“You’re listening to WRSE, and this is The Next Straw on the Records. There are just a few minutes left in our first show; Dr. Straw, I’m hearing a lot about the number of kids coming down with the measles. I thought measles were gone; what’s happened?”
“Ken, what has happened is some parents are choosing not to get their kids vaccinated. It’s a simple process. The first shot comes between the ages of 12 and 15 months. The second is between ages 4 and 6. When all children were vaccinated, the number of cases in the United States shrunk to almost nothing.
“As parents opt out, that leaves their children susceptible. Unfortunately, some parents believe the measles vaccine is connected to autism. That is incorrect and we have several studies proving the vaccine does not cause autism. Right now, the World Health Organization says the hesitancy of some parents to vaccinate their child is a top ten health threat in the world today.”
“Before we wrap up the show, Ken, I want to add a few words about the virus going around the world and our country these days. This is serious business. If you feel sick at all, don’t be a hero; stay home and away from others until you are feeling better. If you need to contact a doctor try calling or doing a video chat before going to the clinic. Older adults, over the age of 60, are most vulnerable, especially if they already have health issues. If they don’t feel well, they should call their doctor right away.
“There is no treatment or vaccine for COVID-19 so far. Scientists are working as fast as they can on a cure, but it will take time. That is why we are seeing large events and a variety of sports shut down so large groups of people won’t unknowingly share or get the virus.”
“Thank you, Max. That’s all the time for this week’s show. We hope you join us next week for the second program.”
Max saw his cue. “In the meantime, wash your hands regularly and stay healthy. See you next time.”
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Glenn was waiting in a booth at Gus & Tom’s where he could look at the square. He was waiting for Jean to join him for lunch. He was double checking the plan he had for Marberg Implement this year; he asked for today’s meeting to get Jean’s blessing.
Jean found a place off the square to park. She picked up a pad of paper with her purse and made her way to the diner. She was surprised to hear from Glenn so soon, it was just four weeks since they talked about the future of the company. As she walked up the street, she smiled through the glass as Glenn lifted a cup toward her as a salute.
“Hi, Jean; I’d offer a hug or handshake, but I heard Dr. Straw suggest on his show we be more careful.”
“I heard that too, Glenn. that’s OK. We know we like each other.”
Both laughed as they settled into their seats.
“So, Glenn, I’m curious to hear what you’ve got. I’m going to get a BLT, do you want to share some fries?”
“Sounds good to me.” Glenn raised his hand to get the attention of Sara, a young server who recently moved up from bussing tables.
“Hello folks, I’m Sara and I’m your server today. Welcome to Gus & Tom’s. May I get you something to drink or are you ready to order?”
Jean spoke up, “Hi, Sara. I’d like a BLT with fries – we're going to share the fries, so please divide on two plates – and I’d like a Diet Coke.”
“Nice to meet you, Sara.” Glenn followed. “I’d like a cup of Tomato Basil soup and half an Egg Salad sandwich on toast. I’ll stick with water, thank you.”
“That’s a BLT with fries to share, a Diet Coke, and an Egg Salad sandwich on toast – half a sandwich that is, plus a cup of Tomato Basil soup. Is that it?”
Jean and Glenn smiled and nodded as Sara took the order back to the kitchen.
“What’s the plan, Glenn?”
“Jean, I thought about what we talked about and spent the first week after our meeting driving around to our competitors in the neighboring five counties. As bad as our situation feels; there are several places just trying to hold on. Two of them may not last the year if the season isn’t excellent.
“These two shops are well within our market radius, with good people and good reputations. I think we should make them offers that will keep them open and allow our larger group to benefit with some economy of scale.”
“That’s nice, Glenn. I like that idea. We may have missed some opportunities these last couple of years. I’m curious to see the actual numbers, but it is worth pursuing. Do you think these two shops are willing to listen?”
“Yes, I do. I talked to the owner of each place and asked if they would consider a friendly offer and shared how we usually structure these kinds of deals. I think we can get an initial meeting with them this week to see if they want to explore a partnership.”
“Nice work, Little Man. Here comes our lunch, which is good, because I’m hungry.”
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