Last summer, Creo Quality conducted an experiment of sorts in Martinsville, Indiana. We organized and held a Community Day event on the Square. We were told by the “leaders” in the town that we couldn’t do this. We did. I suppose our critics could argue that we crashed and burned. But I’m a “glass-half-full” guy. The main event focused on entrepreneurship. We had teams of kids create and run lemonade stands. All proceeds were donated to the local Boys & Girls Clubs.

In the year and a half that has transpired since, I’ve noticed some positive changes. The town seemed to feature more community events this past summer. We had a farmer’s market every Saturday. Small steps for many towns; huge strides for Martinsville.

But it’s not enough. Businesses still struggle. The perception outside the community is also not favorable. Good news: Martinsville has a strategic plan. Okay, not good news (in my opinion). Have you ever read any of these community strategic plans? 80% of the content is cookie cutter and not actionable. 20% is esoteric and vague. But good money (in the form of a grant, I think) was paid, so Martinsville leaders should be proud. I recently sent an email to several within the community asking who is working to improve the town. I received a few quick replies and was assured that several measures are underway to fix Martinsville. I was also invited to join the “team”. I expressed my interest and am still waiting on a response to when and where (it’s been nearly a month–no response). I’m just not convinced that the “leaders” in the community are on the right track.

(Back to being glass-half-full guy) Even the leaders in the community want what’s best. I’ve met some great people, heard some fantastic ideas, and had first-hand experience of businesses making a positive difference. We just need more–and we need to try things, fail, learn, and do it again and again and again.

So who’s with me? Who wants to work with me and roll up their sleeves to make Martinsville great again? We’ll likely step on some toes and make some people angry. This isn’t the purpose, but change is hard. Some people won’t like it. Some people will feel threatened. To paraphrase Albert Einstein, expecting different results without change is insanity. Despite what we were taught in school failure is an option. It’s a great way to learn what doesn’t work. However, failure to do anything except plan is not a choice Martinsville or any community should make.

I live outside of Martinsville, Indiana and have for over 10 years. For most of this time, I commuted outside Morgan County to work either to Bloomington or Indianapolis. I still go out of town often but find myself caring more about the Martinsville community more and more. One major reason has to do with my kids. They are 10 and 7 and growing up much faster than I could have imagined.

I’m really concerned about Martinsville. If you visit, go downtown to the square (no, not Wal-Mart). If you go during the work day, it looks packed. Keep in mind most of the cars parked along the square work at the courthouse or legal offices in the area. After 5pm and on weekends, it’s a different story. I’ve seen more businesses than I care to count open shop around the square only to close a short time later. Kind of sad.

Who’s working on improving the Martinsville community? Sadly, I’m not sure. Martinsville has a chamber, a downtown merchants association, a city council, a mayor. The county has an economic development organization (based in Mooresville). As a business owner, I’ve paid attention to these groups. But time after time, it’s business as usual. And the usual is NOT helping this community.

I’m treasurer for the Morgan County Recreational Alliance (MCRA). About a year ago, MCRA had a full head of steam. We had access to 30+ acres just a couple miles from the square that we were planning to convert into walking trails, youth football fields, and youth soccer fields. Surprisingly, Martinsville has no dedicate youth soccer facilities. The youth football situation is not much better; they use the West Middle School football field for games. This field is also used by both the East and West middle schools. But MCRA’s efforts have stalled. State road 39 is scheduled to be redone and rerouted. Looks like the new 39 will pass right through the 30+ acres.

I wonder if other communities have the same struggles. I assume many do. But then I read about the Monroe County Trail project receiving $595 thousand in Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Transportation Enhancement funds and about the city of Westfield receiving $1,096,667 transportation grant from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

And I wonder why my community isn’t working on these types of opportunities.