“Barely a decade ago, Lewiston, Maine, was dying.”
Fortunately, that was not the beginning of the end, but rather the beginning of a new beginning.
Since that time, some unexpected seeds of a renewal strategy were planted and, according to Jesse Ellison, “the place has been transformed. Per capita income has soared, and crime rates have dropped. In 2004, Inc. magazine named Lewiston one of the best places to do business in America, and in 2007, it was named an “All-America City” by the National Civic League.”
And the seeds of the strategy? There were three: an infusion of diversity, culture and youth.
Click here to read the full story.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Daily Blog: Getaways Come In All Sizes
“Getaway” is a unique term for a category of cities and towns.
But some towns are more of a “getaway” than others.
In the May 2009 issue of Texas Highways, Barbara Rodriguez describes one getaway as follows:
“After driving the many miles required to reach Alpine from just about anywhere, a lot of folks see this town as if it’s the last stop on the roaring open road to Big Bend National Park. But here’s my best advice any time you get close enough to feel Alpine’s gravitational pull: Just give in. Failing to stop and explore the biggest little town in the Texas Outback is like trying to huff up Mount Everest without spending any time acclimating at base camp.”
Three basic ingredients for a getaway seem consistent: a unique hotel, a museum or gallery and a distinctive place to eat. In Alpine’s case, Rodriguez suggests, among others: the Historic Holland hotel, the CatchLight Art Gallery and reservations at Reata (with a bonus, if you can catch an event in the recently remodeled 1929 Granada Theatre).
And Alpine’s population? At last check, 5,934.
But some towns are more of a “getaway” than others.
In the May 2009 issue of Texas Highways, Barbara Rodriguez describes one getaway as follows:
“After driving the many miles required to reach Alpine from just about anywhere, a lot of folks see this town as if it’s the last stop on the roaring open road to Big Bend National Park. But here’s my best advice any time you get close enough to feel Alpine’s gravitational pull: Just give in. Failing to stop and explore the biggest little town in the Texas Outback is like trying to huff up Mount Everest without spending any time acclimating at base camp.”
Three basic ingredients for a getaway seem consistent: a unique hotel, a museum or gallery and a distinctive place to eat. In Alpine’s case, Rodriguez suggests, among others: the Historic Holland hotel, the CatchLight Art Gallery and reservations at Reata (with a bonus, if you can catch an event in the recently remodeled 1929 Granada Theatre).
And Alpine’s population? At last check, 5,934.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Daily Blog: Newspapers Surviving in Mid-sized Cities
This week, the Wall Street Journal compared the fate of newspapers in big cities with those in smaller cities:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124087711048861559.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
How to explain the survival of newspapers in mid-sized cities while big papers in big cities are going bankrupt? According to the article:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124087711048861559.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
How to explain the survival of newspapers in mid-sized cities while big papers in big cities are going bankrupt? According to the article:
"The formula for running a small-town newspaper would be familiar to any mom-and-pop business: No detail is too small and all business is personal.
"'It's not a Wall Street model, it's a hometown model,' says George Sample, known as 'Scoop,' chief executive of Sample News Group, which owns 10 papers in Pennsylvania and New York, including three recently acquired from GateHouse Media Inc."
This "hometown model" is still working because local businesses still need to buy advertising in the local paper. Thus, the drought of advertising dollars that is crippling major dailies has so far not hit the papers in mid-sized cities.
This is another example of how local communities are preserving their local cultures despite changing times and challenging economics.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Daily Blog: Portsmouth, NH
Portsmouth, New Hampshire may have only 20,000 residents. But it also has a unique arts culture that has once again made the list of the nation's Top 25 Arts Destinations according to AmericanStyle Magazine:
http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090424/GJNEWS_01/704249893/-1/FOSNEWS
The article quotes Wendy Rosen, the magazine publisher, as saying:
"'Tough economic times also make consumers conscious of where their products come from," Rosen added. 'Art lovers know they can make a positive impact by buying from local galleries and local artists, so their dollars recycle in the community and support homegrown talent. We all know that art and handcraft galleries are among the few remaining places where you can find authentic, made-in-America gifts and art products.'"
This is an example of a mid-sized city that is surviving--and even thriving--because of a vibrant, homegrown arts community. Indeed, Rosen argues that local arts helped small cities during the last recession and is showing signs of helping in this recession:
"'They moved in to dying Main Streets, shuttered factories and warehouse districts, and converted them into galleries and art scenes. Their murals, outdoor sculpture and other public art enchanted tourists and helped spark new investment. Artists led the way then, and they are leading the way now.'"
In these dark days of economic recession, mid-sized cities like Portsmouth, NH are proving a light of hope.
http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090424/GJNEWS_01/704249893/-1/FOSNEWS
The article quotes Wendy Rosen, the magazine publisher, as saying:
"'Tough economic times also make consumers conscious of where their products come from," Rosen added. 'Art lovers know they can make a positive impact by buying from local galleries and local artists, so their dollars recycle in the community and support homegrown talent. We all know that art and handcraft galleries are among the few remaining places where you can find authentic, made-in-America gifts and art products.'"
