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Half empty or mostly full?!?
Posted Jan 15, 2008 at 08:47pm by Nathan Meyer
I've been reading a lot lately in the Western Front section of the Hutchinson News from concerned citizens of Reno County regarding the shortfalls of some people in their efforts to make our county a better place to live. I fully support the "right-to-share-your-opinion" process and applaud those confident enough to share comments and stamp them with their name. Unfortunately, many of the comments deal with what people are doing wrong and do not provide the support or ideas needed to help out. This makes me think...if a person notices room for improvement and does nothing to help provide a solution, are they really helping?
If I am to believe what I read, the Salt Museum, Dave Kerr and Dana Regeher (Chamber of Commerce) and Dorothy Barnett (Growth Coalition) have failed in one way or another. I will label this thought as "half empty." I happen to take a much more positive "mostly full" opinion. For instance, the Salt Museum may not be financially stable as of yet, but consider what is trying to be done. Many consider this to be a top-notch attraction, something very few places in Kansas, the U.S. or the world can replicate. Sure, there is some work to be done, but think about the potential! Isn't supporting the opportunity worth thinking about?!? And do you think those that complain about there being little to do in Reno County have been down there to explore?!? Try it out and give it a chance!
Then, maybe Dave and Dana have failed in one key area...finding workers for all of the new and existing jobs that are available in Reno County. In the last few years, the Chamber has been successful in bringing in new opportunities from Kroger, Daymon Worldwide, Sunflower Wind, Collins Bus and saving many jobs at Eaton. These businesses could have picked any number of locations to locate or move to, but Reno County was their choice. Needing more workers is the better problem to have so well done, Chamber!
Dorothy, with the Reno County Growth Coalition, is charged with executing the Blueprint for Growth, a county wide plan for growing Reno County that was adopted by the County Commissioners in 2004. What most people don’t understand is that the Plan is also supported by all 13 communities, all school districts and HCC, every Chamber of Commerce and several other growth-oriented entities in Reno County. There are so many great things going on with the Blueprint and the related organizations that saying the Growth Coalition is failing just doesn't make sense and points out that people just don’t understand.
Reno County does have room to improve…there, I said it. But I for one acknowledge the potential and think that our “mostly full” situation is worth working on. For those that feel we are more “half empty”, be proud of your opinion, but please speak up to help with a solution. I am always looking for things to get involved in so please accept my open invitation to talk about what needs to be done to make Reno County the best place for you and me to live…
Comments 
I agree, Nathan. Having lived in several parts of the country, I think Hutchinson should be proud of its amenities and the support the community has for them, especially for a town of its size. I am a proponent for doing more and doing better - not all these amenities are suited to everyone's interests. The first important step is to try and that's what we have in Hutch - people willing to try even if they don't get it right at first. .
Posted Jan 16, 2008 at 11:30am by Kate Van Cantfort
Vision for Reno County
There are a lot of things I love about my job, but one of the best is hearing from people about how to do it better:)
According to the Blueprint - the County's strategic plan "just saying Reno County should evoke a sense of pride, an image of growth and a spirit of cooperation. Reno County "growth" can be viewed as physical growth, economic growth and personal growth." Nathan is right, there are many organizations working on making Reno County a better place for all of us. Reno County has a different feel than it did even 5 years ago. Groups like YP, Leadership Reno County and I hope the Growth Coalition, have energized our community and we are poised for change. If no one has asked you recently - consider this an invitation to share your ideas and opinions. Take a few minutes and complete the YP Survey. The info you share will help organization's like mine figure out if we're on the right track or not. Additionally, email me dorothy@renocountygrowth.com if you have specific ideas or comments you want to share about growth for Reno County. Whether your cup is half full or half empty I'd love to hear your thoughts. .
Posted Jan 21, 2008 at 12:18pm by Dorothy Barnett
owner
i'm the guy that wrote a western front article and i'm sure you know what i do for a living. if you think what i do or my opinions are "half empty" i invite you to be self-employed, meet payroll, grow a business, buy commercial property and develop it, and get b.s attitude from the vp of membership at the chamber. make an appt. and we can discuss a lot of "idea's to make things better. i've read the entire " growth matrix" so i have an opinion. look forward to a call! .
Posted Jan 27, 2008 at 11:34pm by DAN HEIMERMAN
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