Longaberger Halloween
Longaberger Halloween
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 Longaberger 04 Hostess Halloween Oatmeal Liner  US $9.99
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 Longaberger 04 Hostess Halloween Sage Liner NEW US $9.99
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 Longaberger 2004 Small Happy Halloween Basket Sage Green Liner NEW US $14.99
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In 1934, Dave Longaberger was born to J.W. and Bonnie Longaberger. The fifth of twelve children, Dave often accompanied his father to the family basket-making business. However, those trips ended when, in 1955, his father closed up shop. Eighteen years later, Dave decided to revive the family tradition and founded The Longaberger Company. Beginning with only five basket-makers, Dave grew the company into an basket-making empire. But, understanding the company requires understanding the man behind it.
In The Beginning
Dave and his five basket-makers worked tirelessly to begin building a foundation in his home town of Dresden, Ohio. The town was small and as his company grew, Dave offered its residents much-needed jobs. But, at times, it seemed as if only Dave had true confidence in his enterprise. Townspeople thought his aggressive plans for growth were simple pipe dreams. Even his employees would silently scoff when Dave would climb atop his desk and tell them how they were going to grow. However, over time, he began making good on his promise to them.
Growing An Empire
As the quintessential business manager, Dave quickly devised his "18 Principles of Management". One he favored ("Listen... learn... lead") became a key part of gaining the trust of his employees. Using basket parties, Dave spread the word about his stylish baskets, gaining new and repeat customers not only from his town of Dresden, but across the entire country. Today, The Longaberger Company produces over 5 million baskets each year for customers around the world. Along the way, Dave acquired 3 restaurants, a construction company and several retail shop. The Longaberger Museum stands in the small town as a celebration of Dave and his empire.
Caring For His Home Town
Dresden, Ohio is a small town with just over 1,600 residents. A business with the size and scope of The Longaberger Company could easily overwhelm such a city. But, Dave took great care in ensuring such a thing would never happen. He knew that little Dresden would be easily overrun if he concentrated his operations there. So, early in the company's growth, Dave wisely chose to spread his facilities to other parts of the country. But, believing in a deeply-rooted philosophy that successful enterprises are obligated to care for the communities in which they operate, he shared his good fortune with his home town. Today, The Longaberger Company employs 70,000 people. Over 700 live in Dresden. His good fortune has become his town's livelihood.
The Philanthropist Behind The Man
In order to give back to the community that had supported his and his company, Dave built a fitness and swimming center for Dresden. In addition, he oversaw construction of a new park for the city as well as a senior center for many of its older residents. Further, he bought old historical buildings in the town and refurbished them, instilling a new sense of dignity in the city.
Dave Longaberger's Legacy
Dave passed away in 1999. However, though the man himself is gone, his legacy remains. Today, The Longaberger Company sells over $850 million of baskets. His company still employs a majority of Dresden's residents, providing the town with a source of revenue that seems will never dry up. People throughout the world still remember Dave, his philosophy of responsible business and the care he took to make sure others around him were valued. It seems likely his legacy will never die.
Scott Bailey is an avid collector and writer and recently has merged his two passions and writes about various collecting subjects. For more information on Longaberger collectibles, or to buy one for yourself, please visit http://collectorbasket.com
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Halloween $10 Halloween |
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This Is Halloween $6 This Is Halloween - Marilyn Manson |
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Halloween Sound Effects: Halloween $2.99 Halloween Sound Effects: Halloween |
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Halloween Theme $6 Halloween Theme - Halloween |