This is an example of a mid-sized city that is surviving--and even thriving--because of a vibrant, homegrown arts community. Indeed, Rosen argues that local arts helped small cities during the last recession and is showing signs of helping in this recession:
"'They moved in to dying Main Streets, shuttered factories and warehouse districts, and converted them into galleries and art scenes. Their murals, outdoor sculpture and other public art enchanted tourists and helped spark new investment. Artists led the way then, and they are leading the way now.'"
In these dark days of economic recession, mid-sized cities like Portsmouth, NH are proving a light of hope.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Weekly Column: Life Is Dangerous . . .
“Harken to me, now, ye men of Ithaca, to the word that I shall say.”
With these words an old man stood in the midst of other men and began to speak. In his epic poem, The Odyssey, the ancient Greek Homer described the older man with the following words, “Then in the midst up rose Mentor, the companion of noble Odysseus. He it was to whom Odysseus, as he departed in the fleet, had given the charge over all his house, that it should obey the old man, and that he should keep all things safe.”
The Odyssey was written around 800 B.C., but over 2,700 years later, the process of asking someone to accept the responsibility to “keep all things safe” has continued. Safety is an essential expectation of community.
The earliest ideas of the city must have developed with the idea of enhancing safety. Lewis Mumford reports that as early as 913, there were reports that “the building of fortresses and of walls around settlements was one of the chief activities of the King’s army.” The famous fall of the walls of the city of Jericho (perhaps the oldest continuously occupied city in the world) dates back to 1250 B.C. The rose-red “city of rock,” Petra, Jordan, the capital city of the Nabataean empire, provided a naturally walled and practically impenetrable enclosure for its occupants from the fifth century B.C. to the fifth century A.D.
According to Mumford, the idea of a moat and walls keeping all things safe was effective until the fifteenth century. About that time, “new artillery made cities vulnerable” and their old form of defense “just made them more conspicuous targets.”
Much has changed in our cities since the days of Petra, Jericho, and Ithaca; yet surveys of contemporary society continue to indicate that keeping “all things safe” remains an essential expectation. Neighborhood policing and watch programs represent some of the recent attempts to enhance the degree of community safety.
On April 19, 1995 (14 years ago this week) cities everywhere were shockingly introduced into a new era of vulnerability. It happened in Oklahoma City at 9:03 a.m. – terror struck the heartland of America – and 168 men, women and children lost their lives.
City leaders everywhere were reminded of their Mentor-like responsibility to “keep all things safe” and how each member of the community must share in that responsibility if we are truly to enjoy the opportunities for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
The responsibility we share for each other’s safety was refreshingly and succinctly captured in a billboard message. Having just landed in Sydney, Australia and taking the cab into town, I was confronted by a single six-word message: “Life is dangerous. Learn first aid.”
With these words an old man stood in the midst of other men and began to speak. In his epic poem, The Odyssey, the ancient Greek Homer described the older man with the following words, “Then in the midst up rose Mentor, the companion of noble Odysseus. He it was to whom Odysseus, as he departed in the fleet, had given the charge over all his house, that it should obey the old man, and that he should keep all things safe.”
The Odyssey was written around 800 B.C., but over 2,700 years later, the process of asking someone to accept the responsibility to “keep all things safe” has continued. Safety is an essential expectation of community.
The earliest ideas of the city must have developed with the idea of enhancing safety. Lewis Mumford reports that as early as 913, there were reports that “the building of fortresses and of walls around settlements was one of the chief activities of the King’s army.” The famous fall of the walls of the city of Jericho (perhaps the oldest continuously occupied city in the world) dates back to 1250 B.C. The rose-red “city of rock,” Petra, Jordan, the capital city of the Nabataean empire, provided a naturally walled and practically impenetrable enclosure for its occupants from the fifth century B.C. to the fifth century A.D.
According to Mumford, the idea of a moat and walls keeping all things safe was effective until the fifteenth century. About that time, “new artillery made cities vulnerable” and their old form of defense “just made them more conspicuous targets.”
Much has changed in our cities since the days of Petra, Jericho, and Ithaca; yet surveys of contemporary society continue to indicate that keeping “all things safe” remains an essential expectation. Neighborhood policing and watch programs represent some of the recent attempts to enhance the degree of community safety.
On April 19, 1995 (14 years ago this week) cities everywhere were shockingly introduced into a new era of vulnerability. It happened in Oklahoma City at 9:03 a.m. – terror struck the heartland of America – and 168 men, women and children lost their lives.
City leaders everywhere were reminded of their Mentor-like responsibility to “keep all things safe” and how each member of the community must share in that responsibility if we are truly to enjoy the opportunities for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
The responsibility we share for each other’s safety was refreshingly and succinctly captured in a billboard message. Having just landed in Sydney, Australia and taking the cab into town, I was confronted by a single six-word message: “Life is dangerous. Learn first aid.”
