Lesson 7: Continually Foster Relationships And Resources
When a San Diego-based industry decided to expand and build a 26,000 square foot renewable energy plant in Howard, there were outside observers who remarked that Miner County "lucked out." In their views a major employer, who might have built anywhere on the continent, serendipitously chose Miner County .
In fact, luck had little to do with it. The owner of another renewable energy operation in Miner County had a working relationship with the California company and saw mutual benefits if the companies developed neighboring plants. He pulled MCCR into discussions with the California company. In turn, MCCR brought onboard state and federal development agencies, Howard's municipal government, local and regional development corporations, lenders, and a power provider.
"An opportunity presented itself and we were ready," recalls Mike Knutson, MCCR economic development/housing director. "We needed collaborators, but it's too late to make those relationships when the opportunity comes along. You have to talk, get to know one another and trust one another, in advance."
The first topic of conversation, Mike adds, is simple yet central to the budding relationship: "Where do our goals match?"
While people and relationships will always be the chief resources that revitalization leaders must foster, there are other types, as well. Sometimes they're highly visible yet viewed as liabilities rather than assets. "Like lots of small communities, we have homes and buildings that were unoccupied or not cared for well," says Mike. "One was an older, deteriorating brick house that people saw as an eyesore. A couple here in Howard saw an opportunity, because we always have need for lodging for pheasant hunters in the fall. They turned the house into a beautiful lodge that's making money for them and for the community."
There's a ripple effect, Mike thinks—when people see relationships and resources fostered on any scale, they begin seeing possibilities for more.
- Value All People
- Help Residents Improve Their Hometown Economy
- Build Leadership, Strategic Thinking, And Alliances
- Base Decisions On Facts
- Be Sure Local People Lead
- Use Grassroots Discussion To Create Commitment
- Continually Foster Relationships And Resources
- Seek Broad-Based, Informed And Dedicated Leadership
- Commit To The Long-Term
- Share The Stories