No longer being a direct city employee, I’m drawn to call attention to comments that occasionally troubled me during my time of service. It’s the way some individuals discuss their city of residence and its workers in a detached manner, especially if critiquing an action, decision or policy that they may not agree with or find favorable to their circumstances.
Phrases like “The City did this,” or “The City doesn’t know what it’s doing” are carelessly thrown around, reducing complex decisions made by humans to mere impersonal entities. What we must remember is that city governments are composed of people — individuals who live and breathe within our communities, share the same hopes, fears and aspirations as the residents they serve. Whether they are police officers, snowplow drivers, street sweepers, assessors, building inspectors, engineers, planners, auditors, arborists, maintenance personnel, or economic developers, they are not faceless bureaucrats; they’re our neighbors, friends and fellow community members. In North Dakota, our sense of community extends far beyond the walls of city hall. We united at sporting events, participate in civic organizations, celebrate together at community festivals, and may even sit on the same church pew. We’re too connected to be divisive. We may not always agree, but we can treat each other with kindness and respect, adhering to the golden rule. If you’re ever in need of a reminder of the humanity of city employees, I encourage you to watch the video “Cops Read Mean Tweets.” It’s a humorous, yet poignant illustration of the impact our words can have on those who serve our community. Here’s a direct link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iXSg8u3KEU. Elected officials make policy decisions and staff generally carry them out. Elected officials may rely on staff, various volunteer boards and committees, or combinations thereof to do a deep dive on a subject and make a recommendation. Appointed citizen and business volunteers serving on various boards and committees bring invaluable expertise and perspectives to the table. There are many opportunities for involvement in shaping cities. As we celebrate City Government Week in North Dakota from April 1-5, 2024, let’s take a moment to appreciate the vital role that local government plays in our daily lives. I’m fond of the slogan used by the City of Homestead, Florida, in observing city government week there. “My City: I’m Part of It, I’m Proud of It.” Indeed, I’m proud to contribute to the growth and prosperity of our communities, working hand in hand with elected officials, staff and volunteers. I encourage you to join in expressing gratitude to elected officials, staff and volunteers in your city for their dedication and service. Together, we can continue to build vibrant communities. For more perspectives about communities, leadership, development and small business topics, please follow future blogs at www.communitymattersnd.com, or on social media: www.facebook.com/CommunityMattersND and www.linkedin.com/company/community-matters-llc-nd. 3/13/2024 EDUCATION SHAPES COMMUNITIES“Education is the great equalizer,” said Horace Mann. And for most of us, public school is likely where that happened. In my hometown of Mandan, North Dakota, the school board in 2002 sought to replace an aging junior high school. After picking a location for a new school, the board of education put the matter to a vote of the people. The bond issue failed with 67% of voters saying “no” to a property tax increase for funding a new school. It took a while, but concerned parents eventually raised their hands and got off the sidelines. Through Parent Teacher Organizations at five elementary schools, we came together to form a group called BUSY, short for Building Up Schools For Youth. As the daughter of a former teacher and parent to a fourth and second grader at the time, I volunteered to help with the grassroots campaign. One of the first things BUSY did was conduct a community survey. We learned the vast majority of respondents agreed with the need for a new junior high school. We also discovered negativity surrounding the initial vote because of ancillary issues such as the location in the initial proposal. Have you heard the old African proverb? ““If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” The school superintendent and board had attempted to go it alone. As BUSY members, we set about building a coalition of support for a new junior high school. Focusing on broad agreement about the need for a new school, we obtained resolutions of support from the city commission, park board, chamber, economic development and education associations. By getting these influential groups to acknowledge the “why” and “what” -- with more “who’s” on board -- the “how” and “where” could be resolved. We got BUSY getting out the vote. In 2005, with record turnout at the polls, 64% of voters said “yes” to a new school. A Bismarck Tribune editorial called it “… a real affirmation of voters commitment to education.” “An amazing turn-around from three years age…” and “A victory being the culmination of a real grass-roots, communitywide effort.” Approval of a new junior high school, which came to be Mandan Middle School, started of a wave of positivity in Mandan. Citizens in years since have approved funding for two more elementary schools, a sports complex and, most recently, a new high school, opening in August. Mandan’s population has grown from 18,000 to about 25,000. Ben Muldrow, the director of Proud Places, says “If you could only focus on one area of development for a community, focus on the schools.” Involvement in the school campaign, for me, led to a 17-year rewarding career in economic and community development in Mandan. After wrapping up that role, I am am now beginning my second year of consulting to grow more small communities and small businesses. Margaret Wheatly said it best. "There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about." Building strong schools and thriving communities takes commitment and perseverance. Community betterment is a team sport in which we can all participate. Please let me know if I can help you strengthen your community, For more practical advice about economic and community development in small towns, please follow future blogs at www.communitymattersnd.com, or on social media: www.facebook.com/CommunityMattersND and www.linkedin.com/company/community-matters-llc-nd. A highlight during June was the opportunity to be an instructor at a basic economic development training conference called “SparkED.” The Economic Development Association of North Dakota hosted courses over three days to equip economic and community development staff, allied industry members and community leaders with knowledge and tools to be more impactful.
