We've Only Just Begun

Recognition for all 
who pulled together 
to begin this courageous journey 

#MyMarinetteMenominee is grateful to receive the Ron Wipfli Award.  This year’s Chamber of Commerce Ron Wipfli Award has been awarded to the efforts of the hundreds of people who are involved in the My Marinette Menominee Movement.  I am grateful to be a part of this developing initiative.  Our team flourished when My Marinette Menominee achieved “Top 10” status in the Small Business Revolution.  Achieving national recognition is significant because it proves that we are as creative and capable as any community in this country.  By pulling together as one community across our many boundaries, we are showing that we can amaze ourselves.  

The “My Marinette Menominee” label was given to us by the folks at Deluxe’s Small Business Revolution.  But, it just so happened to be the personification of the vision that our core group already had before the SBR competition. Last fall, we were looking for a community development vehicle with the kind of energy to give us a boost in the right direction.  SBR was a valuable tool, and now that energy supports our vision for future community development.

During the Small Business Revolution frenzy, I made a statement – “Why wouldn’t you love where you live?”  Loving where you live is at the heart of why I am on this journey.  Where you live and with whom are worth the investment of your time, talent and energy.  Our team emboldens me to embark on the journey between where we are now and the promise of creating a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.

We can all recognize that where we live has a natural abundance of beauty: our waters, wildlife, and woodlands.  And, we have a growing list of things including a strong manufacturing base, a new Recreation Center, new Hospital, historic buildings that are being renovated, and more.  We are obligated to honor all the sacrifices others have made that give us today’s opportunity.  If you read Larry Ebsch’s articles in the Eagle Herald each Monday, you learn the stories of people that gave of themselves, they built, donated money, land, and time.  We must exercise the opportunities they have laid for us and keep that promise alive for our grandchildren, children, friends, and neighbors.

For me, the vision is about creating a place where my grandchildren can learn, develop their talents and prosper where they grow-up.  I hope to replace the advice of my generation with a new message.  Instead of telling our youth to “get a good education and move away to be successful,” we can become a place where talent from anywhere might desire to locate. We have all we need; however, it is about what we do with what we have. It is up to us to grow wisely. We can pave the way daily when, without other’s permission, and at little or no extra cost, we choose to pull together with mutual trust and respect and build on our abundance of strengths.

Thank you to those who chose #MyMM for the Ron Wipfli award.  It is encouraging to know that you believe in what we are doing.  Please join us on the journey to foster an even brighter future for our regional community.