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
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