportunity on purpose by reaching out to past customers, warm leads, referral partners, and prospects who may be waiting for a simple follow up call, email, text, or LinkedIn message. You will also learn why Tuesday is the perfect day to review your sales pipeline, reconnect with people who received quotes or asked for information, post useful content online, and stay visible in a way that keeps your business top of mind. If you want more appointments, stronger customer relationships, better visibility, and more consistent revenue, this is a practical small business strategy you can start using right away.

Tuesdays are a great day for small business owners to shift from planning into action. Stay with me until the end because I have my own special task checklist that you can have for free. It’s a great help to me and my business, All Solutions Known and just might be a big help to you too.

Monday is often about getting organized, catching up, putting out fires, and resetting priorities. By Tuesday, the dust has usually settled enough to actually build the business instead of just reacting to it. In my opinion, Tuesday should become a business development day.

Here is what small business owners can and should be doing on Tuesdays to create more business and long term success.

First, Tuesday is a strong day for outbound contact. Reach out to past customers, warm leads, referral partners, and people you have been meaning to follow up with. A simple call, email, text, or LinkedIn message can reopen conversations, generate appointments, and remind people that you are available and paying attention. Too many businesses wait for opportunities to come in when they should be creating them.

Second, Tuesday is the right day to focus on sales activity. Review your pipeline. Who asked for information but never got back to you? Who received a quote and has gone quiet? Who said, check back with me later? Follow up. A lot of new business is not lost because people said no. It is lost because nobody followed up consistently.

Third, use Tuesday to strengthen your visibility. Post something useful online. Share a customer success story, a quick tip, an industry insight, a short video, or a reminder of what problem you solve. People do business with businesses they remember, and Tuesday is a good day to stay in front of your audience without sounding rushed or random.

Fourth, make Tuesday your relationship day. Contact centers of influence such as bankers, CPAs, insurance agents, real estate professionals, HR consultants, or other business owners who serve your same audience. Strategic relationships often create more long term business than paid advertising because trust is transferred.

Fifth, take time on Tuesday to improve one thing inside the business. That could mean tightening your sales script, updating your website, improving your Google Business profile, organizing customer data, asking for testimonials, or cleaning up your follow up system. Small improvements made every week create major results over time.

Sixth, review your numbers. Look at leads, conversions, appointments booked, proposals sent, sales closed, and cash flow. Business owners should not wait until the end of the month to see whether things are working. Tuesday is a good checkpoint day to ask, are we doing enough of the activities that actually create revenue?

Seventh, make offers. Many businesses talk a lot but never clearly invite people to do business. Tuesday is a great day to present a special offer, ask for the appointment, request the introduction, or invite someone to take the next step. Growth usually comes from clear action, not vague awareness.

If I were to simplify Tuesday into one sentence, I would say this: Tuesday is the day to deliberately create opportunity. Now, if all this makes for a busy Tuesday, what can you do? Delegate! Also, feel free to spread these tasks over the week but remember, we’ll have KPIs for tomorrow, Thursday and Friday as well. Contact me and I’ll share free, my personal KPI check off sheet which helps me track what gets done, doesn’t and correct things to get them done or I find that they really aren’t KPIs for my business. Be flexible, your business isn’t supposed to be a job.

A smart Tuesday for a business owner might look like this. Spend the morning following up with prospects and clients. Spend part of the afternoon posting content or recording a short video. Then finish the day by reviewing numbers, making referrals, and improving one process that helps you sell, serve, or scale better.

Small business success rarely comes from one big breakthrough. It usually comes from repeated, intentional actions done week after week. Tuesday is one of the best days to make those actions happen.

I am still creating and editing the KPI tracker I promised in the video. Please contact me via my LinkedIn profile to let me know that you would like your copy and I'll make it a point to get it to you when it's completed. 

Terry Scott with All Solutions Known likes Mondays; here's why.

 What I like about Mondays is that they give us a fresh start.

No matter how last week went, Monday shows up like a clean slate. It gives us a chance to reset our thinking, refocus our energy, and decide how we want to move forward. I think that is something a lot of people overlook. Instead of dreading Monday, I believe we can actually learn to appreciate it for the opportunity it brings.