I led the session about community marketing and co-presented on topics of real estate development and re-use, and economic development ethics. I learned about new online platforms that allow economic development organizations to work smarter instead of harder. My knowledge base comes from 17 years of solving problems and optimizing opportunities as the business development and communications director for the City of Mandan, N.D. In 2014, I had the chance to take training courses through the Oklahoma University Economic Development Institute and, in 2015, earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council. Becoming certified meant passing a rigorous and comprehensive three-part, two-day examination of a practitioner’s knowledge, proficiency and judgment in the areas of business retention and expansion, marketing, finance, workforce development, community development, technology-led economic development, real estate, strategic planning and management. The certification process reinforced that the programs and practices I’d implemented in my hometown were grounded in sound principles. The courses also provided information and inspiration leading to new, refined and more focused approaches to community betterment. Maintaining the CEcD accreditation requires recertification every three years with continuing education and leadership activities at national, regional, state and local levels. Involvement in the Economic Development Association of North Dakota has also been extremely valuable to my career, much of which was spent as a one-person shop serving the community of Mandan. When you are a “jack of all trades, master of none,” or “chief of everything officer” in a community, you need to know at least a little about a lot. You have to know to grow. EDND provides resources and connections to people eager to share ideas and brainstorm solutions. “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn,” said Benjamin Franklin. Training for new employees, boards, committees, and elected officials about topics orrelated to economic and community development is among consulting services available through Community Matters, LLC. I can deliver training through workshops, small group sessions or one-on-one assistance.W For more thoughts, stories and updates about community betterment and small business development, please follow future blogs at www.communitymattersnd.com, or on social media: www.facebook.com/CommunityMattersND and www.linkedin.com/company/community-matters-llc-nd. Product, price, place and promotion are known as the four Ps of marketing a product or service. Positioning a community within a region is similar.
1) Product — Does your community meet resident, business and visitor needs and wants? Various improvement projects can make your city more appealing to these target audiences. The western North Dakota community of Beach, in its most recent strategic plan, is focusing on several product improvements including re-use of vacant lots and beautification. Killdeer’s updated comprehensive plan addresses the importance of improving the appearance of aging structures along Central Avenue and discouraging the use of buildings for storage along this main street. “Carrot and stick” approaches can help with these objectives. Incentives or rewards for the desired actions may include storefront matching funds, Renaissance Zone property tax exemptions for in-fill projects, and awards for the best lawn or renovation project. Regulations and punishment for violations are sometimes introduced in the form of local ordinances. For example, storage could be a prohibited use in certain zoning districts or through use of a zoning overlay. 2) Price — Costs for real estate and construction enter into consideration for both commercial and residential interests. Do you have affordable housing and childcare to contribute to the availability of workforce? Does your community offer assistance and incentive programs to reduce risks and costs of business start-ups and expansion? During my latter years as the City of Mandan business development director, leaders approved a fire sprinkler assistance program to help offset the cost of repurposing older buildings. Project applications have involved bringing entertainment, recreation and nightlife uses to vacant buildings and expanding childcare facilities. 3) Place — Convenient and accessible locations are advantageous. Access to transportation including roadways, rail and air is a competitive advantage. Communities also should capitalize on natural and physical features that make it inviting and functional. The characteristics of place involve your community’s infrastructure. Do you have what is needed by way of streets, water and sewer for downtown revitalization or extension of services to accommodate green field development for new housing? Do you have available development sites and locations for businesses seeking a presence in areas visible and easily accessible to travelers? 4) Promotion — Communication and community marketing mean sharing your community’s key messages about differentiating factors and any progress on the fronts of improvements in product, price and place. Don’t let the absence of a perfect logo and slogan stop you. Positive messaging, imagery and authentic stories conveyed frequently and consistently are most important. Make sure external audiences can find your community online with a strong website and social media presence to include Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn. 4 Cs of Marketing The 4 Cs of marketing run parallel, from the perspective of the consumer, emphasizing the customer, cost, communication and convenience. To provide benefit to the customer, consider your community’s value proposition to residents, businesses and visitors. Help To Get Started Big messaging for small towns is possible. Contact me today to create and implement an affordable and cost-effective community marketing plan. For more thoughts, stories and updates about community betterment and small business development, please follow future blogs at www.communitymattersnd.com, or on social media: www.facebook.com/CommunityMattersND and www.linkedin.com/company/community-matters-llc-nd. Economic Development Week is May 8-12. The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) designates this week to recognize the work of economic development organizations and professionals in their communities.
