March 28, 2024

Economic development: a grass roots campaign

Did you know that more people commute into Newton than commute out?

That was one fact I learned recently during a continuing education course at Newton DMACC.

The course was a Newton leadership course led by the Newton Development Corporation, Jasper Community Foundation and DMACC and instructed by Evelyn George. Throughout the class, we had the privilege to take facility tours, hear from community leaders and ask directors questions in person.

I can’t say enough positive things about the class content, instructor and participation.

We started the class with the Real Colors exercise that says from a general standpoint there are four types of people — orange, yellow, green and blue. I’m a blue which means I care about feelings. I’m emotionally in-tune and want everyone to feel good, however, a lot of people I work closely with at home or work are oranges and yellows. It was a friendly, interesting lesson on communication efficiency. Not everyone wants a hug.

DMACC Business Resources Executive Director Kim Didier and Goodwill Career Center Director Miranda Kulis informed us about workforce development needs and challenges and the services they provide. We heard about business partnerships in the community and the demographics of the workforce in Newton. There is a need for trade and manufacturing jobs in the community.

We learned about city government and services from mayor Mike Hansen and city analyst Natalie Umsted. We learned about education, roles of administration and the Berg bond issue from Newton school board president Sheri Benson and board member Travis Padget.

One of my favorite classes was with Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty and Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess who presented law enforcement and crisis management information. We learned about crime-free housing, mental health issues and that crime in Newton isn’t much different than crime other towns in similar size.

We also heard about health and human services with Skiff Medical Center Chief Operating Officer Sonja Ranck and United Way of Jasper County Executive Director Jessica Lowe.

Near the end of the class we learned about economic development challenges and opportunities with NDC Executive Director Frank Liebl and Hometown Pride Coach Jeff Davidson.

What was most apparent is that each of us are influential in the town’s economic development. We have to be advocates for our town on a daily basis if we want to preserve our assets and invite new families and businesses.

The most enriching component of the course wasn’t just the information but the opportunity to “Get to Know” many who spend their time and energy making Newton a better place to live.

Since moving back to Newton four years ago, I’ve been able to witness the behind-the-scenes work invested into our town, and the leadership class brought it all together in a cohesive and collective manner.

The NDC provided us with a copy of its creed: be welcoming to strangers, speak positively about our community, don’t spread rumors, know the facts, be enthusiastic, work together to create better results, don’t dwell on the past, focus on the future, and don’t expect others to do it all, get involved.

If you want Newton to grow, you have to look ahead, have faith and speak up. Economic development is a grass roots campaign and we have to collectively take part in our role at the forefront.