First published in the Lincoln Sentinel June 2, 2016
Being that Memorial Day was a couple days ago and tis the season for school alumni reunions and community celebrations, many people will be reflecting on home. Home towns, homesteads, homecomings… home.
In some people’s minds, home hasn’t changed a bit. In others’ minds, home is very different. And depending on your perspective, either could be a good thing or a bad thing. And both will be right and both will be wrong.
My hope for all those coming back home is to not just think about how you were a part of our past but to consider ways you can be a part of our future. We may be small in population but there is still a lot of life and a lot of energy to keep home going.
You may not believe it but in the last two years I’ve counted a net of 15 new businesses in the county. This doesn’t count the two new businesses starting within the next month or so and it doesn’t count all the successful business transitions either.
Over the past year or so, the Post Rock Community Foundation (PRCF) has been able to funnel over $100,000 towards local community projects with more funding available yet this year. I’ve sensed in the past creative ideas have been stunted because organizations had such a hard time getting over the funding hurdle. But now the PRCF has given volunteers the ability to think big and think creatively because there is access to funding. Projects that have been discussed for years are now actually happening!
No matter where you are, whether it’s near, far or somewhere in between, you can still be a part of home and our future. If you don’t have the ability to be here physically or don’t have the money to just plain write a check, perhaps you offer your skills instead.
If you’re in finance, perhaps help an organization with their books. If you’re a business owner, perhaps serve as a mentor to a local business looking for unique opportunities to grow. If you’re an engineer, perhaps help design improvements to a park or a trail or a building. No matter what you are, you have skills that are just as valuable as your elbow grease or your money.
This isn’t my home town but it’s my home now. Every day I am inspired by people’s ideas and energy. There is much to look forward to in the next several years and I hope all of you, no matter where you are, take part in the future of home.
If you have any questions or would like opportunities to help, please feel to stop by the LCEDF office in the county courthouse basement at 216 E. Lincoln Avenue in Lincoln, give me a call at 785-524-8954, or email me at lcedfdirector@outlook.com.
Kelly Larson
Executive Director
Lincoln County Economic Development Foundation
