Todd Burtron, founder of Conrad Advisory Group, shared an engaging and thought-provoking program at the July meeting of the Northern Hamilton County Chamber of Commerce at the Taylor Center for Natural History.
Burtron, a Sheridan native who lives and works in Hamilton County, challenged members to think about what makes the northern part of the county unique and how these communities can retain, build and sustain a high quality of life today and for generations to come.
Burtron challenged members to ask themselves several questions in reference to their community – Who are we? Why are we here? What do we have that others do not? – to start the dialog about their respective community in context of being a part of one of the fasting growing, most educated and powerful counties in the country.
“The northernmost communities are unique and have a lot to offer in terms of opportunities and amenities,” noted Burtron. “And, growth in the county is on a northbound trajectory.”
Backed by more than 25 years of experience in the public service sector, Burtron said it is essential to plan and prepare for enhancing and improving the quality of life in any community, large or small.
“An integral part is understanding and planning for change,” Burtron said. “Change is a constant and if communities want to preserve their small town atmosphere and charm, they need to learn to embrace and manage change, referencing paradox whereby everything must change in order for things to stay the same.”
Burtron concluded the program by encouraging attendees to continue the conversation with local, state and government personnel, community leaders, and residents to be actively engaged in the process of charting the direction of their communities. He suggested a good place to start was by answering the following questions: Where do we go from here? What should we change in order to stay the same? What do we want to do, if anything, for vitality and growth in the northernmost communities of Hamilton County?
The next scheduled meeting of the Northern Hamilton County Chamber of Commerce is set for 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8 at the Duke Energy Power Station located at East 211th Street in Noblesville.