Growth as Betterment

Opening the door to growth, the Menominee City Council voted to join the Menominee County Brownfield Authority (Eagle Herald, September 22, 2020)

Mention the word "growth," and you will receive a variety of reactions. Some folks will express fear, others' excitement, and others a disclaimer. These are natural reactions during regular times and expected during the past few months' uncertainties.

But what is growth? More specifically, what is the mindset of growth?

The internet defines mindset as a habitual mental attitude determining how one will interpret and respond to situations. Other words for growth include prospect, mental capacity, outlook. But the same-meaning name I like best is "betterment."

How do we, both individually and as a community, improve our hopes, dreams, and outlook to be better regarding the future of the #MyMarinetteMenominee community? How do we continue to build a vibrant community where our youth will want to stay? How do we build a community where their talents will be nurtured and thrive? How do we shape our minds to better open the doors for those seeking opportunities in the best interest of our local community?

Mindset is an integral part of community growth. How do we better shape our minds and grow them to seek opportunities in our best interests? It is easy to find fault, to focus on what we cannot change. But this mindset, this steering away from growth, is forgetting that we have the power to overcome most obstacles.

Our minds are powerful tools as we travel towards betterment. Ask any coach, ask any teacher. They inspire their players; they emphasize their positive traits and teach them how to correct their weaker areas. With hard work, positive coaching, and an open mindset, the goal is reached--growth as betterment.

Because the path to better is uphill, we are either moving forward or rolling back. Cultivate an open mindset to help overcome the fear which might accompany growth. Focus on choices reflecting quality. Do we work together to build this community and all it offers to make it a place where people choose to live, one where they decide to relocate here? Do we choose to love living here and create the type of culture people want to identify with and belong to?

Please watch for and support ideas for betterment that come from this Brownfield Economic Development tool.  As plans emerge, if you have questions, please discuss them with someone driving the effort. While we all see things differently, there is common ground to be cultivated.