The chicken or the egg? Which is it? Allow me to explain. The work that chambers of commerce and economic development groups do is important, especially in smaller to mid-size communities that operate on shoestring budgets with mostly volunteers. The goals of most of these groups is to promote business and help their members succeed. And, as they do that, their communities prosper, too.

I have heard many speeches, listened to many presentations and sat through many seminars on how to attract new business to communities. Some cities have experienced continual population growth, whether they want it or not. And although this may sound silly, managing that growth — and the problems that are associated with it — is no easy challenge. Other cities, especially smaller towns in rural areas, are continually brainstorming ways to attract more residents, more employers, more retail businesses and more service providers. Clearly, the answer is in jobs. The age-old question continues, though. What comes first, the chicken or the egg? In other words, does a community need available workers first to attract employers? Or does it need employers first to attract workers? And, as often debated today, do communities need to focus first on affordable housing, childcare and recreation to make the chicken and/or the egg happen?

The answer to all those questions is yes. But, as the old saying goes, sometimes you can’t see the forest for the trees. As such, we often miss two of the most obvious ways to grow our communities: 1) help existing businesses expand and 2) encourage family members to live in the community. In single situations, these solutions don’t sound like much. But when they add up, they snowball, and the results can be amazing. Overnight? No, but quick fixes rarely exist.

What if, instead of focusing so much of our time, effort and money on so many of the aforementioned solutions, we worked with current employers to find out how we could help them add to their workforce? What would need to happen for a small business to justify adding one employee — or five, or 10 or 20? And what if 50 businesses ultimately did that? The growth would be slow and sustainable. Housing, daycare and recreation would happen naturally without massive, tax-funded approaches that, when not managed properly, can negatively impact our public safety, our schools and our health care.

To the second point, convincing people to move to another community is a challenge. But convincing a family member, who already has experienced the passion and pride of the community in some way, is a much easier sell. Children. Grandchildren. Siblings. Parents. Grandparents. Any family member, really. And most all of us realize the benefits of being close to the ones we love.

So, here are your challenges for today and every day. First, if you own or operate a business, ask yourself what it would take for you to justify adding more staff this year and then share this with your local chamber of commerce or economic development group and ask what they can do to assist you in making that happen. And second, continually tell your family members how great your community is and encourage them to consider moving near you soon.

Does this sound too simple? Probably. But so are chickens. And eggs.

Have a magnificent Monday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com

See more of Shane Goodman's columns here.

FEATURE STORY
Winter Arts and Entertainment Guide

By Cyote Williams

Get ready to bust out your winter boots, heavy coats, thick gloves and ice scrapers if you have not already. Some snow has started to fall, and so, too, has your ambition to get out of the house. There’s just one problem. Central Iowa is a hotbed for art galleries, theatrical performances, indoor sports teams and musicians all winter long. Keep this guide handy in the winter months and see how many events and activities you can attend.

An unforgettable ride
Residents share the joy of their first car.

By Lindsey Giardino

What kids, strapped into the backseats of their parents’ cars, gazing through the gaps between the front seats and watching the road ahead, don’t think how great it will be when they are in the driver’s seat? And not just any driver’s seat, but the seat of their very own car. The power of the machine in their control. The freedom to choose the destination. The total control over the stereo. It’s no wonder people’s memories of their first auto stay vivid, and the stories remain a thrill to be told.

Mustang to remember
The 1965 Ford Mustang sitting in Brandon Doyel’s garage holds years’ worth of memories.

Doyel bought the two-door coupe in December 1997, just before his 16th birthday. He initially wanted the car because his older brother had a 1966 Mustang.

“When I got old enough, I thought, ‘I want a Mustang, too,’ ” Doyel says.

These celebrities were born on this date:  Daddy Yankee, Alex G, Sean Kingston, Isla Fisher, Warwick Davis, Nathan Lane, Eva Ruiz, Bridget Regan, Amal Clooney, Vanesa González, Aimee Lou Wood, Morgan Fairchild

SUBMIT: Send your birthday greetings and congratulatory notes to: tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

The answer to the last riddle:  What is the name of Darth Vader's corrupt brother? TAX E. VADER! - Rex Post, Gail Tomlinson, William Snyder

Today's riddle:  How do you know pigeons are wealthy?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

o advertise in the Daily Umbrella or West Des Moines/Jordan Creek, Waukee or Norwalk  Living magazines, contact:

Martha Munro
Account Executive
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 314
Mobile: 515-321-5246
martha@iowalivingmagazines.com

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