This brings up questions. What is economic development and how does it differ from community development? Definitions vary and build upon one another. IEDC describes economic development as the intentional practice of improving a community’s economic well-being and quality of life. The Fort Collins Area Chamber in Colorado explains economic development as the creation of new wealth resulting in many community benefits; in contrast to community development being the process for making a community a better place to live and work. A founder of the Next Move Group further distinguishes these interdependent and important pursuits, pointing out economic development is generally private sector led with public assistance; whereas community development is typically public sector led with private sector assistance. Economic and community development are long-term processes and investments. In 2019, I had the privilege of representing Mandan and Morton County in an American Communities Project briefing and panel discussion in Washington, D.C. about diverse, yet common opportunities and challenges in rural communities. To emphasize the importance of injecting new wealth into communities and its multiplier effect, a speaker quipped, “We can only walk each other’s dogs and paint each other’s nails for so long.” Economic development theory indicates if an area has a strong primary sector — businesses that create new wealth by adding value to products and services — then retail and secondary services will follow. In my hometown of Mandan, N.D., economic development theory didn’t live up to its promise. Mandan’s sister is the capital city of Bismarck, located just across the Missouri River. Despite Mandan having strong primary sector employers like Cloverdale Foods, a Marathon Petroleum Refinery, and National Information Solutions Cooperative, the little sister city’s retail and services were lacking. Resident expenditures were leaking — more like flowing — across the river, and elsewhere. Manufacturing, processing and tech businesses are important to economic strength of a region. Retail and services matter to city officials and community members for additional reasons:
Mandan paid special attention to its retail and service sectors to fill market gaps. By communicating needs and wants, and pursuing them, Mandan attracted a general merchandise store, vital services such as assisted living and orthodontic care, plus several restaurants, unique shops and recreational businesses. Revenue from the city’s 1% local sales tax reached a record $3.2 million in 2022, up 40% percent over the decade. The city uses 65% to offset property taxes, 19% for economic development, and 16% for infrastructure improvements. Economic and community development matter. Please join in recognizing and thanking the people who make your community a better place to live, work, do business, and play. For more thoughts, stories and updates about community betterment and small business development, please follow future blogs at www.communitymattersnd.com, or on social media: www.facebook.com/CommunityMattersND and www.linkedin.com/company/community-matters-llc-nd. #EconDevWeek 4/27/2023 NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEKApril 30 to May 6 is National Small Business Week, hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and SCORE. The latter is a mentorship group with chapters across the country and resource partner to the SBA. These entities are hosting a free, two-day virtual summit May 2-3 that features 15 educational sessions for small business owners and team members. View the agenda and register at either of these links: Small businesses were a priority during my tenure as the first business development and communications director for the City of Mandan, N.D. from 2006 to January 2023. Business growth in communities comes in three basic forms:
When I first took the Mandan job, advice, ideas and chatter were plentiful about what we should attract from the outside. It seemed everyone wanted what we didn’t have. Many of those businesses didn’t necessarily want Mandan, at least at that time. Usually corporately-owned or under a franchise model, national retail and restaurant establishments often have rigorous site requirements including populations and traffic counts far larger than Mandan’s. Retention and expansion of existing businesses is the real bread and butter of local economic development programs. After hearing feedback that some Mandan business owners felt all the attention was being focused on new businesses, we ramped up communications about assistance for existing and expanding businesses. Interactions and outreach to businesses included in-person visits, surveys, and newsletters, and annually mailing a fact sheet summarizing local incentive programs