VOLUME 6, ISSUE 01 | JAN 2025 Also in this issue ELKHART, IN • PARRY SOUND, ON • DULUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEW LONDON, WI GROWTH ALONG THE RIVERBANKS
WWW.BUSINESSVIEWMAGAZINE.COM Email for all inquiries: info@businessviewmagazine.com 2422 Palm Ridge Road, Suite 820 Sanibel FL, 33957 239.220.5554 CONTACT US TITLE SPONSORS GREAT NEWS! Business View Publishing was named to the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies! Read the press release Editor in Chief Karen Surca Research Directors Paul Payne Brendan McElroy Thomas Hiley Chad Loveless Jessica Zaneis Mike Luchetta Ali Ahmed Jillian Hicks Javier Robles Contributing Writers Andrew Macfarlane Michelle Mahoney Brett Anningson Caroline Verner-Hiley Al Krulick Ian Gyan Dan Marcharia Veronica Enair Vice President of Production Jared Ali Director of Administration Michelle Siewah Director of Marketing Nora Saliken Digital Strategist Jon Bartlow Art Director Renée Yearwood Managing Director Alexander Wynne-Jones COO Matthew Mitchell Executive Publisher / CEO Marcus VandenBrink 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
EDITOR’S NOTES January is the month to embrace new beginnings. This month has always offered the opportunity of a fresh start and a chance to take what was learnt in 2024 and apply it to the business plans of many organizations. As we look down the path of what lies ahead this year we consider it a privilege as always to bring our avid business readers an inside view into how municipalities, organizations of different sizes, and the many bustling airports throughout the continent are fairing. For January’s issue we landed at several leading regional US-based airports. We sat down with Airport Directors from Chippewa County International Airport, Norwalk-Huron County Airport to discuss each of their airport master plans, meeting continued aviation growth and the vital economic link to the community and region these air hubs serve. We had the opportunity to cover a diverse group of municipalities. As our in-depth profiles uncovered, it is clear that continued best practices, bold initiatives, and critical infrastructure upgrades top the agenda at this time of the year. Civic and county officials continue to put their residents first. Business View’s pages are filled with fascinating features with city officials from Clarkston, Georgia, Dayton, TN, Glassboro, New Jersey, MarriottSlaterville, Utah, Stonecrest, Georgia to Mount Vernon, Indiana and Hillsboro, Idaho among other fast-growing municipalities. Each region has embraced the start of a new year by providing residents with what is on their wish list. Continued commercial and industrial growth coupled with residential growth propels these municipalities into some of the fastest-growing regions across North America.This upward trajectory is aided by a resident-first approach adopted by all the municipalities we covered for this month’s issue. For our January issue, we also caught up with a cross-section of dynamic and fast-growing companies and organizations including Choice NYManagement, Alair Homes Green Bay, Iron Valley Real Estate and Leiko Equipment Company among others. As 2025 begins, all these companies show leadership and produce noteworthy projects to strengthen their business foothold and rev their economic engines towards further growth. As we bring you the very best sector and industryfocused features, we hope your new year is off to a great start as we continue to provide you with the best business view. Karen Surca Editor in Chief Dear Readers, 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
CITY VIEW 19 BICKNELL, IN Proving that ‘Bicknell is Better’ 29 ELKHART, IN How the RV Capital is Reinventing Small-City Living 39 GREENFIELD, IN Laying the Foundation for a Bright Future 49 MARION, IN A Community on the Rise 59 MOUNT VERNON, IN Bridging Community and Growth VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01 COVER NEW LONDON, WI 2 EDITOR’S NOTES 7 OPENING LINES 69 BRADFORD WEST GWILLIMBURY, ON Ontario’s Fastest Growing Hub of Community & Opportunity 79 PARRY SOUND, ON A Town Built for Belonging 89 CHESTERMERE, AB Rocky View County’s Lakeside Gem 103 CLARKSTON, GA A Small City with a Global Outlook 113 STONECREST, GA Building Tomorrow’s City Today 123 DAYTON, TN Southern Roots, Heartfelt Progress 133 GLASSBORO, NJ Where Community, Diversity, and Growth Thrive GREENFIELD, IN CHESTERMERE, AB 39 89 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
GO-TO COLLECTION WHEREVER YOU PLAY
VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01 143 HIGHLAND PARK, NJ A Small Town With Big Plans 153 HENRY COUNTY, IL A Desirable Place to Live, Work and Explor 163 HILLSBORO, OH Balancing Growth and Tradition in a Thriving Community 173 HURON, OH Building the Future While Preserving Its Roots 183 MARRIOTT-SLATERVILLE, UT Where Rural Heritage Meets Smart Growth PALISADE, CO HURON, OH 203 173 193 NEW LONDON, WI Growth Along the Riverbanks 203 PALISADE, CO Small Town, Big Ambitions 213 RANGELY, CO A Mountain of Opportunity Awaits 223 ROCKWOOD, MB Where Opportunity Drives Success 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
The articles in this publication are for information purposes only. Business View Publishing assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed, or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual or organization has been provided by such individual or organization without verification by us. The opinion expressed in each article is that of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Business View Publishing. EDUCATION 235 CONSEIL SCOLAIRE DU NORD-OUEST Championing Francophone Education in Alberta 245 THE MEDICINE HAT CATHOLIC BOARD OF EDUCATION Fortifying the Foundations of Modern Academics 255 DULUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS Advancing Excellence Through Innovation and Community Engagement 265 GREENE COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM Bridging Education and Industry for Tomorrow’s Workforce 275 JEFFERSON-MORGAN SCHOOL DISTRICT Where Small Schools Achieve Big Success WEST IRONDEQUOIT CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 315 285 RUTLAND CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Every Student, Every Day 295 SLATE VALLEY UNIFIED UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT Leading Innovation in Vermont Education 305 STURGEON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Equipping Students for Life Beyond the Classroom 315 WEST IRONDEQUOIT CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT A Dynamic Vision for Education 325 WILD ROSE SCHOOL DIVISION Building Bridges in Education 6 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