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Daily Blog: "Natural" Partnership
"Good architecture," according to Ted Flato, "ought to be reflective of place and climate."
Flato was speaking with regard to structures within state parks, but the idea has application for the four- and five-figure cities.
One of the advantages of mid-sized cities can be the ability to create a blending of the "outdoors" with the "indoors."
As Flato's colleague David Lake expressed, "Design is highly contextual, driven by the climate and the concept."
Thoughtful insights about the "natural" partnership that should be forged between the built environment and the natural environment are useful tools for those who care about the places we live.
The entire article, "Lay of the Landscape", can be found in the May 2009 issue of Texas Monthly.
Flato was speaking with regard to structures within state parks, but the idea has application for the four- and five-figure cities.
One of the advantages of mid-sized cities can be the ability to create a blending of the "outdoors" with the "indoors."
As Flato's colleague David Lake expressed, "Design is highly contextual, driven by the climate and the concept."
Thoughtful insights about the "natural" partnership that should be forged between the built environment and the natural environment are useful tools for those who care about the places we live.
The entire article, "Lay of the Landscape", can be found in the May 2009 issue of Texas Monthly.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Daily Blog: The Essence of Community
Loneliness, according to John Cacioppo, is not that different from hunger, thirst and pain – each of them signal a need for something important for survival. When a person feels lonely it is a signal for the “need for connection.”
This can occur in the middle of a busy city. Even when around a lot of people, a person can still “feel completely isolated.”
Cacioppo has co-authored a new book, Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection. In this book special attention is given to the way relationships affect physical health.
Those who care about the place where they live must give at least as much attention to the quality of connectedness in their community as to the quality of the infrastructure in their city.
Cacioppo gives an insightful interview in U.S. News and World Report, Feb. 2009, p. 83, in which he observes “perceived isolation is so much more important than physical isolation.”
The essence of authentic community must be “perceived connectedness.”
This can occur in the middle of a busy city. Even when around a lot of people, a person can still “feel completely isolated.”
Cacioppo has co-authored a new book, Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection. In this book special attention is given to the way relationships affect physical health.
Those who care about the place where they live must give at least as much attention to the quality of connectedness in their community as to the quality of the infrastructure in their city.
Cacioppo gives an insightful interview in U.S. News and World Report, Feb. 2009, p. 83, in which he observes “perceived isolation is so much more important than physical isolation.”
The essence of authentic community must be “perceived connectedness.”
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Daily Blog: Surprise, Arizona
According to Foreign Direct Investment Magazine, if you are looking for a great place to open a business, look at Surprise, Arizona:
http://www.azcentral.com/community/westvalley/articles/2009/04/21/20090421gl-nwvrank0422.html
This mid-sized city of just over 30,000 came out at the top of the list put together by Foreign Direct Investment Magazine. According to the article:
http://www.azcentral.com/community/westvalley/articles/2009/04/21/20090421gl-nwvrank0422.html
This mid-sized city of just over 30,000 came out at the top of the list put together by Foreign Direct Investment Magazine. According to the article:
"The magazine panel looked at more than 60 criteria in its judging, everything from quality of life to human resources and infrastructure.
"Surprise nabbed the No. 1 spot for its aggressive strategy to offer high-profile, move-in-ready properties for investors and for its potential to attract businesses to the city. It came in at No. 3 for business friendliness."
In this difficult economic climate, an increasing number of businesses are looking for new opportunities. And they are finding them in some surprising places.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Daily Blog: Ann Arbor's Newspaper Experiment
What happens when newspapers die out in mid-sized cities?
http://www.michigandaily.com/content/2009-04-20/newspaper-closing-most-damaging-smaller-towns
This growing trend alarms many observers in small and mid-sized cities throughout America.
In Ann Arbor, Michigan, the print newspaper folded. But the publisher of the paper, Laurel Champion, has taken the lead in establishing a new web-based paper, Ann Arbor.com. He predicts the new website will be just as effective as the old newspaper. "We’re going to be providing the information in a different way," he says, "but we’re not giving up on the traditional local watchdog journalism role.”
If the experiment is successful in Ann Arbor, look for other cities across the nation to take note. With the entire newspaper industry reeling, more and more publishers are looking into abandoning paper for the web.
Thus, what happens in Ann Arbor, population 100,000, could impact the entire country.
http://www.michigandaily.com/content/2009-04-20/newspaper-closing-most-damaging-smaller-towns
This growing trend alarms many observers in small and mid-sized cities throughout America.
In Ann Arbor, Michigan, the print newspaper folded. But the publisher of the paper, Laurel Champion, has taken the lead in establishing a new web-based paper, Ann Arbor.com. He predicts the new website will be just as effective as the old newspaper. "We’re going to be providing the information in a different way," he says, "but we’re not giving up on the traditional local watchdog journalism role.”