Monday is a great day to begin again. It is the perfect time to start a new habit, begin eating better, recommit to exercise, get more organized, or finally take action on something you have been putting off. There is something powerful about the beginning of a new week. It feels structured. It feels intentional. It feels like a natural moment to say, this week is going to be different.

I also like Mondays because they help create momentum. After the weekend, many of us come back with fresh energy, clearer thinking, and a renewed sense of purpose. That makes Monday a great day to tackle important tasks, make decisions, and get ahead before the week starts moving too fast. When you use Monday well, it can set the tone for everything that follows.

Another thing I like about Mondays is the planning side of it. Monday gives us a chance to look ahead, set priorities, and be more deliberate about how we spend our time. Instead of reacting to life, Monday gives us a chance to lead it. It is a day for setting goals, making adjustments, and choosing what really matters most this week.

And on a personal level, Monday also brings connection. It gives us a reason to check in with people, reconnect with coworkers, clients, friends, or family, and start conversations that can lead to encouragement, new ideas, and even new opportunities. Something as simple as asking, how was your weekend, can help reestablish connection and positive energy.

To me, Monday is more than the start of the work week. It is a symbol of new beginnings. A new beginning for your goals, your mindset, your routines, your business, or even your future. That is why I like the idea of saying, Thank God it is Monday. Because Monday is not something to fear. It is something to use.

So if today is Monday, do not drag yourself into it. Step into it with purpose. See it as your chance to reset, refocus, and build momentum. A strong week can start with one strong day, and that day can be Monday.

More Than a Vacation: The Appeal of Slow Travel

A Better Way to Work, Write, and Travel

There is something deeply appealing about the idea of doing meaningful work from a place that feels fresh, comfortable, and inspiring. For many people, the old model of squeezing life in around work is starting to lose its charm. A growing number of professionals are realizing they can stay connected to clients, keep projects moving, and even do some of their best writing while living for a while in a different destination. This shift fits neatly with a broader travel pattern too. Mastercard Economics Institute reported that travelers have been extending vacations by about one extra day on average compared with pre pandemic norms, and industry reporting has noted stronger interest in longer getaways and blended work and leisure travel. ([Mastercard][1])

What makes a longer stay so attractive is not just the scenery. It is the slower rhythm. Instead of rushing through airports, unpacking for two nights, then packing again, longer stays give people time to settle in. That often means discovering the coffee shop you return to each morning, learning the neighborhoods beyond the tourist district, and creating a daily routine that feels more like real life and less like a frantic escape. For remote workers, that stability can matter. Longer trips can reduce the repeated stress of constant travel logistics, and the extra time in one place can make it easier to maintain work habits, focus, and consistency. ([Staffing Solutions][2])

There is also the practical side. Longer stays can stretch a budget farther than many people expect. When travelers stay a week, a month, or longer, accommodations often become more cost effective on a per day basis, and transportation costs can drop because there is less hopping from one place to the next. Mastercard found that longer stays generally translate to higher spend per trip overall, which also suggests travelers are staying put longer rather than constantly moving. In other words, a slower style of travel can sometimes create better value while also giving travelers a richer experience. ([Mastercard][1])

Another reason many readers may connect with this lifestyle is that it can feel more human. When you remain in one place longer, you have more time to notice the little things that make a destination feel real. You may meet local business owners, find a favorite walking route, or get a better feel for the culture instead of only seeing the highlight reel. From an environmental standpoint, fewer travel segments can also help reduce the impact that comes from repeated transportation, especially since transportation remains one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions and tourism overall carries a significant carbon footprint. That does not mean every long stay is automatically sustainable, but fewer, longer trips can be a smarter direction than frequent short ones. ([US EPA][3])

