Macomb is the Future (links, thoughts, and inspiration since our discussion)
Amanda Dean
Hi Friends,
Thanks so much for having me on Saturday! I’ve been thinking about our discussion and wanted to share some links and additional thoughts (mostly about how our conversation has inspired me to move forward). If anyone would like to continue the ‘future of Macomb’ discussion over email (or coffee, or home renovation projects), please feel free to email or text me.
Warmly,
Amanda
LINKS
The Wall Street Journal ‘Lemon’ that we squeezed into lemonade.
The Community News Brief’s Response to the WSJ
No Place Like Macomb’s response to the WSJ article (these are in reverse chronological order): The Macomb Love Letters Project (this is also where you can sign up for our community events e-newsletter that starts later this month).
The Macomb Arthouse Project (MAP), where you can view ideas for future arthouse themes, click on images that will take you to our inspiration boards, donate, shop, and (coming soon) hire us to paint your house!
We didn’t talk too much about these, but The Macomb Creative Collab (MC2) is the umbrella project for No Place Like Macomb, The Macomb Arthouse Project, the Arthouse Cafe & Folk School, and The Macomb Artisans Guild (a work in progress). If you are unfamiliar with the folk school concept, here's a link to the most popular one in the US.
The Community News Brief Article about some of my and Nancy Hall’s projects
Lonely Fans, Scott Galloway’s article about the loneliness epidemic (reminiscent of the book Bowling Alone). There is the option to play audio of the article if you’re short on time).
THOUGHTS SINCE OUR DISCUSSION
Affordable housing is Macomb’s biggest ‘it’ factor. How do we leverage this wisely and equitably (avoiding gentrification and helping working class people achieve homeownership)? I am hoping the Arthouse Project can eventually set up a fund to help first-time homebuyers with down payments.
How are students getting their info? Can we bring back a real college newspaper? People my age seem to be craving tangible media now more than ever. I’d love to do some cursory market research to see if this is something students would want as well.
The Adams Street Corridor is an opportunity, but the needlessly awkward crossing at Jackson Street remains a barrier. I’ve been told this is a Department of Transportation issue (and that is always said in a tone of resignation…apparently it is quite difficult to make changes through DOT…but is it possible?) I think it would be a worthwhile pursuit if we want the town/gown divide to narrow.
Can we better promote WIU’s Health Management Degree program (which offers an emphasis on long-term care) to attract students looking for AI-proof careers in the growing elder/memory care industry?
How can the internet offer Macomb's entrepreneurs unconventional streams of income that have not historically been available to small businesses in small towns (e.g., shipping cross-country or monetizing a social media channel?)
I used Brett Turner’s cool garden/art projects as an example, which I’ve smiled about several times since our meeting because he is probably the last person who would be interested in monetizing and social media, but essentially, anything that is interesting to watch or that people want to learn how to do can become a Youtube or Tiktok or Facebook channel. And with a good website and some marketing savvy, local product-based businesses can expand their customer base beyond the limits of Macomb.
My favorite example of this sort of marketing strategy is the candy shop Sticky, which has become a bit of a viral sensation (with revenue growth to match) just by sharing videos of their candy-making process online (also, I really want a candy shop here in Macomb). ;)
I am thinking about ways the Macomb Creative Collab could teach (or facilitate) social media strategy to local businesses, perhaps working alongside the Illinois Institute of Rural Affairs’ SBA? This could be a really fun opportunity to put Macomb on the map one small business at a time, and help businesses increase their revenue even before we grow in population.
I have decided since our meeting that I am going to create a series of videos featuring people doing cool stuff in Macomb as part of a marketing strategy to try to bring good neighbors here.
Off the top of my head, I would love to feature John Curtis (Giving Gardens), Kelley Quinn (Tractor Town), Anne Lefter (Performing Arts Center), Sue Scott (Western Illinois Museum), Michael Mahoney (CT Vivian Mural…and another on the way!), Jock Hedblade (Unforgettable Forgottonia, and Moss Carter (Food not Bombs). I’m sure there are others I am not thinking of at the moment. Feel free to make suggestions!
Amanda Dean, LMSW
309-255-9022