This was my Letter to the Editor responding to an anonymous Sound Off, Oct. 31st. 2019 Eagle Herald edition titled “Let’s
build on strengths, talents”
Yes, we
should build on strengths, and on our differences, too; If building is our
purpose. For that reason, I am grateful
for the anonymous Sound Off submission.
Our community’s
participation in the Small Business Revolution, by Deluxe Corp. was a strength-building
exercise. It was not to win for the sake
of winning, but to discover what we have. It was an exercise worth its weight
in what the community makes out of it. Here
is a sample of what we did.
Our citizens
pulled together to challenge the other towns in the competition. Both Marinette
& Menominee High School Bands inspired us when they practiced and performed
together. The first time was not the last time that would happen. Citizens and both cities displayed banners
across the interstate bridge connecting both towns, counties, and states in admiration
of a newfound unity. A bridge walk was held on New Year’s Day sacrificing warmth
to experience solidarity. Marinette & Menominee City Council’s met together
in one session for the first time in history, acknowledging citizens' hope for collaboration
in government. We discovered the large ratio
of local small businesses for our size community. There was an awakening of local companies,
and what they can accomplish when working together. We got a taste of the potential community impact
of buying from local independent businesses. We generated an overwhelming and
positive social media narrative with reach more significant than any other
community in the competition. We can be
proud of holding the most real and impactful joint community welcome event deluxe
had experienced before. We had a voting network established that would have put
our community on the national map. Businesses that previously competed locally realized
they are all on the same team when it comes to serving our community.
We were not
chosen as the top town, but I was not participating to win for the sake of
winning, but for
discovering what we have, for proving to ourselves what we can accomplish. Participation was only an
objective on the path to a higher purpose. So, what did we gain? The answer rests in how we act on our strengths
and talents going forward and choosing not to waste our energy on bitterness. Taking
action to move forward, using our abilities, and gaining a new perspective is
what we are doing. The process of
Regional Branding, and living a shared vision helps us focus all our good works
along the lines of one mission. That is, to build a more vibrant community.
The mission that
we had before The Small Business Revolution still remains.
The Purpose is a Vibrant Community
The Purpose is a Vibrant Community