SMART SNOW REMOVAL: HOW AI IS TRANSFORMING URBAN WINTER MANAGEMENT Opening Lines Source: https://www.americancityandcounty.com/, Timothy Minard, First Published Jan 27th, 2025 Snowplow signal prioritization technology promises to modernize how cities manage their winter maintenance operations. This advanced system allows snowplows to navigate through intersections more efficiently, ensuring rapid snow clearance and safer travel for community members. As winter’s icy grip tightens on cities across North America, urban planners and transportation officials are turning to innovative solutions to combat the age-old challenge of snow removal. Among these cutting-edge approaches, snowplow signal prioritization technology promises to modernize how cities manage their winter maintenance operations. This advanced system allows snowplows to navigate through intersections more efficiently, ensuring rapid snow clearance and safer travel for community members. CITIES LEVERAGING AI FOR SNOW REMOVAL The implementation of snowplow signal prioritization technology demonstrates a significant leap forward in urban winter management strategies. By leveraging the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in a cloud-based environment, cities are now able to optimize traffic flow during inclement weather conditions, prioritizing the movement of essential vehicles such as snowplows, emergency responders and public transportation. This intelligent approach not only enhances the efficiency of snow removal operations but also contributes to overall urban mobility and safety during harsh winter conditions. ALGORITHMS CLEARING SNOW FROM STREETS At the heart of this innovative system lies a sophisticated network of AI-powered algorithms and real-time data analysis. These advanced technologies work in tandem to continuously assess road conditions, weather patterns, and traffic volumes, making informed decisions about adjusting traffic signal timings to accommodate snowplow operations. By granting priority to snowplows at intersections, cities 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
can be applied to other essential services such as road maintenance vehicles and specialized transportation. ADVANCED DATA FEEDS INTO URBAN PLANNING Moreover, the data collected through these AI-powered systems provides valuable insights that can inform longterm urban planning and infrastructure development. By analyzing patterns in snow accumulation, traffic flow during winter events, and the effectiveness of various snow removal strategies, city planners can make more informed decisions about road design, resource allocation, and emergency response protocols. The adoption of snowplow signal prioritization technology aligns with the broader trend of smart city initiatives. As urban areas continue to grow and face increasingly complex challenges, the integration of AI and data-driven solutions becomes crucial.This technology demonstrates how cities can leverage advanced tech to improve their operations, not just during winter months but year-round. By enabling snowplows to clear roads more efficiently, cities can minimize the economic impact of winter storms, reduce accidents and ensure that essential services remain operational even in the harshest conditions. This technology also has the potential to improve the overall quality of life for urban residents by reducing the disruptions caused by heavy snowfall. It’s clear that the integration of AI and data technology in urban winter management will continue to evolve. We can expect to see even more sophisticated systems that not only prioritize snowplows but also coordinate with other city services to provide a comprehensive approach to winter weather management. For example, future systems might integrate with public transportation networks to adjust bus routes in real-time based on road conditions, or coordinate with emergency services to ensure rapid response times during winter storms. Snowplow signal prioritization technology exemplifies how today’s smart cities are leveraging advanced tech to improve their operations during winter months. By harnessing the power of AI, ML and real-time data analysis, cities are transforming the way they approach snow removal, moving from reactive to proactive strategies. This shift not only enhances the efficiency of winter maintenance operations but also contributes to broader goals of urban resilience, sustainability, and improved quality of life for residents. As we continue to face the challenges of climate change and urbanization, such innovative approaches will be crucial in ensuring that our cities can significantly reduce the time required to clear roads, minimizing disruptions to daily life and ensuring that critical infrastructure remains accessible even in the most challenging weather conditions. The importance of leveraging AI and data technology in snow removal strategies cannot be overstated. Traditional methods of snow management often rely on predetermined routes and schedules, which may not always align with the dynamic nature of winter storms. By incorporating AI and real-time data analysis, cities can adopt a more responsive and adaptive approach to snow removal. This data-driven strategy allows for better resource allocation, optimized route planning, and more efficient use of equipment and personnel. LEARNING BETTER ROUTES OVER TIME One of the key advantages of AI-powered snow removal systems is their ability to learn and improve over time. ML algorithms can analyze historical data on snowfall patterns, traffic flow and equipment performance to continually refine and optimize snow removal