If the experiment is successful in Ann Arbor, look for other cities across the nation to take note. With the entire newspaper industry reeling, more and more publishers are looking into abandoning paper for the web.
Thus, what happens in Ann Arbor, population 100,000, could impact the entire country.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Weekly Column: Profiles in Places--Macon, Georgia
They call it the "Heart of Georgia." About 85 miles south of Atlanta, Macon sits on the Ocmulgee River and is home to just under 100,000 residents. No less than seven colleges are in or around the city. And the business climate is good, based in part on transportation and a nearby military base.
But what makes Macon the "Heart of Georgia" and one of the most interesting mid-sized cities in America are not the sights one sees but the sounds one hears. This is one of the most important cities in the history of American music.
That's why in 1996, the State of Georgia opened the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in Macon. It was the obvious choice since the city has produced so many important artists, particularly in the eras of rock and roll and soul music.
Perhaps the first great Macon artist was Little Richard, one of the pioneers of early rock music. Later, the Allman Brothers set up shop in Macon and became one of the most influential bands around.
But it was another artist who came to most symbolize the heart and grit of this working-class city: Otis Redding. Redding was raised in Macon and began winning talents shows at the Douglass Theatre. Eventually, he was discovered by a local Macon businessman, Phil Warden, who became his manager. Redding became a pioneer of soul music and traveled the world taking his unique blend of soul and rock with him. He was also a prolific songwriter and wrote several classics, including "Respect," which Aretha Franklin made famous, and "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay." At the height of his power and fame, in December 1967, his private plane crashed in
Wisconsin killing him and most of his band. His body was returned home and buried outside of Macon.
This coming Sunday, April 19, the Georgia Music Hall of Fame will conclude a nearly two-year exhibit on the life and music of Macon's greatest artist:
http://www.macon.com/localnews/story/685823.html
And it was an exhibit that brought enormous attention and traffic to Macon. As the article notes:
But what makes Macon the "Heart of Georgia" and one of the most interesting mid-sized cities in America are not the sights one sees but the sounds one hears. This is one of the most important cities in the history of American music.
That's why in 1996, the State of Georgia opened the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in Macon. It was the obvious choice since the city has produced so many important artists, particularly in the eras of rock and roll and soul music.
Perhaps the first great Macon artist was Little Richard, one of the pioneers of early rock music. Later, the Allman Brothers set up shop in Macon and became one of the most influential bands around.
But it was another artist who came to most symbolize the heart and grit of this working-class city: Otis Redding. Redding was raised in Macon and began winning talents shows at the Douglass Theatre. Eventually, he was discovered by a local Macon businessman, Phil Warden, who became his manager. Redding became a pioneer of soul music and traveled the world taking his unique blend of soul and rock with him. He was also a prolific songwriter and wrote several classics, including "Respect," which Aretha Franklin made famous, and "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay." At the height of his power and fame, in December 1967, his private plane crashed in
Wisconsin killing him and most of his band. His body was returned home and buried outside of Macon.
This coming Sunday, April 19, the Georgia Music Hall of Fame will conclude a nearly two-year exhibit on the life and music of Macon's greatest artist:
http://www.macon.com/localnews/story/685823.html
And it was an exhibit that brought enormous attention and traffic to Macon. As the article notes:
"Lisa Love, executive director of the hall of fame, said revenue for the museum was up 30 percent in 2008 largely because of the exhibit.
“'The Otis exhibition has been a high point in the hall of fame’s history,' Love said. 'We forged a partnership with the Redding family that achieved a new level of excellence, drew visitors from around the world and made a significant impact on our revenue. The best part of all is that we did this by simply telling the story of a humble man from Macon, Georgia, whose music continues to resonate with fans 41 years after his passing.'”
Macon, Georgia is an important mid-sized city for its cultural contributions to America. And the Georgia Music Hall of Fame is a great museum to visit and learn more about this musical heritage. Of course, while visiting Macon, you can also experience the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame Museum and the Harriet Tubman Museum.
So make sure and visit Macon. You'll realize there is a great deal of history as you cross the Otis Redding Bridge on the way into town.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Daily Blog: Saving Civilization
The article was titled “The End of Paper?”
Fortune, March 16, 2009, page 66
It began as an apparent report on the continuing demise of the newspaper. But as I flipped through the five pages – it was the highlighted quotation on the last page that caught my attention: “We’re not only going to save publishing,” says E Ink CEO Russell Wilcox, “we’re also going to save civilization.”
Often, it seems that in the places where people live the emphasis is on building cities even if it is done at the expense of community and civility.
The Wilcox approach is a good one. More emphasis should be given to finding solutions that, when implemented, solve not only a specific problem but enhance community and civilization.
Fortune, March 16, 2009, page 66
It began as an apparent report on the continuing demise of the newspaper. But as I flipped through the five pages – it was the highlighted quotation on the last page that caught my attention: “We’re not only going to save publishing,” says E Ink CEO Russell Wilcox, “we’re also going to save civilization.”
