We have been using the word opportunity a lot in our office these days. Part of our role at Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) is to see where opportunity lies and share it with others. We do that with facts and figures, but also a lot of creativity and community connection.
Opportunity as defined is an occasion or situation which makes it possible to do something that you want to do. Opportunity can present itself in a flash, be staring right at us, or may not be obviously visible at all. Identifying or uncovering opportunity involves looking at things in different ways and listening to others. It also involves a willingness to take risks.
By hosting events like the Small Business Series and supporting entrepreneurs with Pop-Up funds and resources that can help propel them forward we see more opportunities in our communities, more that improves our quality of living. We know Green County was built from the hard work of entrepreneurs that knew there was opportunity here. Investing in opportunity is what helps communities thrive.
By having big conversations and talking about opportunities with housing, programs like the Home Construction Cooperative may never have been started. Asking for a house as a donation was not in the plans, but opportunity presented itself and SSM Heath Monroe stepped up. Others saw the opportunity built into this program and donations came in to support continued growth. The city became involved and now the program can continue next year with a new home being added to the community.
Reaching out to Wegmueller Farm to see about space for a breakfast meeting turned an educational opportunity into an event that connected many and brought new understanding to issues our agricultural communities face in Green County. New understandings brought about further opportunities.
Opportunity is not always a shiny bauble, or a great windfall. Opportunity is in knowing that the pulse of a community is in its people, in the old building or new idea or slight shift of approach. In taking risks, working together, and asking if we can do something that we want to do. Green County does this and does it well. Green County is where Opportunity Lives!
If you have questions or input for GCDC, please call 608-328-9452, or email gcdc@greencountydevelopment.com
GCDC is a 501c3 non-profit organization working for economic growth in Green County, while maintaining the quality of life that makes our community a great place to live and work.
— Tracy Brewer is the Marketing & Project Manager of the Green County Development Corporation (GCDC). She can be reached at tracy@greencountydevelopment.com, or by calling 608-328-9452.
