The Pace of Progress
One of the questions I hear most often as President & CEO of Shawnee Forward is, "What is Shawnee Forward working on right now?" It's a fair question, and one that is not always easy to answer. Much of economic development happens long before there is a public announcement, a groundbreaking, or a ribbon cutting. The reality is that economic development is a long-term process built on relationships, strategic planning, and persistence. The most visible successes are often the result of months or even years of work happening behind the scenes.
Earlier this year, I shared an editorial in the newspaper that reflected on this process and why patience matters when building a stronger community. As conversations about growth and opportunity continue across Shawnee and Pottawatomie County, I thought it was worth revisiting. The article below shares my perspective on the work of economic development, what happens before the headlines, and why steady progress is often more important than immediate results. I hope you'll take a few minutes to read it.
-Crystal
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