Often, it seems that in the places where people live the emphasis is on building cities even if it is done at the expense of community and civility.
The Wilcox approach is a good one. More emphasis should be given to finding solutions that, when implemented, solve not only a specific problem but enhance community and civilization.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Daily Blog: A Company With No Fixed Headquarters
According to Forbes, “the new face of globalism” is called Lenovo.
While it may not be a household name in the U.S., Lenovo did 28% of the PC shipments to China in 2008 which was more than twice the Hewlett-Packard numbers in second place – and Lenovo is now the fourth largest PC maker in the world.
More important to mid-sized cities is what Lenovo represents in terms of the way “doing business” is changing, and the impact on the old real estate axiom about the importance of location, location, location.
Following is Rebecca Buckman’s description:
“Few companies live as globally as Lenovo. The company has no fixed headquarters; its monthly leadership meeting might be in Paris one month and Cambodia the next. Marketing is run out of Bangalore, India. Design work is done in Beijing, Raleigh, N.C. and Yamato, Japan.”
The American CEO lives in Singapore. The Chinese chairman lives in Raleigh.
For most cities doing economic development work, a first question is “Where are your corporate headquarters?”
If more companies follow the Lenovo model, economic development may need a new strategy.
Click here to read the entire article.
While it may not be a household name in the U.S., Lenovo did 28% of the PC shipments to China in 2008 which was more than twice the Hewlett-Packard numbers in second place – and Lenovo is now the fourth largest PC maker in the world.
More important to mid-sized cities is what Lenovo represents in terms of the way “doing business” is changing, and the impact on the old real estate axiom about the importance of location, location, location.
Following is Rebecca Buckman’s description:
“Few companies live as globally as Lenovo. The company has no fixed headquarters; its monthly leadership meeting might be in Paris one month and Cambodia the next. Marketing is run out of Bangalore, India. Design work is done in Beijing, Raleigh, N.C. and Yamato, Japan.”
The American CEO lives in Singapore. The Chinese chairman lives in Raleigh.
For most cities doing economic development work, a first question is “Where are your corporate headquarters?”
If more companies follow the Lenovo model, economic development may need a new strategy.
Click here to read the entire article.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Daily Blog: Forbes
Yesterday it was BusinessWeek; today it's Forbes:
http://www.forbes.com/2009/04/14/best-cities-for-jobs-opinions-columnists-employment.html
For the past five years, Forbes has released a list of the best cities for jobs. And they break the list down into categories for large cities, medium cities and small cities. According to the authors:
"The study is based on job growth in 333 regions--called Metropolitan Statistical Areas by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which provided the data--across the U.S. The analysis looked not only at job growth in the last year but also at how employment figures have changed in these areas since 1996. Wary of overemphasizing recent data, the authors strive to provide a complete picture of the potential a region has for job-seekers."
Click on the link above and find out more about some of the medium and small cities that open for business.
http://www.forbes.com/2009/04/14/best-cities-for-jobs-opinions-columnists-employment.html
For the past five years, Forbes has released a list of the best cities for jobs. And they break the list down into categories for large cities, medium cities and small cities. According to the authors:
"The study is based on job growth in 333 regions--called Metropolitan Statistical Areas by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which provided the data--across the U.S. The analysis looked not only at job growth in the last year but also at how employment figures have changed in these areas since 1996. Wary of overemphasizing recent data, the authors strive to provide a complete picture of the potential a region has for job-seekers."
Click on the link above and find out more about some of the medium and small cities that open for business.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Daily Blog: BusinessWeek
Recently, BusinessWeek developed a list of the best small cities for starting a business:
http://images.businessweek.com/ss/09/03/0327_smallcity_startups/index.htm
Though the Center for Building Community might disagree with BusinessWeek's definition of a small city, there is no doubt that entrepreneurs are increasingly looking to new places to start businesses.
And why not? As the article notes, "The choices took into account 11 factors that shape a city's entrepreneurial climate, from the education level of the workforce to the amount of venture-capital investment to the number of startups."
Increasingly, startups are finding a home in mid-sized cities. Thanks to technology, mid-sized cities can now compete with New York and Chicago. But New York and Chicago can't compete with mid-sized cities in areas like community and quality of life.
http://images.businessweek.com/ss/09/03/0327_smallcity_startups/index.htm
Though the Center for Building Community might disagree with BusinessWeek's definition of a small city, there is no doubt that entrepreneurs are increasingly looking to new places to start businesses.
And why not? As the article notes, "The choices took into account 11 factors that shape a city's entrepreneurial climate, from the education level of the workforce to the amount of venture-capital investment to the number of startups."
Increasingly, startups are finding a home in mid-sized cities. Thanks to technology, mid-sized cities can now compete with New York and Chicago. But New York and Chicago can't compete with mid-sized cities in areas like community and quality of life.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Weekly Column: A City Named "Wooded"
I’ve heard it said that the best places to live are those places that have successfully combined “urban” and “rural” (or “city” and “country”).