Still, longer travel is not perfect, and that is important to admit. A dream destination can start to feel ordinary once the novelty wears off. Some people discover that if they stay too long, they miss variety and excitement. Others find it harder than expected to maintain boundaries between work and rest, especially when the laptop is always nearby and there is pressure to keep clients happy while also trying to enjoy a new place. There is also the simple risk of choosing the wrong location. A beautiful destination that looks ideal online can feel inconvenient, isolating, or uninspiring after a few weeks. Travel burnout is real, and too much movement or poor work life balance can drain the very joy people were hoping to find. ([riverdaletravel.com][4])

Even so, many people are discovering that the answer is not to stop traveling, but to travel differently. A slower stay can offer a more thoughtful way to live and work, especially for those who want to serve clients well, write creatively, and enjoy life without feeling rushed every minute. It may not be for everyone, but for the right person, it can create a better blend of productivity, peace, and purpose. I would love to hear from my readers on this. Would you enjoy working remotely, staying connected with clients, and writing or building your business from a comfortable new destination for a while, or do you prefer the familiarity of home?

If you like this, let me know in the comments. If you like saving money on travel, visit www.ConnectTravelDIY.com 

Work Well, Wander Well

A Better Way to Work, Write, and Travel

Writing, Working, and Living From Somewhere New

The Freedom of Remote Work and Longer Stays

More Than a Vacation: The Appeal of Slow Travel

For something a little more article and blog friendly, I would lean toward:

A Better Way to Work, Write, and Travel

Work Well, Wander Well

Writing, Working, and Living From Somewhere New

[1]: https://www.mastercard.com/us/en/news-and-trends/Insights/2024/travel-trends-2024-breaking-boundaries.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Travel Trends 2024: Breaking Boundaries"

[2]: https://staffingsolutions.io/blogs/the-benefits-of-slow-travel-for-digital-nomads?utm_source=chatgpt.com "The Benefits of Slow Travel for Digital Nomads"

[3]: https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/transportation-sector-emissions?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Transportation Sector Emissions | US EPA"

[4]: https://www.riverdaletravel.com/business/travel-blog/the-impact-of-traveler-burnout-how-companies-can-address-it?utm_source=chatgpt.com "The Impact of Traveler Burnout - How Companies Can ..."

What businesses can benefit from having EV chargers at their place of business?

 

Why More Smart Property Owners Are Letting EV Charging and Solar Revenue Opportunities Come to Them

Electric vehicles are no longer a future trend to watch from a distance. They are here now, and the demand for convenient, reliable charging locations continues to grow. For business owners and property owners, that creates a serious opportunity. The question is not simply whether EV chargers can benefit your location. The real question is whether you want to take on all the research, all the upfront expense, and all the risk yourself, or whether you would rather explore a model where the heavy lifting is done for you.

Many types of businesses can benefit from EV charger installations, especially locations where people already spend time. Retail stores, restaurants, cafes, hotels, shopping malls, and parking garages are some of the strongest candidates because EV charging naturally increases customer dwell time. When drivers stop to charge, they often stay longer, shop longer, dine longer, and spend more money. What might have been a quick stop can turn into a much more profitable visit.

Hotels and resorts are also in a strong position to benefit. Today’s travelers increasingly look for places that offer EV charging as part of the overall guest experience. In many cases, charging access can become a deciding factor when choosing where to stay. For hospitality businesses, this can mean attracting more guests, improving satisfaction, and standing out from the competition.

Office buildings and workplaces are another category where EV chargers make sense. Employers can use charging stations as a premium amenity that helps attract and retain employees while also demonstrating a commitment to innovation and sustainability. In a competitive hiring environment, these kinds of modern conveniences can make a meaningful difference.

Apartment complexes, condominiums, and other multi unit residential properties can also gain an edge by offering charging access. Property managers and landlords who provide EV chargers may appeal to a growing segment of tenants who either already own electric vehicles or plan to in the near future. This can increase the perceived value of the property and make it more attractive in a crowded market.

Convenience stores, gas stations, warehouses, car dealerships, medical centers, and public parking areas are also seeing real advantages. Some locations create direct revenue from charging fees. Others benefit from additional traffic, longer visits, or stronger tenant and customer retention. In many cases, it is not just about one revenue stream. It is about creating multiple ways for the property to produce value.