and area resources. We began coordinating educational sessions, market updates and community conversations about topics of importance for Mandan business owners and prospects. Fostering business start-ups also yielded a generally better return on investment than various recruitment attempts. Mandan introduced an annual business start-up workshop and business pitch challenge. Local entrepreneurs answered the call when when we made it known that restaurants topped the citizen wish list for ways to improve Mandan (even above lowering property taxes). Nine of 10 applications came from area residents for first-come, first-served, limited-time Restaurant Rewards interest buydowns and sales tax rebates. They had faith and were willing to take a risk by investing in additional full-service and fresh, fast concepts. Some participating restaurants are independent, one-of-a-kind establishments. Others operate under a franchise agreement, but still locally owned. I encourage business owners and those planning to start businesses to introduce themselves to the local business development department, economic development organization, chamber, and/or other business association. City, county or regional development groups can be an advocate for small businesses, a convener and connector. At a minimum, they can spread the word about your business. Local economic and business development entities may manage or be aware of opportunities for assistance such as loan programs, matching funds or tax exemptions to reduce start-up and expansion costs. If you get too far along in the process, your project may no longer be eligible. Municipal contacts are a source of information to avoid costly mistakes related to zoning, building and fire code, and permits. Small business owners looking at a real estate purchase or lease and building projects should inquire about any future roadway and infrastructure improvements or other community plans that could improve or impede the site. Please join in celebrating small businesses and contributions they make to your community. Let’s renew our commitment to “supporting local” and the businesses that invest in a community presence. For more thoughts, stories and updates about community betterment and small business development, please follow future blogs at www.communitymattersnd.com, or on social media: www.facebook.com/CommunityMattersND and www.linkedin.com/company/community-matters-llc-nd. #smallbusinessweek #supportlocal As a consultant providing services in economic and community development, I won’t ride into your town on a white horse like a false savior, pretending to have superior ideas or all the answers with a fill-in-the-blank strategic plan. My husband and I own several horses; none are white. I want to hear your ideas about your community dreams.
Most communities have good people in place who understand the area’s strengths and weaknesses in the context of the surrounding county, region and state. They are aware of actions needed to be more desirable as a place to live, work, do business and visit. These communities are often just under-resourced, relying on part-time employees and volunteers. These dedicated community members are very capable, but might be the same people trying to do everything with nothing. They could use more help and support. My goal is to assist community members in making their towns the best they can be. From county and city commissions and councils to school and park boards, chambers, economic development organizations and advisory committees, chambers, tourism bureaus and civic groups, any combination of entities and team members can become involved. It just takes one community champion to jumpstart the process. Maybe your community has funding, but needs an extra set of hands to create a program, execute a project or carry out a special event. Or you need help raising funds or applying for a grant for a project or activity. I am happy to assist with a range of services including prioritizing ideas and identifying first steps. Some communities should start by tooting their own horn louder and more frequently, particularly online to show assets, unique features, opportunities and progress. Maybe your town has a vital business for sale or pending closure because of a retirement. This could be a a restaurant, grocery store, plumbing contractor or vet clinic. Is your town making this opportunity or possible loss known? Are you sharing benefits of being a part of the community? Do you know the types of assistance available? Have you considered tailoring local incentives to attract a new operator? Can people unfamiliar with your community find business services, things to do and places to go? I welcome a chance to meet with community go-getters in towns of any size to hear ideas and explore possible actions to make a difference. For more thoughts, stories and updates about community betterment and small business development, please follow future blogs on this website and via social media on Facebook and LinkedIn. 3/28/2023 BIG DREAMSPut on my jeans, my favorite shirt, Pull up my boots and hit the dirt. Finally doing something I’ve dreamed of for years. Don’t know quite what to expect, A little scared, but what the heck. My desire is always greater than my fear. Big dreams and faded jeans Fit together like a team. Always busting at the seams, Big dreams and faded jeans. Since hearing Dolly Parton introduce this song in 2022 on the “Today” show, I often spark my morning by asking Alexa to play “Big Dreams and Faded Jeans.” Although not yet among Dolly’s 25 top country hits, the lyrics speak to my soul.