Some cities do that with their parks. Some provide a variation of “country” with golf courses and jogging trails.
Many four- and five-figure cities have an advantage in the travel distance from “downtown” to nearby sites for hunting and fishing just beyond the city limits.
An interesting exercise in any city would be to ask a dozen or more people to write an essay on what they like about the place where they live.
In the April 2009 Smithsonian, Anthony Doerr has written such a piece about his hometown, Boise, Idaho. (Boisé in French means “wooded.”)
Click here to read entire article.
His thoughts are instructive for anyone who would like to reflect upon the reasons we like where we live:
“I live here because I can ride my bike to friends’ houses just like I did when I was 10 years old…”
“I live here because I can eat a $5 lunch at Zeppole, as I did for about 400 afternoons straight…”
“I live here because I can get in a car and head in any direction and within an hour find myself in something pretty close to wilderness…”
And if that’s not reason enough, there’s more:
"Boise is still so young and new – changing almost every day – and I don’t think it’s overstatement to suggest that our town represents everything that remains great about America: potential, youth, natural beauty, quality of life. Some 100 parks, 14 museums, playgrounds everywhere you turn: our skies are huge; our houses affordable. Hikers can still drink from a secret spring in the hills; paddlers can still go kayaking in the morning and meet with their accountants by noon. When we visit friends who live elsewhere, they ask, “Boise? Really? Why do you live there?” But when friends visit us, they say, “Oh, wow, now I see.'"
Indeed, city and country can co-exist in a most appealing way.
Some cities do that with their parks. Some provide a variation of “country” with golf courses and jogging trails.
Many four- and five-figure cities have an advantage in the travel distance from “downtown” to nearby sites for hunting and fishing just beyond the city limits.
An interesting exercise in any city would be to ask a dozen or more people to write an essay on what they like about the place where they live.
In the April 2009 Smithsonian, Anthony Doerr has written such a piece about his hometown, Boise, Idaho. (Boisé in French means “wooded.”)
Click here to read entire article.
His thoughts are instructive for anyone who would like to reflect upon the reasons we like where we live:
“I live here because I can ride my bike to friends’ houses just like I did when I was 10 years old…”
“I live here because I can eat a $5 lunch at Zeppole, as I did for about 400 afternoons straight…”
“I live here because I can get in a car and head in any direction and within an hour find myself in something pretty close to wilderness…”
And if that’s not reason enough, there’s more:
"Boise is still so young and new – changing almost every day – and I don’t think it’s overstatement to suggest that our town represents everything that remains great about America: potential, youth, natural beauty, quality of life. Some 100 parks, 14 museums, playgrounds everywhere you turn: our skies are huge; our houses affordable. Hikers can still drink from a secret spring in the hills; paddlers can still go kayaking in the morning and meet with their accountants by noon. When we visit friends who live elsewhere, they ask, “Boise? Really? Why do you live there?” But when friends visit us, they say, “Oh, wow, now I see.'"
Indeed, city and country can co-exist in a most appealing way.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Daily Blog: Augusta and the Green Jacket
In every city there is some great idea waiting to be done with distinction – James Michener
***************************************************************************
It is doubtful that Michener had the Augusta National golf course and the Masters Tournament in mind when he first made the above statement – but he could have used it as a sterling example.
In 1934 the first Masters Tournament was held on the new golf course funded by Bobby Jones and designed by Alister MacKenzie.
Today it surely must be the most distinctive golf tournament in the world. Three points to consider:
1. The Masters is the only one of the four “Major Tournaments” played on the same course every year.
2. Even the bridges have names that add to the distinction – Hogan, Nelson, Sarazen.
3. An additional award to the winner is the distinctive Green Jacket.
For any city wishing to execute an idea with distinction, the Masters in Augusta could make a good case study.
The first round of the 2009 Masters is today. To read about its unusual TV contract and more see Fortune magazine, March 30, 2009, p. 13.
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It is doubtful that Michener had the Augusta National golf course and the Masters Tournament in mind when he first made the above statement – but he could have used it as a sterling example.
In 1934 the first Masters Tournament was held on the new golf course funded by Bobby Jones and designed by Alister MacKenzie.
Today it surely must be the most distinctive golf tournament in the world. Three points to consider:
1. The Masters is the only one of the four “Major Tournaments” played on the same course every year.
2. Even the bridges have names that add to the distinction – Hogan, Nelson, Sarazen.
3. An additional award to the winner is the distinctive Green Jacket.
For any city wishing to execute an idea with distinction, the Masters in Augusta could make a good case study.
The first round of the 2009 Masters is today. To read about its unusual TV contract and more see Fortune magazine, March 30, 2009, p. 13.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Daily Blog: On Being "The First"
One of the ways for a city to be distinctive is to continue to add to a list of things that set one city apart from all the others. This is especially true for the four- and five-figure cities.