Across all these categories, the biggest benefits tend to repeat themselves. EV chargers can generate revenue directly. They can bring in new customers who discover charging locations through apps and online maps. They can help strengthen a company’s image as forward thinking and environmentally responsible. They can also open the door to incentives and other financial advantages that may help support a successful project.

What is holding many business owners back... 

Still, one major concern stops many property owners from moving forward. The fear is understandable. What if you invest a large amount of money into charging infrastructure, permitting, engineering, and installation only to discover later that the location was not ideal, usage was weaker than expected, or the project was not sized correctly? That is a risk many people do not want to take, especially when capital is already needed elsewhere in the business.

That is exactly why another option is worth serious consideration.

You can do all of the research yourself, pay everything up front, take all of the risk, and hope you made the right decision. Or you can see whether your property qualifies as a location we are interested in. If it does, we can handle the research, planning, and development with no out of pocket expense to you. Before anything is installed, we use our resources to evaluate the opportunity carefully and make sure the project has strong potential for success. We will also determine how many EV chargers your location can reasonably support so the installation is based on sound planning rather than guesswork.

Instead of risking your own capital to find out whether you made a mistake, you may be able to move forward with a structure where everything is developed and installed for you, and once the project is operating, you share 50/50 in the profits each month.

That kind of arrangement changes the conversation. It gives property owners a chance to participate in the growth of EV infrastructure without taking on the full financial burden or the uncertainty that often comes with going it alone. It is a practical way to explore new revenue, improve the usefulness of your property, and position your location for where the market is headed.

If your business or property serves customers, tenants, guests, employees, or travelers, your location may be worth evaluating. Why take the risk of investing all your money just to find out later that you made a mistake?

Contact Terry Scott for more details. (Use the phone number in the image on this page or contact him via LinkedIn here). 

Is my business eligible for the FICA Tips Credit? Check online for free in less than 60 seconds.

 

Are you on the list?

You could be eligible for the FICA Tips Credit and not even know it.

Imagine getting money back that could help you upgrade equipment, invest in better training, retain quality employees, improve operations, or finally make a purchase that helps your business grow. Whether you own a salon, restaurant, bar, coffee shop, spa, or even work in a profession where tips are a regular part of income, this is worth a serious look.

The truth is, many business owners and professionals have never even heard of the FICA Tips Credit. But it is real, and in 2025 it was expanded to include more tip-based industries. That includes food and beverage businesses such as restaurants, bars, cafes, coffee shops, catering companies, fast food operations, and food trucks. It also includes beauty and wellness businesses such as barbershops, hair salons, nail salons, spas, and wellness centers. Hospitality and leisure businesses like hotels, resorts, casinos, country clubs, and golf courses may also qualify. Based on current 2025 Treasury guidance, certain personal services, entertainment and event professionals such as musicians and DJs, and some transport or delivery related businesses where tipping is customary may also be eligible.

Even if you are unsure whether you qualify, that is exactly why you should check. Leave that part to us. With proprietary software and 27 years of experience, we can quickly determine what you may be eligible for. Better yet, we do not stop at the FICA Tips Credit. Our process can also identify other money or incentives you may qualify for. And because we only get paid when we find you money, there is no risk on your part.

Do not wait and assume you are not eligible. It takes about a minute or less to find out what you may qualify for.

Contact Terry Scott, Senior Advisor with GMG, today and see what money may be waiting for you.

Norsemont Mining Inc. is drawing attention for its advancement of the Choquelimpie Project in northern Chile

Norsemont Mining Inc. is drawing attention for its advancement of the Choquelimpie Project in northern Chile, a historic gold and silver operation with strong modern potential. The project is a high sulfidation epithermal gold and silver mine in the Arica and Parinacota Region, and it previously operated from 1988 through 1992, producing approximately 415,000 ounces of gold and 2 million ounces of silver. That production history, combined with today’s updated resource data and project positioning, helps make Choquelimpie a notable story for anyone following precious metals and the companies working to develop them.

