Winning Communities Blog - Jim Dittoe

2010-03-05T09:44:00.002-05:00

Hello, everyone -
I haven't retired - just took an extended break from blogging, but am back (thanks to Susan Young of Aimfiremarketing.com) with an earnest effort to commitment to "social media communication."
Am getting on Twitter and Linkedin and Facebook. Keeping up is the challenge.
Since last we connected, I have been traveling extensively to Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, Ohio, Oregon, North Carolina, and West Virginia. Speaking engagements as well as calling on Community bankers Associations in those states. As I meet with leaders in those states and hear how challenging these times are, I am re-committed to partnering with as many people as possible.
Every place is indeed challenged by the huge change occurring in our communities.
What is the status of your city, town, county? What is being done about it? What role are you playing? We can be assured that your counter part in China, Brazil, or eastern Europe is thinking about how they can develop their market to compete with you!
I have been fortunate to assist many communities in developing a VISION/Action plans as they meet those challenges. Give me a call and I will tell you how your fellow leaders are attacking the future with vigor!

2008-05-19T09:49:00.003-04:00

Wow! It has been months since the last blog! Much has happened, but the biggest is the publication of my book! It has been two years in the making and thanks to Susan Young of Aim Fire Marketing, it has become a reality. We will be making the major announcement through media outlets.

It is called 90 Days to a Winning Community and is an inspirational guide and workbook that will help cities, towns, counties, and regions set a Vision and take action on their plans!

We have a website where more information is about the book: http://www.90daystoawinningcommunity.com/. You can order it there. When you do, I am available to assist you and your community in the development of the plan following the process in the book.

I am very happy to also tell you that Jack Schultz, speaker and author of Boomtown USA has written the Foreward and he and I are committed to helping communities become what they dream!

The future is there energized by the good, old American work ethic! It is a tough, internationally competitive world, but we can build Boomtowns and Winning Communities!

2007-12-18T08:38:00.000-05:00

I am off today to Milford, Illinois. It is a community of about 1,400 people and I have been engaged to facilitate a Community Vision and Action Plan. Two leaders in Milford, Art Murray and Bill Hudgens, convened (one of the 9 C's of a Winning Community) 12 others who will comprise the Steering Committee that will guide the process and see to the implementation. At a time when we are very busy preparing for the Christmas celebration, these fine people are getting ready for the activities of the New Year! We will, in January and February, develop their plan through community meetings.
In March, we will have a "role out" of the Vision and Action Plan and have the Declaration of Commitment signed. And then the work of doing! Accomplishment!
I salute these leaders who care about their community!
More as they continue - another C of a Winning Community!

2007-12-11T04:37:00.000-05:00

Everyone is writing a book. Well, a lot of people anyway. That includes me. The working title is: Building a Winning Community. It will be a a message about the nine C's of a Winning Community and a workbook for people to set a Vision, Goals, Objectives and an Action Plan. It will give examples of how cities, towns, and counties are achieving what they desire.
Let me know if you are interested.
And, my people are trying to get me on Oprah!

2007-11-05T06:38:00.000-05:00

My good friend, Tom Chown, and I go a long way back. We played against each other in grade school football (my team won) and basketball in high school (his team won) and our wives have been friends since 2nd grade. They live in Florida and we live in Indiana. We have kept our friendship alive for over 50 years! They are " good folk".
He is someone to admire! Why? Because he has "sticktoitniveness". That's defined in my book as: not giving up when the going gets tough. He has written a novel based upon his family history. The first installment is titled, Wolves at the Door, published by Pipers Willow and available at Amazon.com. It begins in the 1860's and will continue the adventure saga until the present day. He has recently been on a book tour in the midwest following the book's introduction in Florida.
Many people talk about following their dreams, but Tom has done it! It is a good yarn and I recommend it. More importantly, I recommend that you, like Tom, "follow your dream" as well!
What is it that you want to do? What is holding you back? Develop a plan and start NOW!
Who knows? Maybe you will be a nationally known author, too!

2007-10-28T07:15:00.000-04:00

"Imagination has always had powers of resurrection that no science can match."

- Ingrid Bengis

How do you see your community? How do you visualize it in your mind? Is it limited by science, mathematics, the attitude of "We tried that"?