strategies. This iterative process of improvement ensures that cities become increasingly adept at managing winter weather events, ultimately leading to safer roads and more resilient communities. The technology also addresses a critical safety concern for both snowplow operators and other road users. By reducing the number of stops and starts required at intersections, this system minimizes the risk of collisions and improves overall traffic flow. This enhanced safety aspect is particularly crucial during severe weather conditions when visibility may be limited, and road surfaces are treacherous. A recent study out of Brigham Young University showed that with snowplow preemption, operators are more efficient and safer with fewer stops and fewer cars trying to pass by them. In the same study it showed that commuters also benefited from the preemption.The routes with snowplow preemption had significantly higher speed. These efficiency gains not only improve the speed of snow removal but also contribute to reduced operational costs and environmental impact. The success of snowplow signal prioritization technology extends beyond just clearing roads more quickly. It represents a shift toward smarter, more responsive urban infrastructure. By integrating this technology into existing traffic management systems, cities are laying the groundwork for broader applications in urban mobility. For example, the same principles used to prioritize snowplows 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
OPENING LINES Source: https://www.americancityandcounty.com/, Ryan Kushner, First Published Jan 08th, 2025 State and local governments contributed a record amount into public retirement systems in 2024, according to Equable Institute. The funded ratio for U.S. state and local retirement systems in 2024 is on pace to reach 80.2%—a 6.2% increase compared with 75.5% in 2023, according to an analysis by the Equable Institute. State and local pension plans saw investment returns average 10.3% in the past year, a “strong investment performance” compared with the average 6.87% rate of return expected for pension funds, according to Equable. Unfunded liabilities are expected to fall from $1.64 trillion in 2023 to $1.37 trillion in fiscal 2024. However, Equable Executive Director Anthony Randazzo warned that despite strong pension fund investment returns, state and local retirement systems “remain financially fragile.” “With only 80% of necessary assets in pension funds, there are significant contribution increases necessary to get more of today’s $1.37 trillion in pension debt paid off before another financial crisis strikes,” Randazzo stated. State and local governments contributed a record amount into public retirement systems in 2024, averaging 31.3% of payroll, or $180.7 billion, PUBLIC PENSION FUNDING REMAINS “FRAGILE” BUT SHOWED IMPROVEMENT IN 2024 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
money to live comfortably in retirement. Only 9% of surveyed public employees reported that their benefits were “very sufficient.” Social Security Fairness Act signed into law While the state of pension plans remains a concern for the public sector, a new bill signed into law by President Biden Jan. 5 is set to increase Social Security payments for more than 2 million former and current public employees. The Social Security Fairness Act eliminates two provisions—the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO)—that limited Social Security benefits for public employees with public pensions from work not covered by Social Security, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). The elimination of the WEP would see monthly benefits rise by an average of $360 for 2.1 million Social Security beneficiaries in December 2025, according to Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates. Eliminating the GPO, meanwhile, would see monthly benefits increase by an average of $700 for 380,000 spouses and by an average of $1,190 for 390,000 surviving spouses. Lee Saunders, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), called the rescinding of the GPO and WEP a “historic victory” that followed “decades of relentless organizing.” “Thousands of AFSCME members can now retire with peace of mind, and passionate jobseekers will be inspired to pursue these critical careers knowing their futures will be secure,” Saunders stated. “It’s a game-changer for public service.” The SSA said it is still evaluating how to implement the act. according to Equable. Equable estimated it will take years of performances similar to 2024 to break the “pension debt paralysis” prevalent in public pension plans. Washington D.C., Nebraska and Tennessee had the highest ratios of funded pension plans in 2024 with 112.5%, 108.5% and 107.9%, respectively. States with the lowest ratios of funded pension plans in 2024 included Illinois (51.6%), Kentucky (54.1%) and New Jersey (56.6%). A 2024 survey by the MissionSquare Research Institute found that 81% of public employees expressed concern that they will not have enough money to last throughout retirement, with 78% saying they are worried about not having enough 10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
OPENING LINES 5 CRITICAL ELEMENTS OF EFFECTIVE HUMANCENTERED DESIGN IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR Source: https://www.americancityandcounty.com/, Allison Torpey and Rose Barcklow, First Published Jan 24th, 2025 A growing number of government agencies are looking to leverage human-centered design (HCD) principles to improve services for their constituents, increase awareness of those services and give people the tools to access them. In today’s rapidly evolving public sector, city, county and state officials face growing challenges. Complex regulations, heightened constituent expectations and limited resources—in terms of staffing as well as dollars— demand innovative solutions. Leaders are dealing with technical debt—outdated systems, quick fixes and patchwork upgrades—as well as policy debt, with layers of policies and regulations having accumulated over decades. Constituents have been conditioned by the private sector to expect highquality, user-friendly applications