The Winning Communities strategic planning process for community progress has now also been adopted by the Association of Indiana Counties (AIC) as an endorsed program. It joins the Community Bankers Association of Illinois and Indiana which has previously done so.
I am speaking to the annual meeting of AIC in South Bend, Indiana about the topic of Visioning and Action Planning so that accomplishments actually do occur. I will encourage the county leaders to convene other key groups in their community to look at the future and what they can do about it. Following up on the plan is the key!
In this very challenging world, these leaders believe as did Helen Keller, a remarkable human being, that "Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence."
These officials need to be optimistic about the possibilities and those with whom I am speaking certainly are so. Congratulations to these groups!

Samuel Johnson said, "Clear your mind of 'can't'". This sage advice is good to remember as we reinvigorate ourselves in building communities. Negative thinking is not part of leadership and I see the positive actions taking place in cities, towns, and counties where the people have a clear vision and a strong action plan.
There are no "can'ts" in those plans. The people of the communities in Indiana of Blackford County, Pulaski County, and the City of Charlestown are all doers who say "CAN" and then do!
How is your thinking? Filled with CANS? I hope so because hope, dreams, and actions come in cans not in can'ts! Across America people are responding to the challenges that face them in community and economic development. They are engaging their fellow citizens and making a difference.
I have been invited to speak to the Association of Indiana Counties next week about Community Visioning. I appreciate this opportunity to share my experiences about how many places are building "Winning Communities". They will hear a message of dreams but also of actions to accomplish those dreams. I know that many there will ask how that is done and it is done with cans not can'ts.