Or are you challenged and are you challenging others in your city, town, county, neighborhood?

Are you leading yourself and others by questioning the "status quo"?

You have power! You can lead!

What idea do you have? What do you see as possible that others feel constrained by?

Here's an idea: Call someone. Have a cup of coffee and talk about it your idea. The possible improbable. See the reaction. Call in some more people. Convene others. State the issue. State the options. State what is desirable. Create an action plan. AND THEN: DO SOMETHING!

I have the opportunity to work with these kinds of leaders: Imaginative, powerful people who are not limited by constraints and their communities are better for it!

Use your imagination! Get resurrected!

2007-10-09T06:42:00.000-04:00

I was very pleased to be at the Community Bankers Association of Illinois Annual Meeting in Memphis last week where they presented the first "Certified Winning Commmunities" award to Tremont, Illinois. Accepting were Jim Shafer of The First National Bank in Tremont and Rick Jameson of Tremont Savings Bank. These two along with Tremont Savings Bank VP, Kendall Stewart, led the community in developing a Vision and Action Plan.

Twenty organizations were co-sponsors and over 250 people attended public meetings and provided their thoughts about how the future of Tremont should be. They developed 37 measurable objectives in 6 goal areas. The reason they recieved the reward is they are accomplishing many of the things they said the will do!

I will be speaking to the Heart of Illinois Mayors meeting and will present an award to the Mayor, Todd Bong, on Thursday. He will display it proudly in the Village Hall. This excellent community understands leadership and working together. Those are the keys to moving forward.

If you want to hear more about the Certification program, pleae contact me. You can provide that spark that will ignite your city, town, village or county!

2007-07-07T06:15:00.000-04:00

Here it is July 7! Over half the year has gone by! Did you ever wonder what July 5, 6, and 7 were like in 1776? The Declaration of Independence has been signed and the signers are still in Philadelphia with their necks literally on the line. The talk has occurred and now they must do something! That is the challenge that we all face.
With half the year gone by in your community what has happened since the beginning of the year? Has progress been made? Are people talking? Who is leading? What are you doing to make July 8, 9, 10, and beyond better in your town, village, city, or county?
Help start your own revolution against the change that affects you and your community!
DO SOMETHING!

2007-06-28T11:46:00.001-04:00

It has been said, "Doubt breeds doubt" and this is very true if you are an individual or a whole community. One of my favorite childhood books is called "The Little Engine that Could. " The little steam engine "thought he could and thought he could"! And he did - make it to the top of the hill! What hill do you need to climb as a person or as a community? Don't doubt - BELIEVE!
The community of Tremeont, Illinois believes in itself. I have been working with them as their Vision and Action Plan partner and they are off to a great start! They believe and are setting out to go to the top of their "hill". More of them in future blogs.
Start or continue today to go to the top of your hill and help your community get there, too!

2007-04-10T17:32:00.000-04:00

Introducing the Winning Communities Spring Seminar Series:
Power Tips from King Arthur -- Leadership and Influencing Action through Convening

Are you an effective leader?
How influential are you in your business, organization, or community?

Register for my one-hour, complimentary seminar, and you will learn:

How to use your power or influence to make things happen
The effective leadership skills we can learn from King Arthur
How to overcome resistance to change in your organization or community
The Three Rs of Leadership
Tips on how to lead through convening
How to use your leadership skills to get results
Several concrete examples of winning leaders and their success secrets

You can choose from Two Seminar Dates:

Seminar #1:

Date: Thursday, April 26
Time: 11 a.m. Eastern Time (10 a.m. Central, 9 a.m. Mountain, 8 a.m. Pacific)

With Special Guests:

Robert J. Wingert, Community Bankers Association of Illinois
Jim Schafer, First National Bank of Tremont, Tremont, Illinois

To Connect to the Web Presentation: https:/ /www.spiderphone.com/79110407
(This link will help connect both your browser and telephone to the call)

To Dial into the Call: (888) 550-5602 or (212) 812-2800 and enter code 7911 0407

Seminar #2:

Date: Tuesday, May 1

Time: 10 a.m. Eastern Time (9 a.m. Central, 8 a.m. Mountain, 7 a.m. Pacific)

With Special Guests:

David Bottorf, Association of Indiana Counties
Ted Leas, Pacesetter Bank, Blackford County, Indiana

To Connect to this Web Presentation: https:/ /www.spiderphone.com/19097989
(This link will help connect both your browser and telephone to the call)

To Dial into the Call: (888) 550-5602 or (212) 812-2800 and enter code 1909 7989

To RSVP for the Seminar: To register for either event, please call (317) 402-0524 or email me at jim (at) winningcommunities.com, so we can plan for your attendance.

