Interest grows in Illinois for the Winning Communities Certification process since the Community Bankers Association of Illinois has made it a significant part of their endorsed programs. Community bankers and their Board members have been calling me for more information and to set up meetings with other community leaders.
What interests them is the RESULTS that we get from the Visioning/Action Planning that communities do. This is not just an academic exercise, but a process that gets things done!! If they don't, then the certification is not granted. In fact, as I write this, a community in central Illinois is having a meeting to discuss my proposal to them.
I have been flattered that in September I have been asked to make presentations at three associaton trade shows. It's geat to see community leaders get excited about the challenge of change within their cities, towns, and counties.

I am writing this from Bay St. Louis, Mississippi where I have been for the past two days with members of St. Louis de Montfort Parish in Fishers, Indiana. We came down to help the folks at Our Lady of the Gulf who were hit hard by Katrina.
I visit in April and was struck to do something to help. I accepted the responsibilty of chairing the effort to assist. Today, we cleaned up. Yes, one year later clean up is still needed. The people of this community whom I met are wonderful folks like your next door neighbor. Yes, they are like most Americans who repond to challenges - and challenges they have!
We also assisted in putting in a step on the side of the girls school named Our Lady Academy for a new entry way. No big deal you say? Well, the door was made courtesy of a floating bus via waves and wind from the not so gentle Katrina. Who was the cheif form maker, concrete mixer, rebar layer, and trowel user? None other than Pat Kergosin - father of four and President of the School Board!
A local volunteer. Someone who could have been working at his own home. But then, this community is his home and his children are better for it.
I have been fortunate to have been with a community that accepts challenges and builds with courage and love.
More later about the Indiana folks who gave their time to help their fellow Americans in need.
The people and families along the Gulf Coast still need our help. See what you can do!

Without a shared Community Vision and Action Plan the future "just happens". I have been fortunate to have worked as a facilitator in many communities in the Midwest, but one of the best examples is Blackford County, Indiana. The leaders and citizens have done a terrific job of involving many who are committed to leading the change that is their future.
After developing their Vision and Action Plan, they have now incorporated as a not-for-profit organization that is committed to getting things done. They are well on the way to achieving some of their short term measurable objectives such as a "One Book - One Community" program that is lead by the Blackford School Corporation and the Library System. This program will involve hundreds of all ages.
They also are about to kick off their "Leadership Blackford County" effort that will educate and train future leaders about their community and show them where they can implement their newly learned skills and build a better future.
We at Winning Communities love to partner with leaders as they create their Vision Plan. We help get things done! We believe as Josiah Holland said, "God gives every bird its food, but He does not throw it into their nest."

Well - something that I have learned about "blogging" is that they don't write themselves. I was reminded of this by my associate, Susan Young of Aim Fire marketing, who is doing a terrific job for Winning Communities.
After her gentle nudge, I am back again after a few weeks off.
As I mentioned before in May and June, I was fortunate to have been the featured speaker at the Community Bankers Associstion of Illinois Group meetings. I spoke to over 450 bankers and board members of community banks. They are great people who keep things moving in many of our smaller communities. I look forward to working with many in developing Vision/Action Plans for their cities and towns.
I spoke to them of the importance of ACTION!
As I look at things and how they work in communities, we should always keep in mind 1440!! Those numbers represent the number of minutes in a day. Since we use on average over 400 unconscious as we sleep, it leaves us with about 1,000 to be active. And those minutes are finite. So - see what you can do for your community. There is always some way to make an improvement. Let me know what are your issues and what needs to be addressed.
Thanks and I will not be so tardy again.