and programs, but limited capacity and a lack of consideration for the user experience hinders leaders’ ability to deliver on those expectations. Constituents are left facing a complex, disjointed experience that makes it hard to engage with government officials. Employees and case workers struggle with manual and time-consuming processes with limited guidance, while IT tries to maintain different technologies and infrastructure with siloed data and inconsistent processes. Amid these challenges, a growing number of government agencies are looking to leverage human-centered design (HCD) principles to improve services for their constituents, increase awareness of those services and give people the tools to access them. They’re harnessing the approach to equip teams with a holistic view of their constituents and proactively share information and track the status of referrals with community partners. Effective HCD starts with a focus on creating solutions that deeply understand and address the needs, behaviors, and experiences of the people they are designed for. By understanding and empathizing with users, agencies can create services that are intuitive, accessible and tailored to the specific needs of their diverse constituent base. THE APPROACH INCLUDES FIVE KEY PHASES: • Prepare: Understanding the biases and assumptions of those creating, developing and implementing services to ensure that insights gathered aren’t influenced by preconceived notions. • Discover: Engaging with constituents to understand their needs, challenges and contexts • Define: Synthesizing the information gathered during the discovery phase and collaboratively defining the opportunities at hand. • Develop: Generating and iterating on ideas, encouraging collaborative and divergent thinking while keeping feasibility and desirability in mind. • Deliver: Iterating and refining prototypes based on user feedback, ensuring that the final service effectively meets constituents’ needs. But while HCD plays a critical role in identifying constituents’ unmet needs, how to design services or 11 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
change efficacy and adoption and engage with a wider range of stakeholders, including different community groups, to ensure that the solutions are effective and widely adopted. 2. Product design expertise: Product designers bring a unique skill set that is particularly relevant to the HCD process. Among other expertise, they’re trained to deeply understand user needs, behaviors and pain points; skilled in creating prototypes and conducting user tests; and know how to balance functionality with aesthetics. 3. Creativity with limited resources: Through HCD, you’ve defined what constituents want, but you also need to understand what’s actually possible. Creative solutions allow you to find a compromise somewhere in the middle—and the best ideas are often borne from constrained environments. 4. Testing and practical application of learnings from real users: HCD relies heavily on a continuous feedback loop to ensure that the products and services developed truly meet constituent needs and expectations. This requires you to be constantly testing and iterating with real users via interviews and focus groups, surveys, stakeholder assessments, initial and secondary testing sessions, user pathways and journeys, and high fidelity wireframes. Ensure that you keep users updated on how their feedback has influenced decisions about how to move forward. 5. Delivering services in phases and building roadmaps for continued enhancement: In the public sector, teams are often reluctant to roll out a product or service that is not 100% complete. This drive for perfection can hinder the iterative process that is so integral to HCD. In contrast to the waterfall approach, in which you create a product or service in its entirety before releasing it, HCD leverages an agile approach. You have a high-level roadmap, but you’re willing to iterate on that roadmap as you discover what’s working, and what’s not. Consider ways you can move more agilely, for example by starting with a limited pilot of a new service. HCD is a cycle, and you’re never done talking with constituents and iterating on the solution. For government agencies that have limited funding, staff and time, the process can feel a bit uncomfortable. It will require courage—courage to iterate, courage to co-create and courage to keep moving forward even if you don’t know where the path will take you. In doing so, you can meet constituents’ demand for user-friendly, accessible and more sustainable services and serve more people, more effectively. technologies to meet those needs, and how to derive value from the service, there’s a widespread lack of awareness of how to implement it—the deliver phase. Here’s what leaders need to do to effectively deliver products and services using human-centered design. THE FIVE THINGS YOU NEED FOR A SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION You’ve defined the problem and brainstormed with the community to co-develop the solution. The next phase is deliver, which involves actually bringing the product or service to the public. Five critical elements can make sure that the product or service sticks with the people for whom it’s intended. 1. Change management: You’re probably changing the product or the service you offer based on the insights gathered through the HCD framework, and you need to bring people along on the new journey.That makes it important to incorporate strategies to measure 12 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
PODCAST: ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR SAFE WINTER OPERATIONS OPENING LINES Source: https://nbaa.org/, Editor, First Published Jan 27th, 2025 Preparing for the scourge of winter is essentially a year-round process for airports and ATC. As the country experiences frigid temperatures, snow and ice, and all the associated challenges that come with winter flying, business aircraft operators need to be aware of possible impacts, even from storms hundreds of miles from their planned route.“The FAA has tools year-round that identify constrained areas, ground delay programs, aerospace flow programs [and] ground stops,” said Dean Snell with NBAA Air Traffic Services. “It’s good to keep an eye on those [and] maybe look at alternate plans or at least be aware of the likely delays.” In this episode of NBAA’s “Flight Plan,” host Rob Finfrock speaks with: Michael Fawaz, director of Willow Run Airport (YIP), the 2023-2024 recipient of the Balchen/Post Award for outstanding performance in responding to snow and icing conditions Dean Snell, manager at NBAA Air Traffic Services LISTEN HERE 13 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