We also recommend you test your browser before the seminar at: http://www.SpiderPhone.com/BrowserCheck. For operator assistance, please dial (877) 877-1585.

Hope to see you there!

Jim Dittoe, Winning Communities

2007-03-14T22:04:00.000-04:00

Hello, again, all -
It has been a while since I have written. Much is continuing to happen as is related on the latest newsletter. Please check it out at our website and sign up if you haven't already. That site is: www.winningcommunities.com. Awards to Blackford and Rush Counties in Indiana as the first "Certified Winning Communities" as recognized by the Association of Indiana Counties will take place on March 28 at their legislative conference. And in the community of Tremont, Illinois, great progress is being made in their Vision and Action Plan.
I will be visiting the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Executives winter meeting March 15 and 16.
As I am writing this, I am reminded about the role of leaders. Those people who represent those communities that are listed above, first must lead themselves. Make the right call daily. It takes courage to take a risk, but is very much worth it.
Speaking of making the right call, why not give Winning Communities a call (unashamed promotion here) to discuss how you can lead your community to a strong Vision of the future.
Until next time, keep charging!

2007-01-16T06:04:00.000-05:00

It's January 16! 2007! Wow! We all ask where does the time go? Tempus Fugit! Time flies!
We all know that but the bigger question is what have we done with that time? Have we made a difference in the lives of our family, business, and community? True leaders are aware of the limited amount of time and take full advantage of it.
What needs to be done in your community in 2007? Remember that it is already the middle of January!
The man of action, President Theodore Roosevelt said, "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." There is indeed much to be done in this ever competitive world. An assessment of just where your community is with other leaders will lead to ideas of improvement. This is happening in those cities, towns, and counties where we are consulting in developing a Vision and action plan. In Tremont, Illinois, the leaders of that community have gotten together and are preparing for public meetings to prepare for the future. They will begin these in February and they take their responsibility seriously. I know that Tremont, already a very fine community, will be even better because of the Vision Plan. They will accept the challenge of change!
So the questions remains: what are you going to do today to make a difference? For some ideas call Winning Communities and we will give you some examples of what others are doing on the road to success.

2007-01-03T23:39:00.000-05:00

2007! Wow! It seems like we were just waiting for the new millenium to arrive! What has happened to you over those seven years? What is to come? What role are you to play?
These answers to the future are in your hands - if you set goals and objectives and take action! For certain something will happen. Are you going to let it happen or are you going to lead yourself and your community to make postive change that will affect that future. It is up to you. You have that choice!
Call me if you want to chat. Your decisions are important and sometimes it takes a good listener.
Take charge in 2007 so that the next seven years won't - just happen!

2006-12-18T07:10:00.000-05:00

The community of Tremont, Illinois is the first in that state to be part of the Winning Communities certification process and I am very excited about it. We had the first Steering Committee meeting last week and these leaders are very committed to seeing that they will succeed in their efforts. What usually is an organizational session turned out to be a meeting where they saw the possibilities and agreed to meet again this week - a very busy time for all - to prepare to rally the entirity of Tremont to participate in community meetings. They want to make certain that enough pre-community meeting publicity and promotion will maximize their effort.
As an example of how they do things correctly there, I was invited to the awarding ceremony to Tremont High School as they received the coveted "Blue Ribbon" award given by the U. S. Department of Education for excellence. They are the 300th school in the entire country of 120,000 schools to have earned this prestigous award. From the opening rendition of our National Anthem by their Madrigal singers to the celebration luncheon where the administration, teachers, parents, and students all spoke about why they love their school so much and what they are doing to provide continuous improvement, one after the other gave me an indication that this community is indeed unique. They have outstanding leadership that doesn't take being adequate as an accomplishment. They want to be superior and know that it takes hard work to attain it. An impressive thing about this school is that the enrollment is 375. These students are involved and they have the confidence of the parents and teachers.
I know that this attitude is why the Village of Tremont, Illinois will succeed in their quest to become "Certified Winning Community". They will establish their Vison and an Action Plan to get there. It will be my pleaseure to be their partner in their comtinuing success.

