Stuffed!! That's what I am. After spending a wonderful weekend with friends and family and too much time at the table ingesting turkey and...and...and...I am constantly reminded of what we have in the United States of America!
We have it, most certainly, REALLY GOOD! This land of plenty and this land of opportunity. Opportunity to build, grow, develop - both personaly and community wide. If we look into the future of that crystal ball, what do we see? A continuing land of plenty that means quality as well as quantity or a declining place? Leaders see opportunity and take full advantage of it. They appreciate what they have and build community by asking, "This is great - now, how can we make it even better for those who follow?"
That's what the founders did, and the leaders of the 19th century and the returning vets from World War II! They led this "Great Experiment" and provided us the opportunity to return the favor for our children.
Let us continue to give, so that the community table is full of opportunity and hope.
The next Thanksgiving is only 361 days away!

The wonderful American poet Robert Frost once wrote "I always entertain great hopes." That truly is the American spirit: to believe in a better tomorrow and to work toward it. We at Winning Communities have the opportunity to work with people who lead their communities into the future.
One of these leaders is Ted Leas, the President of Pacesetter Bank in Blackford County, Indiana. I have written about Blackford County in past blogs, but it is because of leaders like Ted that is moving the community ahead.
I worked as their facilitator and partner in establishing a community vision and action plan with them. Ted reports that they are accomplishing much in implementation of the plan. When we began working with them last year, many of the leaders commented that too many people were "down on their community". Well, thanks to those leaders and the people themselves, they are moving toward their shared vision. They have established a Leadership Academy, have 700 citizens involved in a "One Book - One Community" program, and are taking action of many other objectives.
They will soon be designated as a "Certified Winning Community". To learn more about this process check out our web site at www.winningcommunities.com. Many other fine cities, towns, and counties are working toward their certification.
They all have "great hopes"!

I had the opportunity to be the speaker at the Annual Meeting of the Starke County Chamber of Commerce in Indiana last weekend. I always enjoy this because I am privileged to be present for the awarding to community citizens for outstanding service to the city, town and county.
It shows truly what makes America great. It is the selflessness of people helping people. The giving of love to neighbor. All whom I have seen receive these awards are the most humble of citizens. They serve not expecting accolades, but only because it is the right thing to do.
I salute all the community-minded people who will make a difference today and there will be thousands of them. You are America's heros!