No more excuses
- Details
- Published on Wednesday, July 15, 2015
By Vern May
Minnedosa & Area Community Development Corporation
Have you ever felt that the answer you got when you asked about community development seemed less than genuine? Do you ever feel that people are throwing their hands in the air and sharing commonly accepted excuses? I’m not saying that I know this to be happening locally, but it’s certainly something I have seen in my travels.
Probably one that I hear the most is, “We’re too close to Brandon to attract new business.” Without a doubt, Rapid City’s proximity to Brandon, but also to Rivers and Minnedosa, does influence the scope of businesses to rule out. I guess we can scratch Walmart off the list of potential new ventures to set up shop!
But as community leaders, if we are supporting a community of residents (and interested to attract more), then we should also be seeking out opportunities to serve their needs locally. Let’s consider the opportunity and be prepared to talk to people about it.
Do we have vacant lots or buildings in our business district that we’d like to see filled? Which of our local merchants aspire to renovate or expand their operation to diversify or expand their available offerings? Have we considered what seasonal outfits would be a great addition to our community? There are a lot of questions we could ask to help us get some fresh ideas on the table. Maybe the most important one of all is this: What do we hear most from our residents that they’d like to see in our town?
We also need to give some thought to any proposals which have been brought forward from members of the community. Take a look at anything that has been suggested over the last five years and re-open the files. Let’s re-assess why the proposal was shot down, if there were any areas for compromise that could lead to approval, and let’s find out if the window of opportunity has closed or not.
If there were no hope for the community, we’d see it fade away just as we have with so many other prairie towns over the past two generations. But we have an engaged group of residents and volunteer-led organizations that are still making an effort. People are still buying real estate and choosing to live here – and that’s a significant, long-term investment.
No more excuses, let’s get growing.
What does our community need? Have you been frustrated by a lack of support with your business idea, locally? Let’s continue the conversation and explore the possibilities that exist; e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone at 204-867-3885. The best things around that I have ever seen, came from small towns and big dreams.