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OPENING LINES OFFER TIPS FOR SAFELY APPROACHING NON-TOWERED AIRPORTS Source: https://nbaa.org/, Editor, First Published Nov/ Dec, 2024 Being familiar with specific, timely information about destination airports is essential for safe approaches – and even more so for non-towered fields. In fact, according to the FAA, only 520 of the 5,082 public-use airports across the U.S. have air traffic control towers. So, it stands to reason that flights in and out of uncontrolled airports will more than likely occur at some time for any operator. Issued in 2023, FAA Advisory Circular 90-66C,“Non-Towered Airport Flight Operations,” provides a reliable resource to remind pilots about proper procedures for operating in that environment. “There is no reason to go in blind,” said Julia Harrington, a lead captain and base manager for Axis Jet on a Cessna Citation CJ2 and XLS out of Chicago Executive Airport (PWK). Harrington said at least 50% of her flights are to uncontrolled airports. VISUALLY VERIFY For Harrington, using instrument approaches at unfamiliar uncontrolled airports is standard practice. Around 10-15 minutes prior to landing, she begins to monitor and broadcast on the common traffic advisory frequency at the arrival airport to gauge upcoming traffic conditions. Utilizing additional resources such as the traffic alert and collision avoidance system gives pilots extra 15 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
your approach to lessen the impact on other aircraft in the vicinity. Flying the traffic pattern when possible, and extending the downwind to follow slower aircraft, were also mentioned as tools when operating at an uncontrolled airport, which are all referred to in AC 90-66C. Chapter 14 of the “Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge” also provides reminders for how to enter a visual traffic pattern. In addition, the book offers guidance about when it’s practical to utilize a 45-degree entry to downwind at pattern altitude. COMMUNICATE TO BE UNDERSTOOD Communicating intentions to be understood by other pilots is essential, as not all pilots will understand locations of approach fixes. Using distance and direction from the airport is more understandable by all pilots. Flexjet Director of Safety Tyler Boring, who’s based at Ohio’s Cuyahoga County Airport (CGF), said pilots can set the tone by reaching out on frequency ahead of time for situational awareness. Communicating intentions along with your approach plan helps others on frequency understand. Flight crews can “help the process along by communicating and modifying course as necessary, depending on what is going on in the pattern,” Boring said. time to prepare for traffic, but it’s important to get visual verification upon arrival.“Visually verify what you think to be true,” Harrington said. BLEND INTO THE ENVIRONMENT Keith Wolzinger, who flies a Citation XL out of California’s John Wayne/Orange County Airport (SNA) for Paragon Airways, advises making position reports by stating your distance from the destination airport and your intentions upon arrival. If you’re flying an approach, say so, Wolzinger said. About 20%-25% of Wolzinger’s operations are at uncontrolled fields. “Blend into the environment as much as you can,” said Wolzinger, by planning to fly at airspeeds consistent with aircraft in the pattern or modifying 16 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
city view INTERNATIONAL CITY/COUNTY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (ICMA) ONLINE ARTICLE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL ONLINE ARTICLE CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION ONLINE ARTICLE NEW JERSEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (NJEDA) ONLINE ARTICLE BRADFORD WEST GWILLIMBURY, ON ONTARIO’S FASTEST GROWING HUB OF COMMUNITY & OPPORTUNITY CLARKSTON, GA A SMALL CITY WITH A GLOBAL OUTLOOK STONECREST, GA BUILDING TOMORROW’S CITY TODAY MARION, IN A COMMUNITY ON THE RISE BICKNELL, IN PROVING THAT ‘BICKNELL IS BETTER’ ELKHART, IN HOW THE RV CAPITAL IS REINVENTING SMALL-CITY LIVING GREENFIELD, IN LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE PARRY SOUND, ON A TOWN BUILT FOR BELONGING DAYTON, TN SOUTHERN ROOTS, HEARTFELT PROGRESS MOUNT VERNON, IN BRIDGING COMMUNITY AND GROWTH CHESTERMERE, AB ROCKY VIEW COUNTY’S LAKESIDE GEM 17 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
HIGHLAND PARK, NJ A SMALL TOWN WITH BIG PLANS NEW LONDON, WI GROWTH ALONG THE RIVERBANKS ROCKWOOD, MB WHERE OPPORTUNITY DRIVES SUCCESS HURON, OH BUILDING THE FUTURE WHILE PRESERVING ITS ROOTS MARRIOTT-SLATERVILLE, UT WHERE RURAL HERITAGE MEETS SMART GROWTH PALISADE, CO SMALL TOWN, BIG AMBITIONS RANGELY, CO A MOUNTAIN OF OPPORTUNITY AWAITS HILLSBORO, OH BALANCING GROWTH AND TRADITION IN A THRIVING COMMUNITY GLASSBORO, NJ WHERE COMMUNITY, DIVERSITY, AND GROWTH THRIVE HENRY COUNTY, IL A DESIRABLE PLACE TO LIVE, WORK AND EXPLOR 18 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
PROVING THA ‘BICKNELL IS BETTER’ BICKNELL, IN AT A GLANCE BICKNELL, INDIANA WHAT: A small community with big plans for the future WHERE: Knox County, Indiana WEBSITE: www.bicknell.in.gov WITH ITS ROOTS STEMMING FROM THE COALMINING INDUSTRY, THIS CITY IS EVOLVING AND EMBRACING NEW ECONOMIC DIRECTIONS 19 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
AT S Bicknell Indiana may be a city of just 3,000 residents, but it’s brimming with history, community pride, and ambitious plans for the future. Known for its coal-mining history, Bicknell continues its evolution, embracing change while preserving the close knit community values of small town America. 20 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
