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Nose for News by Sarah Stultz

I’ve always had an appreciation for Albert Lea, the struggles it has overcome and the aspirations it has for the future.

When I first arrived in the city 18 1/2 years ago, Albert Lea was a much different place than it is now.

I’ve always thought positively of our city, though at first I remember it was a big transition for me to come to a smaller community, downsizing from all of the retail, restaurant and entertainment opportunities available in the larger cities where I grew up and attended college.

I was used to running into a friend or neighbor every so often — not like it is here where you run into someone you know most times you go out in public.

While living in a bigger city does have its benefits at times, there’s a lot of good things going for smaller cities like Albert Lea.

• Less time spent in traffic or going to and from places.

• Less crime. If you’re obeying the law and involved with people who do likewise, a majority of the time you’ll never encounter crime.

• Lower cost of living. Should I remind you what the average rental price is in the Twin Cities?

• People live at a slower pace

• You can feel closer to your community.

This list goes on and on, but these are some benefits that were top of mind for me.

Looking deeper into Albert Lea, specifically, I’ve always said and still believe that the people who live here are the city’s greatest assets.

We also have some great outdoor opportunities, especially in the summer, but also in the winter if you like the cold.

I also feel a good energy about the economic development opportunities here right now.

I’ll be the first to tell you I’m thrilled about a potential Aldi coming to town as we do sometimes drive to Austin to shop there.

I’m excited to see growth in businesses and industries in the community, whether it’s new businesses all together or expanded ones that are already here.

We’re seeing development for the first time in decades on the site of the former Farmland Foods plant, and from what I hear at the meetings I attend for this newspaper, there are lots of other developers showing interest in other properties, too.

If you agree with me that we live in a great community, use the tools you have to spread the word. We are our own best and worst advocates, and it’s important we spread the word about what we have to offer here.

Sarah Stultz is the managing editor of the Tribune.