Community member Hall of Fame

   The Hall of Fame recipients were announced recently in baseball. From the voting list, only one was selected. From the Veteran’s Committee, another one was selected. In baseball, five years after you retire, you can be eligible to be voted on the Hall of Fame ballot. You have to reach 5 percent of the vote in order to stay on the ballot and you have 10 years to earn 75 percent of the vote in order to be inducted.

   It got me to thinking about the places I’ve worked. If these communities had their own Hall of Fame for their community members who defined the community, who would it be? What would the criteria be to make it? How many people do you know who might make it or not make it and why? Would there be controversial decisions/exclusions? How would you handle someone who had “played” for multiple communities? Would you just look at their impact to your local community or throughout the work they have done? Just like in the baseball world, it’s very subjective on who does the voting and what they prioritize. In baseball, offensive statistics seem to fare better than defensive statistics for example. What would make the case in a community?

   I am not considering it from a publicity standpoint, but rather from a success standpoint. What would it take for your community to be considered a success? Who would you attribute that success to and how would recognize them? A lot of people, even in baseball, say that they are not doing it for the recognition, and generally, they are not. However, one of the best ways to encourage continued growth and development in any life pursuit is recognition. If you are recognized at your job, in your studies, in your sport, etc., you are more likely to want to work harder and strive to do more. This should be the same in any community. Those recognized for their hard work and their contributions are more likely to continue doing that quality work and begin to inspire others.

   A great way for the community to start considering this recognition is through the Monticello Main Street program. Each year, they will be nominating someone who impacts and helps the downtown district grow and continue to be full of life. Just a couple of weeks ago, Deb Bowman was recognized at the Main Street Iowa Awards for her work and dedication to Monticello and the new Main Street district. She is a great example of a public champion and community great and her recognition was well-deserved. While the Main Street Iowa Awards do not factor in all of the community or everyone who has played or does play a role, it gives a great rubric for determining success and what that recognition could look like. Hopefully years down the road, we will see a local event, celebrating all of the great leaders (past and present) and rejoicing in the ways they have made Monticello an even better community for us all.

   Always remember that Jones County Economic Development is here as a resource to your business and that we always try to help our businesses and communities grow and prosper. Anytime you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out by contacting me at director@jonescountydevelopment.com.