The 2000 census indicated there were more than 3,300 five-figure cities and over 10,500 four-figure cities.
Asheville, North Carolina, with a population of 68,889 has just added to its list of distinctives. No other city in the country will ever be able to say that it claims the location of the first U.S. golf course designed by Tiger Woods.
In the March 16, 2009 issue of Fortune, Jessica Shambora announces that Tiger’s first three design projects are in Dubai, Mexico and Asheville.
http://money.cnn.com/2009/03/04/magazines/fortune/shambora_tigerwoods.fortune/index.htm
It’s certainly not the only thing that differentiates Asheville, but with Tiger Woods they know they have someone who has proven ability to separate from the pack.
P.S. In the same pages Fortune lists another “Five New Courses to Watch.” Three are in the U.S. – Valentine, Nebraska (population 2,842), Owasso, Oklahoma (population 20,555), and Bandon, Oregon (population 2,819).
The 2000 census indicated there were more than 3,300 five-figure cities and over 10,500 four-figure cities.
Asheville, North Carolina, with a population of 68,889 has just added to its list of distinctives. No other city in the country will ever be able to say that it claims the location of the first U.S. golf course designed by Tiger Woods.
In the March 16, 2009 issue of Fortune, Jessica Shambora announces that Tiger’s first three design projects are in Dubai, Mexico and Asheville.
http://money.cnn.com/2009/03/04/magazines/fortune/shambora_tigerwoods.fortune/index.htm
It’s certainly not the only thing that differentiates Asheville, but with Tiger Woods they know they have someone who has proven ability to separate from the pack.
P.S. In the same pages Fortune lists another “Five New Courses to Watch.” Three are in the U.S. – Valentine, Nebraska (population 2,842), Owasso, Oklahoma (population 20,555), and Bandon, Oregon (population 2,819).
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Daily Blog: Binghamton, New York
A few days ago, the city of Binghamton, New York experienced a tragedy when a gunman shot and killed several people at an immigration center:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/04/nyregion/04civic.html
Much has been made about the tragedy; but less has been written about the city itself. As the article notes:
"Though its population of immigrants is relatively small, Binghamton has quietly welcomed refugees from war-torn countries for decades. The association began operating in 1939."
It turns out, Binghamton is a classic mid-sized city of less than 50,000. And for years it has welcomed people from all backgrounds and all countries. The immigrant center was a symbol of this universal quality to Binghamton. And the town has come together as one after the horrific shootings.
And so despite the tragedy, Binghampton shows every sign that will survive. This place is more than a city...it is a community.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/04/nyregion/04civic.html
Much has been made about the tragedy; but less has been written about the city itself. As the article notes:
"Though its population of immigrants is relatively small, Binghamton has quietly welcomed refugees from war-torn countries for decades. The association began operating in 1939."
It turns out, Binghamton is a classic mid-sized city of less than 50,000. And for years it has welcomed people from all backgrounds and all countries. The immigrant center was a symbol of this universal quality to Binghamton. And the town has come together as one after the horrific shootings.
And so despite the tragedy, Binghampton shows every sign that will survive. This place is more than a city...it is a community.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Daily Blog: A Community of Radio Operators
The remarkable story of Fargo's response to the recent flooding continues to provide great examples of community:
http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/236446/
Once the flooding hit, so too did a makeshift group of radio operators. They set up shop and began helping relay important information. As the article notes:
"But since March 21, when members of the Red River Radio Amateurs club set up their ham radios at 11 locations in the Fargo-Moorhead area, these amateur radio operators have been instrumental in relaying vital information during the flood fight."
In the midst of a crisis, these ham radio operators formed a community: they helped transmit information, helped coordinate recovery efforts and helped save lives.
A crisis often brings people together. And as these amateur radio operators in Fargo have demonstrated, when people form a community, any crisis can be overcome.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Weekly Column: Best Places to Live
What makes a city livable? The answer varies depending on who is answering it. To many, jobs matter most. To others, schools. For some, culture.
Recently, Money Magazine released a list of small cities that are the best places to live in America. To develop this list, the magazine created a series of factors, including housing, jobs and quality of life. Under each of these categories, several sub-categories were created. For example, under quality of life, there are sub-categories for fastest commute and hottest weather.
Coming in number one on the list was Plymouth, Minnesota. As Money wrote, this city offers: “Topnotch schools, good jobs, affordable housing, low crime, an active outdoor culture - yep, they're pretty much all here. Plymouth could have become just another Twin Cities suburb, but more than 50,000 jobs keep residents working there.”
The article goes on to especially note the affordable housing, and mentions the “open-air amphitheater, the Hilde Performance Center,” which “hosts numerous summer concerts.” And, of course, there is shopping. “Residents are a quick drive from the Mall of America, the nation's biggest mall.”