I’ve dreamed of starting my own business since the 1990s. When I was in high school and college, the mantra was “receive a good education and you’ll get a good job.” There wasn’t much talk about starting your own business. Entrepreneurial eco-systems didn’t exist. In my late teens and early 20s, I had the chance to travel much of rural North Dakota for events and public speaking opportunities as a state FFA officer and then Miss Rodeo North Dakota. My first big girl job with the North Dakota Wheat Commission allowed for skill-building in communications, promotion and public information for causes about which I am still passionate. I dabbled with freelance journalism and public relations assignments, but wasn’t brave enough to take the plunge into self-employment. It seemed too risky in comparison to a predictable salary with family health insurance. Fast forward to 2006 when I risked leaving a great job to become the City of Mandan’s first business development director. The arrangement involved an employment contract that could end any time with a 3-2 City Commission vote. Elected officials weren’t certain the position or department was needed or would be effective. I was optimistic that by working hard, Mandan would see value in putting its own best foot forward. We collectively worked hard on the four Ps of marketing: product, price, place and promotion. Mandan leaders focused on improving the community as a place to live, work and play. We created a toolbox of incentives to help entice investment in business start-ups and expansions. We shared news of progress internally and externally to retain and attract businesses, residents and visitors. You have to love yourself before you can expect others to love you! While serving as Mandan’s ambassador and a board member of the Economic Development Association of North Dakota, I noticed many regions, counties and communities aren’t making a similar commitment to economic and community development. Some tried, but their investment was insufficient to provide for the level or duration of staffing and programming essential to generating results. They divested. Stagnation and downward spiraling effects set in. Helping my hometown flourish is a cause about which I am passionate, along with bolstering North Dakota and the surrounding region. My near 17-year job with the City of Mandan was rewarding and difficult to leave. Yet, I feared regret if I didn’t try something new for the final third of my career. Every now and then you have to do something to get your heart beating faster! Perhaps that’s why I still love barrel racing. I both excited and a little scared about going out on my own to share lessons learned and recipes for success in economic and community development, communications and advocacy with more communities, small businesses and organizations. I’m transitioning from “wantrapreneur” to entrepreneur, launching Community Matters, LLC as a consulting service. Other entrepreneurial ideas over the years have included getting full-fledged into the Quarter Horse breeding and training business, opening a horse motel and trail riding enterprise, event venue, or other agri-tourism concept that could take advantage of our family farm and ranch location, now very close to town. Still other notions have involved a western clothing boutique, wine bar, or steak house and country music dance hall called the “Boss Mare!” Some of these ideas aren’t worth the napkin written on. Others have merit and could still come to fruition. Never say never. Truthfully, I occasionally mess up and ask Alexa to play ‘Big Jeans and Faded Dreams!” I’m trying to avoid bigger jeans and don’t want my or anyone’s dreams to fade. I’m ready to help others in pursuing their big dreams. I welcome a chance to visit about collaborating if your organization or business could use an extra hand, external perspective or additional expertise with a program or special project. Please follow my blog about topics related to community betterment and small business development at www.communitymattersnd.com, or on social media: www.facebook.com/CommunityMattersND and www.linkedin.com/company/community-matters-llc-nd. |
About EllenEllen Huber is a country girl passionate about nurturing communities. She gets things done and welcomes opportunities to assist enthusiastic, committed community and business leaders in reaching their goals. Archives
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