What a difference a year makes!
Last November 1st I took on the role of Editor in Chief at Business View – something I’d aspired to for quite a while. It was super exciting and I can’t believe how quickly the past 12 months have whizzed by. I’ve heard a lot during interviews in that time about ‘silos’, which has made me realize how lucky I am. For while I may work remotely in my own little world, I definitely am not alone. I have lots of company on the journey to success – a fantastic team that makes all of our Business View publications a true joy to produce and to share with you, our wonderful readers. I am so grateful to all of them. Special thanks to our Publisher, Marcus VandenBrink, who has been incredibly flexible, and patient, and ultimately trusted me to get the job done. Here’s to an exciting year ahead for all of us!
This month’s edition of Business View Civil & Municipal travels a wide swath of the U.S. and north into Canada, visiting some outstanding cities, towns, villages, and townships. Many are amalgamated municipalities that strive to address the common concerns of their communities, as well as individual needs and wants.
Our cover feature on Asheville, North Carolina showcases the city from a Sustainability and Social Justice perspective. The story covers the collaboration between Asheville’s city administration, community members, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) leaders seeks to shape a locally relevant, inquiry-oriented, working definition of climate equity. I think you’ll find this an enlightening and important read.
In other news, our Q & A with the Association of Florida Community Developers educates us on the importance of well-planned community development in the ever-growing Sunshine State. We follow that with a profile of Milton, Florida – where the population is rising and becoming more diverse in the process. As Mayor Heather Lindsay attests, “I’ve seen Milton change over the years, but it’s the things that stay the same that make it very attractive.”
We also share how New Haven and Lawrence, Indiana are seeing positive changes in everything from housing to infrastructure, recreation, and the business landscape. The same holds true for Garfield Heights, Ohio; Douglasville, Georgia; Sherwood, Oregon; Middletown, Connecticut; and Douglas, Arizona – all are outstanding locations to live, work, play, and visit!
In Ontario, Canada, community and economic development happens with a warm and welcoming focus – delivering top-quality amenities wrapped up in the quintessential, small town charm we love. Experience the magic, as we tour some of the province’s best hidden secrets in Mississippi Mills, St. Clair Township, Meaford, and South Frontenac.
I hope you enjoy the digital road trip we’ve put together for you and plan to check out these iconic destinations in person, some day. Cheers!
Editor in Chief
Lorie Lee Steiner
