Last week, a group of Albert Lea citizens was attempting to select a facilitator for our strategic planning process. Paul Sparks made an important observation during the meeting. He noted that the United States is moving away from a manufacturing economy and toward a service economy. According to Sparks, we in Albert Lea who have long enjoyed a vibrant manufacturing base should not be surprised that we have been hit harder than some other towns as this shift began to take place.

We have heard over and over again that Albert Leans want more good, high-paying jobs. Unfortunately, this type of job is often associated with manufacturing. Naturally, it also applies to engineering, consulting, bio-medical and many other professions and industries. It does not, however, generally apply to the retail sector. Albert Lea is a market center with a highly disproportionate percentage of the retail trade in our area. This tendency is slated to further increase as the Wal-Mart Supercenter opens and this new area attracts even more retail businesses to our town. Although these jobs are very welcome, they do not generally meet the above-stated goals of the community.

We in Albert Lea have all noticed that our town is no longer the vibrant, forward-moving community that it once was. Why is that? What happened? Paul’s observation speaks to this but is not the total answer. Helen Keller once said, &uot;Is there anything worse than being blind? Yes! The most pathetic person in the whole world is someone who has sight but has no vision.&uot; Do we have that vision? If not, do we need to develop such a vision? Some of us think that we do and this is why we are preparing to begin a visioning process that should result in a strategic plan that is based on that vision.

Katherine Kehler further challenges us to &uot;Dare to have a big vision. Envision something that is beyond your capabilities and will keep you challenged.&uot; Why not? We, our families, and our children should expect nothing less from us. In addition to this being an obligation, it can also be a lot of fun. She also challenges us to &uot;Dare to have a dream and have a vision that is greater than yourself &045; one that will leave this world a better place.&uot;

What might some of these &uot;big&uot; dreams and visions look like? How about clean lakes, boat docks and restaurants on the lake, a revitalized downtown, job opportunities that will support our families and allow our children to stay in Albert Lea? As we grow older, how about a wonderful and caring community that is great to grow old in and which is supportive of the less fortunate among us?

Don’t get me wrong. Albert Lea is a wonderful community. If it were not, those of us who have lived elsewhere would choose to live somewhere else. When Jobs, Inc. was founded and the Albert Lea Miracle took place in the 1940s, the challenge was to provide good jobs for all the returning soldiers. The question was &uot;how are you going to get the boys back on the farm after they have seen gay Paris?&uot; I can tell you that I have seen a lot of Paris and plan to spend the rest of my life in Albert Lea. I believe that most of us feel this way and love our town.

As you ponder these points, don’t forget to consider that nothing is free in this life. If you want something bad enough, go for it but be prepared to step up to the plate. I have learned that the more I give, the more I seem to get back. That applies to communities like Albert Lea also.

Tony Trow is an Albert Lea resident and president of Destination: Albert Lea. His column appears Mondays.