September 2, 2008

OKLAHOMA CITY VISIT LEADS TO THE NEED OF YOUR INVOLVEMENT!!!

Most progressive communities in the nation understand the importance of exploring “best practices” of other cities. Even places which receive national acclaim for being great communities such as Charlotte, NC; Richmond, VA; and Austin, TX; have annual community leadership trips to other sites across the country to continue to enhance business and the livability in their respective cities. The Greater Jackson region understands this concept and having visited Richmond in the past, decided to travel to Oklahoma City last week. The more than 50 community leaders making the trip to Oklahoma were representative of the entire region and we all came away with a wealth of ideas and insight.

While some may question Oklahoma City as our destination, everyone who made the trip understood completely. Oklahoma City is a prospering community, with the recent distinction of being named the most recession proof city in the United States. To this end we investigated their master planning process, their lake/canal project, their booming downtown development, the successful health care and biosciences initiatives, and programs aimed at keeping our youth in Mississippi.

We understand the importance of how their city approached these issues. However, it may not be as important as the mindset which preceded the accomplishments. It became quite evident to our delegation that things like regional cooperation, trust, never dreaming too small, the idea of something for everyone in the plan, investing in what exists rather than working to bring in something new, business community leadership, and elected leaders with political capital, were the key to the success of Oklahoma City.

We returned to Mississippi with optimism that our region can do the same. We can tackle the flood control/lakes project or any other issue if we commit to the attitudes that helped change Oklahoma City’s image and fueled their accomplishments. But to do so, we must knock down barriers of turf protection and do away with all types of prejudices which hinder us. Most of all, we need strong leaders! Some of these leaders will come from among those who traveled to Oklahoma, but many others must come from somewhere else. It could be you! If you are interested in the future of this region, join in the discussion. The time is right. The seeds may have been planted, but the work and need for leadership still lies ahead. Please accept this invitation to become involved in what truly promises to be an exciting and meaningful endeavor.