As of April 2025, the project is reported to hold an NI 43 101 compliant resource estimate of 2.18 million indicated gold equivalent ounces and 557,000 inferred gold equivalent ounces. Norsemont also highlights a major advantage in the form of existing site infrastructure, including roads, power, water, a laboratory, camp, and warehouses. Because the mining complex is considered partially intact, the project may benefit from a more efficient path forward compared with projects that must be built from the ground up. Norsemont holds 100 percent ownership of the 5,757 hectare site, which sits at an elevation of roughly 4,600 to 4,900 meters.

The broader value proposition presented for Choquelimpie is that it is an undervalued, advanced stage asset with meaningful upside, supported by both historic production and substantial modern resource estimates. Its location in Chile, widely recognized as a strong mining jurisdiction, adds to the project’s appeal, especially with the company’s focus on unlocking value through high grade oxide and sulfide mineralization. For investors and families who are interested in understanding the role of gold, silver, and other precious metals in wealth preservation and long term strategy, stories like this are a reminder that the precious metals space includes both physical ownership and mining related opportunities.

If you want straightforward information on gold, silver, and precious metals, and how they may fit into your financial picture, contact Terry Scott at AllSolutionsKnown.com. Terry Scott with All Solutions Known offers an easy, no nonsense way to learn more about physical gold and precious metals, and can help you get informed before making your next move.

The Bad, the Ugly and the Solution for Downtown Duluth MN Businesses who will Lose Business to Parking Meter Increases

Downtown Duluth is rolling out a higher priced, fully digital on street parking system starting in late February and continuing through early spring 2026. 

Traditional coin meters are being replaced with a zone based approach that uses mobile payment and kiosks, with the change happening one zone at a time through late spring.

The hourly rate is increasing from $1.50 to $2.00, a 33.33 percent jump. Single stall payments will rely on the Park Duluth app, QR code, or text to park, and cash will only be accepted where kiosks are installed. Depending on the method used, drivers may also see added convenience charges. Some off street ramps are also seeing increases, including monthly parking adjustments of about 10 to 25 cents in certain locations.

For downtown businesses, the biggest risk is customer friction. When a quick stop turns into a higher price plus an app, a QR scan, or a cash limitation, many shoppers simply choose the easiest option. That can reduce short visits, impulse purchases, and repeat traffic, which are critical for restaurants, retail, service providers, and appointment based businesses.

This creates an opening for nearby alternatives. Many customers will shift errands and shopping to places that feel simpler and more predictable, including Hermantown and Superior, where parking is often perceived as easier. Over time, those choices can become habits, and downtown becomes more of a special occasion destination rather than the default.

If you operate downtown, now is the time to protect your cash flow during the transition. One practical step is to identify federal incentives and credits that can put money back into your business and offset softer foot traffic. Another is to explore solar opportunities that can reduce or eliminate major operating costs like electricity and potentially create ongoing revenue in the right locations.

If you want to see what you qualify for, take 60 seconds and run the quick check at http://www.MyCashHappens.com or http://www.KnowCashFlow.com. If you want to discuss solar for your business, contact me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/terscott/ 

THE BAD

Beginning in late February and into early spring 2026, downtown Duluth, Minnesota is rolling out a higher priced, fully digital approach to on street parking. The City is replacing traditional coin operated meters with a zone based system that relies on mobile and kiosk payments.

Key updates to be aware of include the following. Hourly rates for on street parking are increasing from 1.50 per hour to 2.00 per hour. The rollout is being implemented one zone at a time, with full completion expected by late spring 2026. For single stall spaces, drivers will pay using the Park Duluth app, a QR code option, or text to park. Cash payments will only be available in areas where designated kiosks are installed. Depending on the payment method, use of the Park Duluth app may also include an added convenience charge.

The changes extend beyond street parking. Some off street ramps have already seen, or are expected to see, rate adjustments that especially affect long term and monthly parkers, with monthly rates increasing by 10 to 25 in certain locations.

Overall, the on street rate change represents a 33.33 percent increase. The Duluth Parking Commission approved the update in late 2025 as part of a broader effort to modernize the parking system and generate additional revenue to support operations and improvements.

