The Gallup Organization, through many years of extensive research, has found that the development of people is best accomplished by identifying their talents and then assisting them with adding the skills and knowledge that build strengths. I believe this principle is true not only for individuals, but also for groups of people.
As the President of Southtown, it is my hope that 2008 will prove to be a year that we build on our strengths. The Southtown Council begins its 26th year of partnership with you in celebrating the past, identifying and promoting the stories of success, and envisioning and planning for an exciting future.
It is typically not difficult to come up a list of needed improvements in our personal and professional lives. Of course, the beginning of a new calendar year is often an opportune time to focus on these shortcomings and resolve to improve. Sometimes our lists of needed improvements tend to get longer when we focus on the shortcomings of others within our family or community. Perhaps 2008 can be a year we invest more time and energy identifying the talents and strengths of ourselves, our families, and our community.
There are three strengths that quickly come to mind when I think of Southtown – a rich history, a commitment to its mission and purpose, and the beauty of its people.
[1] A Rich History - The Southtown Council was formed in 1982 by a small group of businesses, institutions and neighborhood associations to work collectively on economic and community issues in Southtown (47th to 75th --Bruce Watkins Drive to Brookside Blvd). The non-profit Southtown Council has never requested or received governmental funding. Yet, its 25 year record of achievement includes $10 million in public improvements, a new Troost Avenue streetscape, the city's best business and neighborhood communications network, small business and neighborhood advocacy, and sound development planning.
A Commitment to Its Mission and Purpose – Our formal statement of mission is as follows – “The Council strives to facilitate linkages/partnerships among the stakeholders in Southtown to create an environment for economic development and community growth; strengthen existing businesses and welcome new ones; promote Southtown resources and achievements; initiate corrective actions where needed; and maintain Southtown as a great place to live, work and do business.”
The Beauty of Its People – I love the diversity of the people in Southtown. We are privileged to enjoy the beauty and perspectives of the different backgrounds and cultural orientations within our neighborhood and business communities. I have always enjoyed and appreciated the respect and collegiality of our Board of Directors who represent a very broad range of neighborhood associations, business and institutional leaders.
Thank you for the opportunity to represent Southtown in 2008! I look forward to serving you.