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WHY NOT HERE? Davenport alderman Ian Frink (who returned to the QC) says spread the word about the QC's family appeal

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By Ian Frink | Wednesday, December 27, 2006 1:47 AM CST | () comments

Our community has a number of assets: affordable housing, a solid school system, wonderful parks and trails, the nation’s most significant river, historic neighborhoods, diverse nightlife opportunities, and a much improved amenity base. Our cities are not the same cities that existed here in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

I realized this change six years ago and moved back to the area, as have many others. Living in Maryland was a great experience for me, but I now have twice the house for the money here, virtually no commute, lower taxes, great schools and all I need as far as entertainment.

We need to take advantage of our assets to attract and retain the workforce. We need to spread “the word” about what we have to offer. We need to instill more pride in our community and send the message to potential investors.

American Demographics predicts that the Midwest — with abundant fresh water, hard workers, and affordable lifestyles — will become one of the fastest growing regions of the country.

Davenport’s NEXT Professionals and the Illinois QC’s YPN now have a combined membership well over 1,000.

Fourteen YP groups have formed in Iowa and a new group; YP-Iowa is holding annual summits to focus on attraction and retention efforts.

We need to partner as one community and reach out through our development group and chambers to spread the word on our new and improved cities. We, as residents, also need to do our part to be proud of our cities. After all, nothing is better than a solid word of mouth referral.

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