In the words of Mayor Thomas Estabrook, “We’re small enough to know our neighbors, but big enough to have businesses run by local individuals that can supply most of our everyday needs. We very much have that small town feel that you might see in Hallmark movies. Folks like me who were born and raised here often say that Bicknell is home, and there’s no place like it.” A COMMUNITY ROOTED IN HISTORY “I use the hashtag ‘Bicknell is Better’ every time we have some success or a good thing going for us,” he continues. “That’s kind of a way to show what we have if you compare us to other communities.” It was the coal industry that attracted immigrants and spurred Bicknell’s early growth, and today, the city is honoring this past while building a new legacy. The Bicknell Heritage Circle is a focal point of this effort, commemorating military service and showcasing a storied sports history. The Heritage Circle includes flags representing the United States, Indiana, and each branch of the military, along with monuments honoring residents who served and sacrificed their lives in service. The choice of location on Bicknell’s Hooper Field, a former high school sports venue, was twofold.“We wanted it to be prominent,” Mayor Estabrook explains . “We moved it to the highway for visibility. We wanted it to be something that people could see all the time.” The site also honors Hooper Field’s rich history as a venue for local athletics. The Mayor recounts, “Bicknell native Herdis McCrary played on the field and later played for the Green Bay Packers, and in 1921 an exhibition baseball team of Bicknell players defeated the St. Louis Cardinals, led by future hall of famer Roger Hornsby, by a score of 9 to 6.” Nearby, restored railroad equipment and coal mining artifacts pay homage to Bicknell’s industrial roots. Mayor Estabrook elaborates, “We took this whole area, and we made it about military service and about some of the heritage that made Bicknell into what it is. It will give future generations an idea of what Bicknell was like, what the community has sacrificed, not only locally, but nationally.” A THRIVING BUSINESS CLIMATE Mayor Estabrook reflects on Bicknell’s evolving commercial landscape and the shift in business focus over the years. “From the mid 90s backwards, it was more of a traditional downtown, old style storefronts, traditional service and commodity based businesses. We are talking about furniture vendors, clothing vendors, shoe stores, and jewelry stores. 21 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01 BICKNELL, IN
Those types of things were running locally for years, and then the proprietor passed away, or the business model didn’t work anymore, and we saw a lot of vacancy downtown.” This eventually led to the demolition of many buildings in the downtown area. “That’s been disappointing,” he admits.“But it’s also opened up a lot of space for new development, and we’re trying to figure out the right way to make that happen.” At the same time, Bicknell’s state highway corridor has emerged as a bustling hub of activity. “A lot of folks recognized that new business development was going towards the highway. That’s where there was better access, there was more visibility. That’s where we’ve seen the most growth in the time that I’ve been mayor,” Estabrook shares. Businesses like 22 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
McDonald’s, Family Dollar, and Dollar General have established themselves there, along with a bank and a recently opened laundromat. The industrial park near the highway has also seen significant growth. JAM Feeds, a family owned business started out of a garage, is a notable success story, “That was one of the first major sales in the industrial park,” Estabrook portrays. “They have people come from counties away to buy feed from them.” Basiloid Diversified Products, a metal fabrication company, is one of the biggest developments in the industrial park. “Owner Rob French bought the building and then came to us for what I believe is our first ever granted tax abatement,” details the mayor. “He doubled the size of that building, created 20/25 Restored coal mine wheel from local mine near Bicknell. 23 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01 BICKNELL, IN
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Invented in the era of World War II and incorporated in 1952, Basiloid Products is not only the Pioneer but still remains the manufacturing leader in the materials handling industry known as “Top Handling”. The Basiloid “Lift-a-Pliance” lift truck attachments are used by major appliance and HVAC manufacturing facilities, distribution centers and retailers. Our cost-effective forklift attachments are recognized as an efficient way to save valuable warehouse space by eliminating pallets while reducing product and carton damage. The Basiloid Team is ready to assist and offer full support and attention to find the right solution for each customer’s specific material handling application. We keep quality products and customer service at the front line of everything we do. Basiloid as also branched out into the automotive industry. Offering custom fabrication of racks, carts, and other material handing items for moving and storage of assembly line parts and accessories. Since 2020, Basiloid Diversified Products has been proud to call Bicknell, Indiana our new home. We are honored to be a part of this community and have the opportunity to grow and expand as a business. Manufacturer of Mechanical Lift Truck Attachments for Material Handling Applications 7382 N Russell Dr. Bicknell, Indiana 47512,USA 866.692.5511 View Our Video SERVE CUSTOMER INTERNATIONALLY Helping major companies, from Canada to Australia, Europe to China COST EFFECTIVE Basiloid Products offers a repair program that can be very cost effective 60 IN BUSINESS FOR OVER 70 YEARS Founded in the era of World War II and incorporated in 1952 sales@basiloid.com Request a Quote BICKNELL, IN