Halfway down the list at number 51 is Hamilton, New Jersey. The article notes that with “Trenton, the state's capitol, to the immediate west, Hamilton is a bustling, diverse and relatively populous community.” Hamilton offers a great park, the 350-acre Veterans Park. And in the heart of the town is a “35-acre homage to modern moldings of steel, bronze, marble and other materials.”
Across the state is Wayne, New Jersey. And that city finished out the list as the 100th best place to live.
Just a few miles from New York City, Wayne provides a great view of the big city while still maintaining its small city attractions. According to the article:
“Schools are nationally ranked, and the city boasts several historic museums, including a mansion that served as George Washington’s headquarters in 1780. Activities like free movie nights under the stars are common, along with sightseeing trips to nearby Atlantic City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and NYC.”
For all their differences and all their variety, these cities all have something in common: size. Plymouth, Minnesota has just over 70,000 residents; Hamilton, New Jersey has about 90,000; and Wayne, New Jersey has some 55,000. This makes all these cities mid-sized cities. They are big enough for jobs and commerce to flourish, but small enough to still have a hometown feel.
With all the talk about big cities in the media today, it’s good to remember the other places in America. All around the country mid-sized cities are providing great places to live for millions of Americans.For more information on the Money list of cities, click on the website, check out the list, compare cities and learn more about these great places:
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2008/index.html
Recently, Money Magazine released a list of small cities that are the best places to live in America. To develop this list, the magazine created a series of factors, including housing, jobs and quality of life. Under each of these categories, several sub-categories were created. For example, under quality of life, there are sub-categories for fastest commute and hottest weather.
Coming in number one on the list was Plymouth, Minnesota. As Money wrote, this city offers: “Topnotch schools, good jobs, affordable housing, low crime, an active outdoor culture - yep, they're pretty much all here. Plymouth could have become just another Twin Cities suburb, but more than 50,000 jobs keep residents working there.”
The article goes on to especially note the affordable housing, and mentions the “open-air amphitheater, the Hilde Performance Center,” which “hosts numerous summer concerts.” And, of course, there is shopping. “Residents are a quick drive from the Mall of America, the nation's biggest mall.”
Halfway down the list at number 51 is Hamilton, New Jersey. The article notes that with “Trenton, the state's capitol, to the immediate west, Hamilton is a bustling, diverse and relatively populous community.” Hamilton offers a great park, the 350-acre Veterans Park. And in the heart of the town is a “35-acre homage to modern moldings of steel, bronze, marble and other materials.”
Across the state is Wayne, New Jersey. And that city finished out the list as the 100th best place to live.
Just a few miles from New York City, Wayne provides a great view of the big city while still maintaining its small city attractions. According to the article:
“Schools are nationally ranked, and the city boasts several historic museums, including a mansion that served as George Washington’s headquarters in 1780. Activities like free movie nights under the stars are common, along with sightseeing trips to nearby Atlantic City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and NYC.”
For all their differences and all their variety, these cities all have something in common: size. Plymouth, Minnesota has just over 70,000 residents; Hamilton, New Jersey has about 90,000; and Wayne, New Jersey has some 55,000. This makes all these cities mid-sized cities. They are big enough for jobs and commerce to flourish, but small enough to still have a hometown feel.
With all the talk about big cities in the media today, it’s good to remember the other places in America. All around the country mid-sized cities are providing great places to live for millions of Americans.For more information on the Money list of cities, click on the website, check out the list, compare cities and learn more about these great places:
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2008/index.html
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Daily Blog: How to "Sustain Strengths and Improve on Weaknesses"
There are times when everyone is so busy, that after an event or project is completed we all immediately move on to the next project. No one is appropriately acknowledged for the things that went well and no one is sufficiently concerned about what went wrong. The primary emotion is one of relief that “it’s over.”
Leigh Buchanan describes an alternative response: something called “action review.”
Read more at
http://www.inc.com/magazine/20090301/leadership-armed-with-data.html
Leigh Buchanan describes an alternative response: something called “action review.”
Read more at
http://www.inc.com/magazine/20090301/leadership-armed-with-data.html
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Daily Blog: Boosting the Local Economy - Week-End Tourism
One of the developing economic opportunities for small and mid-sized cities and towns is Week-End Tourism. An increasing number of people in the major cities are looking for a 36- to 48-hour getaway.
Alison Humes casts a narrative vision of such into a “tiny corner of northwest Connecticut.”
Torrington (with a 2000 census figure just above 35,000) was part of the experience described as “like some fairy tale of European history.”
But it’s not all happening by accident in Torrington. “Still largely blue-collar, the city launched a thirty-million-dollar redevelopment in 2006 to revitalize the downtown; . . . the restoration of the 1931 Warner Theatre . . . was finished in 2002.”
In Humes’ opinion, what makes a visit to such a small sized town so appealing is that “in addition to its beauty, it has some of the trappings of big city life, only miniaturized.”
To enjoy the full description of this visit to the towns of northwest Connecticut please read
http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/500369
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