Bill Kercher
Description
Vision and Leadership Change Everything. Character towns are the small cities and towns we dream about as an idyllic place to live, raise a family and
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own a business. Towns with character have great neighborhoods, vibrant main streets, superior schools, a verdant system of open space and an obvious respect for historic and natural resources. Towns with character must preserve and enhance their good fortune. Towns still struggling to find their place can leverage the assets they have with discipline, patience and perseverance to be successful even if it takes generations. Character Towns offers theories, examples, checklists and practical guides for small cities and towns to preserve what they have and build what they need.Every small city and town in America is a global city. The fact that anyone anywhere can be in touch with anyone else at any place at any time means all business is global and local, whether they know it or not. Towns with character, especially those depending on the creative class, are very appealing to small businesses, start-ups and high tech businesses. Developing and using the local school system, the open space system that combines parks, wetlands, school yards and streets, the downtowns with cafes, restaurants and shops, the libraries and museums and diverse neighborhood offerings presents a strong economic development picture to the New Economy.At the end of the day, a character town is an emotional experience. They are the places that let us feel good by appealing to our senses of sight, sound, smell and touch. The role of community leaders is to help the community create the social, economic and physical setting supporting a society that is proud of its home town, protective of its heritage and committed to its well-being. Character towns are interesting, pleasant and prosperous places for residents, businesses and visitors.
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