A Chill in the Air!

For many, Fall is a time for change - for us Scouts it's a time to SELL! What a great time of year to schedule a blitz weekend with several scouts in a busy neighborhood with people outside, working in the yard, enjoying the great weather. This weekends forecast couldn't be better - send an email out now in order to gather the troops and blitz a neighborhood or 2! While your at it - go out Sunday and knock on some doors, but remember to walk up to the house with a bag of caramel corn in your hand.......that hungry football fan will surely will probably be ready for "snacktime at halftime".

POPPER SHOPPER CLUE #4

This county is the largest in the state.

Good luck - sell safe - have fun

Latest Poll Results

Well, you spoke! my trusted popcorn enthusiast. Here are the results of our last poll:
I asked, what was most important? and here is what you told me -
The Popcorn Kernel
The Kickoff
Almost a tie for having the right Kernel, and Having a good kickoff - well let's see, can your unit answer this? It's not too late, just kick it in gear and schedule a blitz weekend with the Pack, and some Boy Scouts to sweep a neighborhood and get out of the slump!

POPPER SHOPPER CLUE #3

This county was carved from 2, finally established in January of 1841 after trying since 1839?

Remember - this clue is good to find the random certificates in your town or county from Friday to Friday. Good Luck!

POPPER SHOPPER CLUE #2

Shoppers:

This person had a spat with a political rival. Unfortunately he lost his duel with Aaron Burr.

Good Luck and Start knocking! You've got until next Friday to Find the random house.

POPPER SHOPPER CLUE #1

Shoppers:

These 2, numbers 22 and 24 who share the name served our country well in a high office during the last part of the 1800's.

Remember, this clue is only going to get you close to the district or county where the certificate will reside randomly with a homeowner for 1 or more weeks.

Good Luck and start knocking!

Super Popper Shopper Mystery Certificate

Several of you have inquired about the whereabouts of this "mystery" certificate. Due to the change in the Sale date, the Kernel was caught slightly off-guard. But don't fear, the first Districts will be announced next week on this blog. let's be fair here - we just had the Council sales region kick-off events, and we need to allow the units time to disperse sales information and have unit kick-off's. Alright, if I sound like I'm buying time I am - but check back next week. The first 2 District time-frames will run from Friday 9/17/10 to Friday 9/24/10. In the mean time, I'll be thinking of some clues to share about where these certificates will be hiding....... good luck, have fun, and sell some popcorn.

Skit

To the sharp blog reader out there that noticed I didn't have the fun skits I used at the kick-off events - you were right, I forgot to put them on. They are now! Follow the link on the left sidebar to Kernel Notes and you will see the skit........thanks for telling me.

Official Start of the Sale

GET READY......SET........SELL!

Today marks the official start of the 2010 PIEDMONT COUNCIL POPCORN SALE. A press release was in today's Gazette announcing the sale. Hopefully your unit has scheduled a kick-off event in the next week in order to get the word out about POPCORN!
We had another great turnout for the Northern Service area last night in Conover with close to 200 in attendance.
Good luck to all of you who have "hit the streets" and stop back often to see what's on the Kernels mind.

That's Right......I'm Talkin' to YOU

Well....tomorrow and Wednesday are big days for me, I'll be hosting both sales region kick-off events leading up to the first day of the popcorn sale on Thursday, September 9th. If you are fortunate enough to attend either of these events, thank you! Not in a casual "thank you" for passing the salt......I really mean THANKS! Your attendance and subsequent unit kick-offs throughout our Council are proof positive of why we will be successful with this years sale. Now to the "I'm talkin' to you" part. There's a handful of units out there that just don't think popcorn fits into their Scouting program. Well......the next time I go to the scout shop to pick up my advancements.......I'll think of you. The next time my unit goes camping at Camp Bud Schiele......I'll think of you. When my Cubscouts sign-up for Daycamp next year......I'll think of you. And the next time I call the scout office and can't get through.....I'll think of you. I'll think of you because.....Without popcorn funds I will have to pay for my advancements. Without popcorn funds camping fees will go up. Without popcorn funds Daycamp fees will skyrocket. And without popcorn funds.....there just might be a few less people to answer the phone at our scout office.....

Popcorn Kick-Off Rally

Everyone should plan on attending the upcoming kick-off programs. The Southern sales region will be on Sept. 7th at Aldersgate Methodist Church in Shelby. The Northern Sales region will be on the following night Sept. 8th in Hickory.
The program will be a little different this year with every unit in attendance receiving the infamous "Popcorn Sale in a Box". This box will be loaded with valuable tools and information critical to having a successful unit kick-off. And don't forget the Marshmallow Shooter inside every box that can be used as an incentive for your units first goal. Remember, every boy selling $600 or more will receive one of these fun shooters.
As always, if you need information, tips, or product help just drop me a line here at the blog or scroll down to the left and download some of my Kernel Notes.

Show and Deliver Meeting

Great program last night in Lincolnton regarding the show and deliver training. Great ideas presented by Donna T. from Mooresville regarding her units success in using this sales method. More to come once I put her ideas in the form of Kernel Notes. The main points are:
- Have a plan, set a goal before you order.
- Stay organized, have good tracking sheets, have a receipt ready with parents to sign for any product handed out or returned.
- promote blitz events, store-front sales, or church table set ups.
- Keep the sale focused, don't let too much time go by without accountability.
- Make it fun.

District Kernel Kick-Off

A big Thank You to all who turned out last night for the District Kernel Training event. It was "take cover" when the marshmallow shooters started in.
A lot of information was passed down but the theme was consistent -

- This is a 100% participation council supported sale
- Plan and budget for your "year in scouting"
- Have a BIG unit kick-off event
- Make this sale have legs - keep the intensity going all the way till the end

I will continue to place important information on the blog. If there are documents you need I can put them online quickly, just let me know. Go to the left side bar and scroll down to links for tips and techniques under "Kernel Notes"

It's Time...............

Well, it's August, either the midway point or the last half of the summer depending on your perspective. I spent the weekend at my favorite river spot to help me get my game face on for what is to become the "sale of all sales". Jimmy C. gave me some deadlines for some upcoming important meetings, and like everyone, these sometimes clash with my day job - but I assumed this position, and I will do whatever it takes!
I've started to add some Kernels Notes to this site in order to back up what I promised. That was to to provide all the tools needed for everyone to have an successful sale. I will add notes on a periodic basis, so save this site on you favorites toolbar for future reference.

Popcorn Sale 2010

Fellow Scouters,
I write this post in reflection of my old job, and my anticipation of my new one. Recently I accepted the position as the Councils Popcorn Kernel. I'm honored first that I would be considered for this position, but more than that - I'm honored that I can be a part of the popcorn sale during this centennial celebration. As I write this post the day after Memorial Day, I can't help think what our early leaders of Scouting faced - Wars, economic turmoil, why it seems that some things never change?