strengthen our community ties. If I need to call their CEO, I can have him on the phone in 10 minutes.” Currently, approximately 85% of businesses in Bicknell are locally owned. “There is a much different atmosphere and attitude with locally owned businesses compared to those inside the corporate model, and we experience that daily,” touts Estabrook. “Most of the business owners in this community have my cell phone number.Anytime they need something, it’s not a problem. There’s not a big separation between them and me, because they’re the ones who are supporting the community, and their time is valuable.” BUILDING FOR GROWTH Recognizing the connection between population growth and economic strength, Bicknell is tackling its housing challenges and preparing for the future. One effort includes the city’s participation in a federal Blight Elimination Program, which opened up vacant properties, and paved the way for new residential development. “We used that program to clear 39 houses, some of which before we really got into the construction part, became yards for jobs and invested seven figures worth of money in our industrial park. Rob has now become a leader in the community, and somebody that I can call anytime.” All Point Supply, a local farm supply and hardware store is also located in the industrial park and is a valued community partner. Another highlight is RTC Communications, a locally owned rural cooperative from a neighboring county, which invested $4 million in Bicknell’s broadband infrastructure. “It’s not a corporate model. It’s fantastic.They’ve become, basically another group in our business community that has really contributed to the city and done a lot of things. They came in and invested $4 million in broadband infrastructure, and we have fiber Internet, some of the fastest in the county,” reports Estabrook. Owen County State Bank is another example of Bicknell’s economic vitality and community engagement. When a long-standing regional bank closed its doors, they stepped in to fill the gap, later establishing a second branch downtown. “They committed to Bicknell and took a risk on us,” Mayor Estabrook underscores. “Their presence has helped liven up downtown, finance local projects, and Thomas Estabrook, Mayor 26 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
Bicknell Heritage Circle dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony on August 31, 2024 “We’ve been able to invest in infrastructure that was not possible outside of this program.” The city has also implemented a sidewalk replacement plan, making it easier for residents to upgrade their properties while enhancing neighborhood aesthetics. This popular program has resulted in $140,000 of investment in sidewalks in the city over three years. He expands, “In Bicknell, like many other communities the public sidewalk is a property owner’s responsibility, but when you figure out what it actually takes to replace it, it’s quite a bit of money. So, we began to offer a program where we would split the cost 50% and we do that through one of our local contractors, who is also a new business owner, Myers Contracting LLC.” A VISION FOR THE FUTURE Looking ahead, Mayor Estabrook sees a community that will continue to grow as a center of opportunity and innovation.“My hope is to continue the housing conversation, to continue new home construction, and to figure out how we can best leverage our strengths to bring new commercial and industrial neighbors or other green space that we control,” Estabrook conveys. The city is also focused on attracting homebuilders, and has provided land for development, leading to the construction of nearly 20 new homes in the past four years with more planned.“We have adopted the view that population solves all the other problems. New homes solve property tax revenue issues. New development brings new people, which then increases demand for businesses, they put more kids in the schools, which then brings more funding to the school corporation. But you can’t increase the population with nowhere to live,” the mayor acknowledges. On the infrastructure side, Bicknell has invested $7.3 million through the state’s Community Crossings grant program, improving roads, sidewalks, and drainage. “We completed the industrial park road, and we’ve paved in neighborhoods that hadn’t been paved in 30 years,” says Estabrook. 27 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01 BICKNELL, IN
PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n WISE Voice Solutions RTC Communications www.rtccom.com RTC Communications is a leading provider of cutting-edge broadband and communication services, empowering communities with reliable, high-speed fiber internet. Its innovative WISE Voice Solutions redefine business connectivity, offering personalized, cost-effective, and mobile voice services that adapt to diverse work styles, ensuring seamless communication and enhanced productivity for businesses of all sizes. n Basiloid Diverisfied Products www.basiloid.com n Knox County www.knoxcountyindiana.com Talent, place, and capital ready for you in Knox County Indiana. Vibrant innovation, solid manufacturing, a nationally recognized university, and a strong workforce. Knox County, Indiana offers excellent strategic opportunities for growth, including critical logistics and supply chain capacity. If you’re seeking a high quality of life for talent attraction, professionals who get things done, strategic incentives, and a central location, consider Opportunity Knox. OPPORTUNITY Build Your Business in Bicknell From strategic logistics access to workforce housing and more, the Bicknell region offers competitive advantages. Ready for new opportunities? Check us out! KNOXCOUNTYINDIANA.COM development, regardless of what that is,” he states. “We take every opportunity we can to say yes. Moving forward, that’s going to continue to be our attitude. We are going to be the first ones to say ‘yes’ to Bicknell, so others can too.” 28 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
ELKHART, IN HOW THE RV CAPI REINVENTING SMA AT A GLANCE CITY OF ELKHART WHAT: A thriving manufacturing hub and cultural center, home to the RV industry and numerous North American corporate headquarters, undertaking major urban renewal projects including a new entertainment district and aquatic center WHERE: Northern Indiana WEBSITE: www.elkhartindiana.org 29 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
