High Expectations

I read a Blog written by Jack Schultz. He wrote the book BoomTown USA. It describes the economic development activities of a number of communities across the country. His chief point in all his writings that community attitude is very important in communities economic vitality. Today he writes about an article written by NY Times Columnist David Brooks (June 2, 2005) about Europe. http://boomtownusa.blogspot.com/ Brooks describes unemployment rates between 8 and 11% and growth rates that haven’t seen 3% in the past 14 years.

Schults writes: “One of his more interesting thoughts in the column was Brooks’s observations about momentum for countries. “It is happier to live in a poor country that is moving forward—where expectations are high—than it is to live in an affluent country that is moving backwards.”

One of the reasons we support economic development in Concordia is that business development is to influence our attitude as a community. When we prosper, we feel good about Concordia.

In February 2004, I had a brainstorm where I identified several businesses that had new owners, built new facilities, expanded or were new startups. The first list totaled 60 businesses that fit the pattern for the past five years. That list has grown in the past year because we have looked even closer to what is happening here. (You can get a copy of the current version at the Chamber office.)

Being in this fame of mind also allows us to stand and celebrate when good things happen in the community. Last weekend, the Concordia High School girls track team won the state 4A Championship. In a way, their success reflects what is going on in the community too. One event nearly cost them to loose all because of a fall. So, did they mope? No, they got up and finished the meet like the champions they were before the meet started.

They are reflecting what is happening in the Concordia business community. Everyday folks are going to work to do the very best they can. We have seen some fall but we are getting back up and getting back to the job. We are now doing what Brooks cited in his article – moving forward and enjoying the high expectations.