THE UGLY

Higher on street parking rates and a more complicated payment process can create one more “friction point” for shoppers who are deciding whether to stop downtown or keep driving. When a quick visit turns into scanning a code, downloading an app, paying a convenience fee, or hunting for a kiosk that takes cash, the experience starts to feel like work. For a customer who only planned to pop in for coffee, a gift, or a short appointment, that extra hassle can shorten the visit, reduce impulse stops, or prevent the stop altogether.

Downtown businesses often rely on convenience and volume: quick lunches, last minute purchases, “I was already nearby” foot traffic, and repeat visits from people who make several short trips a week. When parking feels more expensive and less simple, shoppers may consolidate their errands into fewer trips, stay for less time, or choose places where parking is perceived as easier and more predictable. That can ripple out into fewer walk ins, fewer add on purchases, and fewer spontaneous decisions to explore a second shop after the first stop.

This is where nearby options can gain an advantage. If customers can drive to Hermantown, park free and close, and complete multiple errands without watching the clock, the value proposition feels straightforward. The same goes for Superior, where shoppers may combine routine trips with retail and dining in an environment that feels lower stress from a parking perspective. Even if the core product is comparable, the overall “cost of the trip” often includes time, uncertainty, and hassle, not just the posted price of parking.

Over time, those small decisions can become habits. Once a customer gets used to doing their regular shopping loop in Hermantown or Superior, downtown Duluth can shift from being a default option to a special occasion destination. That is a tougher model for many small businesses, especially those that depend on steady weekday traffic and repeat local visits. If the goal is modernization and better turnover, the risk is that the transition unintentionally discourages the very quick visits and casual browsing that help downtown storefronts stay healthy.

THE GOOD (actually your SOLUTION)

Here is your solution, grounded in expertise and committed to excellence.

All Solutions Known, through GMG, connects small and mid sized businesses in the Twin Ports to specialized tax incentives and credits designed to increase cash flow. GMG brings more than 23 years of experience in tax and incentive consulting, with a simple process supported by expert guidance and streamlined tools. If you want to know what you qualify for, now is the time to check. Visit http://www.MyCashHappens.com or http://www.KnowCashFlow.com and run the quick search today.

Start with three of the most common, high impact opportunities. Cost Segregation can accelerate depreciation on your building to uncover meaningful tax savings and improve cash flow. The R and D Tax Credit can apply to product development, process improvement, and software work, even when business owners assume they do not qualify. WOTC rewards employers for hiring from eligible groups by reducing tax liability and lowering labor costs. If you are unsure where to begin, begin now and let the system do the work of identifying what is available.

This takes about 60 seconds. Plug in a couple of numbers and you will know whether there is money being left on the table. If we do not find savings or credits across local, county, state, and federal programs, we do not get paid. The only cost to you is a minute of your time, and the upside can be substantial. Go to http://www.MyCashHappens.com or http://www.KnowCashFlow.com and check your eligibility today.

Real results show what is possible. One manufacturing company used the Tax Management System to identify and document eligible research activities and captured 420,000 in R and D tax credits. A commercial real estate firm applied cost segregation and unlocked 900,000 in additional tax savings. A regional staffing agency streamlined WOTC screening and certification and captured 165,000 in credits in the first year. You will not know what you are missing until you run the search, so take action now.

Also consider a second high impact opportunity: solar and energy infrastructure that can eliminate your business electric bill with no out of pocket cost. If your location qualifies, the project is developed and installed end to end, and you share ongoing revenue 50 50. This is not a government program, and not every site is a fit for rooftop solar or high speed Level 3 and Level 4 EV charging, but for qualified locations the benefits can include thousands per year in utility savings, protection from future rate increases, potential revenue from excess power sold back to the grid, a roof warranty up to 30 years, improved property value, and in larger scale projects, significant long term income.

If you want to see whether your business qualifies, act now. Start the 60 second check at http://www.MyCashHappens.com or http://www.KnowCashFlow.com. For solar discussions, contact me directly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terscott/