ITAL IS ALL-CITY LIVING WRITING A NEW CHAPTER IN URBAN REVITALIZATION WHILE STAYING TRUE TO ITS INNOVATIVE ROOTS. Located in northern Indiana, Elkhart, the ‘City with a Heart’ has earned its reputation as a powerhouse of American manufacturing innovation. The city of roughly 50,000 residents is widely recognized as the RV Manufacturing Capital of the World, producing most recreational vehicles in North America. This industrial hub traces its manufacturing excellence back to the early 20th century when it dominated the band instrument industry, with legendary names like Conn Selmer establishing their roots here. The city’s strategic position at major railway intersections fostered its growth into a vital manufacturing Photo Credit: Elkhart County, IN CVB 30 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
center, while also giving birth to pharmaceutical innovations like Alka-Seltzer at the former Miles Laboratories. “Elkhart is a wonderful community,” says Mayor Rod Roberson, reflecting on his hometown’s unique character. “It’s always been a city that was small enough to know most of the people if you were kind of an outgoing young lad, but large enough to have substantial commerce.”The mayor points out a fascinating demographic shift that occurs daily- the city’s population swells to eight times its size during working hours as people stream in for employment opportunities. The manufacturing prowess of Elkhart extends far beyond RVs, creating a rich combination of industrial innovation. “The supplier base is the industry that drives our diversity,” Mayor Roberson explains. “If you make a bed for the RV industry, you probably make a bed for multiple different types of industries throughout the United States.” This diversification has attracted major corporations, with 16 North American headquarters choosing Elkhart as their base of operations. Beyond its industrial achievements, Elkhart boasts a vibrant cultural scene rooted in its musical heritage. “One thing that has driven our relationship to the arts and entertainment is band instruments and music,” Mayor Roberson shares. The city’s crown jewel, the historic Lerner Theatre, celebrates its centennial this year, continuing to draw top-tier entertainment talent. Combined with a relatively low cost of living and easy access to major Midwestern cities, Elkhart offers an appealing blend of small-town charm and big-city opportunities. The city has successfully adapted to post-pandemic workforce trends through Indiana’s Make My Move initiative. “We’ve had approximately eight to ten people who have decided to come from all over the country to work remotely here and enjoy the benefits,” Mayor Roberson notes. This innovative approach aligns with Elkhart’s entrepreneurial spirit and focus on quality of life.“We want to capitalize on our unique strengths to make our community livable and create quality of place amenities so that people will be attracted to it.” 31 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01 ELKHART, IN
URBAN RENAISSANCE TRANSFORMS DOWNTOWN DISTRICTS Elkhart’s downtown revitalization represents a masterclass in thoughtful urban development, combining historic preservation with modern amenities. The city’s approach has garnered international recognition, demonstrating how midsized American cities can reinvent themselves while honoring their industrial heritage. “In 2020, I wanted to take the baton that was passed with some wonderful opportunities and expand it,” says Mayor Roberson, describing his vision for downtown renewal. A key catalyst for change came from community advocacy to reopen a beloved recreation center. This grassroots momentum sparked a broader conversation about neighborhood revitalization, leading to innovative partnerships between foundation leaders and community stakeholders. The River District exemplifies this collaborative approach to urban renewal. Built on the site of a former foundry that once employed thousands, this area has been reimagined through a $70 million investment in an aquatic center that serves multiple purposes.“We now have collegiate swimming meets that bring 60-70 teams with over 800 athletes from all over the country to compete,” Mayor Roberson explains. The facility doubles as a medical center, while the surrounding district has blossomed with new eateries, office spaces, corporate headquarters, and a grocery store. The success of the River District has inspired similar transformations across the city. Working with Notre Dame’s architectural department, Elkhart developed an award-winning downtown plan that emphasizes urban design principles while respecting historical context.“They took the best parts of previous plans over the last 30 years and examined how to apply urbanism to our downtown,” Mayor Roberson notes. This vision recently earned recognition at the International Making Cities Livable Conference in Cortona, Italy. A cornerstone of the downtown revival is an ambitious open-air musicvenue project,designed to complement the historic Lerner Theatre. “We’re working with Photo Credit: Elkhart County, IN CVB 32 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
partners to create a 6,000-8,000-capacity venue,” Mayor Roberson shares.This entertainment hub will enhance Elkhart’s cultural offerings and drive further development. The comprehensive ASPIRE Elkhart plan ties these initiatives together, focusing on strategic investments in downtown, neighborhoods, and the River District while maintaining a careful balance between preservation and progress. BUILDING TOMORROW’S INFRASTRUCTURE TODAY Infrastructure development in Elkhart follows a strategic approach that combines essential utility upgrades with forward-thinking urban design. The city’s comprehensive ASPIRE plan addresses underground necessities and above-ground amenities, creating a foundation for sustainable growth while enhancing quality of life for residents. Photo Credit: Elkhart County, IN CVB 33 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01 ELKHART, IN
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