2006-12-06T10:15:00.000-05:00

"Before everything else, getting ready is the secret of success."
Henry Ford
These words from a very successful and visionary man are as true today as when they were said. I am working with a number of communities who are doing just that - getting ready for success by developing a vision and action plan! Wonderful leaders have accepted the challenge of looking at the future and taking charge.
Please contact me and I will tell you of some of these success stories and how we can partner on moving toward success!

2006-11-27T07:45:00.000-05:00

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!

2006-11-15T09:52:00.000-05:00

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"!

2006-11-08T08:38:00.000-05:00

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!

2006-10-25T13:03:00.000-04:00

I have been asked what makes the difference in communities that are making progress and those that aren't. The answer is simple and difficult at the same time. The answer is leadership. Nothing happens unless people take up the challenge and act. This action may be convening others and leading them in discussion of community issues. But then following the discussion, there must be assigments of follow up and a committment to ACT.
The first person whom you need to lead is yourself. Lead yourself to that phone call to another person or to attend a meeting. And then take action on the issue. There are certainly enough issues at the local level to address. Nothing happens unless people take action.
Winning Communities helps people define what the issues are and then encourages action to achieve success. We believe that people who have a positive outlook are the ones who in fact do achieve. A positive self expectancy is a must in community development. And leaders have this attitude. They believe that things can and must be better in a world of change.
As one who has followed football for years, I like to ask who is the most important person on a football team. My answer is not the good looking quarterback or the dynamic coach or the loyal fans. Those people are all needed for succes, but I believe that the answer is the CENTER. Yes, that behemoth who is on the line because nothing happens until he puts the ball into ACTION. He starts is all.
Why don't you be that person who puts the ball into play! Be that leader!

2006-09-19T06:21:00.000-04:00

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!

2006-09-12T06:22:00.000-04:00

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.

2006-08-30T14:31:00.000-04:00

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.

2006-08-19T18:17:00.000-04:00

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!

2006-08-17T13:29:00.000-04:00

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."

2006-08-11T16:02:00.000-04:00

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.

2006-06-20T09:39:00.000-04:00

I was in Quincy and Tuscola, Illinois last week addressing Regional meetings of the Community Bankers Association of Illinois. The audience really contected with the message that change has affected the Heartland and they are doing something about it. Many of these community leaders have asked me to call them to set up an appointment to discuss the Winning Communities services of the faciliation of a community Vision Plan. They are most interested in the fact that we get results!
No plan is worth the investment unless action takes place. I read the following Indian proverb: "Call on God, but row away from the rocks." Successful communities are those that do just that!

2006-06-04T07:28:00.000-04:00

Hello, everyone!
I am beginning this Blog to tell of my travels and thoughts as I work with the leaders of communities who are making their goals and objectives possible in their towns and cities. I have had the opportunity to be part of some great success stories in the Midwest and will share these stories and other thoughts.
I have a consulting business called Winning Communities, Inc. that provides facilitation services to communities who want to achieve success! I have been offering this service for 11 years primarily in Indiana and now Illinois. Please check our web site www.winningcommunities.com for further information.
I am also in the process of writing a book called "The 5 C's of A Winning Community" that will give an inspirational message and methods for achieving this success in the community.
Believing like that great NY Yankee Yogi Berra that "If you don't know where you are going, you might end up someplace else", we help people write their shared Vision for their community and an Action Plan to accomplish it. Life is too short not to do something positive and we help people do just that.
Current activities include giving 12 speeches to Regional meetings of the Community Bankers Association of Illinois about how their communities can acheive success.
I will tell you of these fine people and what that will accomplish in future blogs.
Thanks for reading and I look forward to hearing your comments and ideas. Remember: we are all in this together!
PS What does the number 1440 represent? I will give the answer in the next blog message.