Capacity Building Grant Possible For Delta County Michigan

 It is important for Delta County administrators to take advantage of whatever grants are currently available. Often we skip over these grants because we might not have a solid growth plan and don't know how the money can be used. Yet to grow means we need resources in a post COVID world and that means utilizing as much as we can to maximize the benefits. We have new trails coming into play, new money from rural water development, transportation, etc.... this is another good grand we can think about. 

Taken from press release.....

Trump Administration Seeks Applications for Capacity Building and Planning Grants in Rural Communities

Washington - The Trump Administration today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications to help rural communities enhance capacity for broadband access; preserve cultural and historic structures; and support the development of transportation, housing, and recreational spaces. USDA is making $1 million in grants available under the Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge (RPIC). Eligible recipients may use the grants to develop multi-jurisdictional plans to benefit cities or towns with 50,000 residents or less. Organizations may use funds to develop actionable plans, convene partners, identify community needs and implement priorities to build rural prosperity. Public or private groups, organizations, or institutions that demonstrate experience in providing placemaking technical assistance to rural communities are eligible to apply. USDA encourages applicants to develop projects and plans that provide measurable results to help create livable communities; encourage partnerships; contribute to long-term community investment; and support community resiliency, social stability and collective identity. USDA seeks to partner with one organization each located in the northeast, southern, midwestern and western regions of the United States. The maximum grant award is $250,000. Applicants must provide a 15 percent match in funding. Eligible placemaking plans will provide assistance to rural communities for two years. Electronic applications must be submitted via grants.gov and a copy of the submission must be emailed to RD.Innovation@usda.gov by midnight Eastern Standard Time on Sept. 10, 2020. For more information, contact Angela.Callie@usda.gov or call (202) 568-9738. USDA encourages applications that will support recommendations made in the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB).

The Phone Call That Tells You We Going to Cause Your Family Problems

This is not some blurb from a creepy Hulu feature film where someone calls you on the phone breathing heavily and not saying anything. Its worse than that! They talked and said a little too much!  

It was one of those weird conversations that when it was over you think, "That is seriously wrong!" and "What is going through that person's head?" It feels like it must be a dream or someone is goofing on you and your not understanding the punchline. 

The conversation was pitched as helping you out (i.e. informing you) but contained within it many comparisons of themselves to my family.  They are better because they played sports, because they dress a certain way, because they like certain sports teams, etc...  You are eccentric and different and I should change my name kind of stuff.

I guess it didn't do much good to say that I also played sports, not only in high-school but also throughout my life. Furthermore, I tried to explain that my kids are Black and we have a different education level and that might create some differences in perception. 

It didn't matter what I said as that person was not willing to listen and would ask a question and cut my answers short by talking right over the top of me again. I did slip out they could accept us or not accept us but we simply can't change for them. 

There was no implied bigotry here. This was the stuff that was part of the core meaning of the language.

In many ways I already knew this group was going to cause problems. They lied about a few events by not giving me the information and then told people we didn't want to come. The level of manipulation and dishonesty is beyond anything I have ever experienced in my life. 

As suspected, problems did start after that. More lies, false rumors, false police reports, ostracizing of children, community ostracizing, intimidation by a law enforcement officer, and more....  In the right light, that phone call could be taken as a warning...,"Get out of town, you and your kids are not welcome here!"

There were people who coordinated with them. It was mostly their close friends and associates that they played sports with in high school. For the life of me, I can't even imagine people acting on information without any real knowledge. Thinking back I don't believe anyone in this community could say I have ever done anything wrong to them. 

While there are some bad actors in the community there have been some unsolicited words of support. A few people have come up and said things like, "You are probably the most interesting man in the county" and "Your kids are so nice and wonderful".  "Keep doing what your doing!" support. It's nice to know good people are still around.

Unfortunately, my kids don't come  up as much anymore. After one of them was harmed, and the environment turned sour, I discouraged interaction with the group of perpetrators. They are going to college now and may be up from time to time but it won't be like before. I tell them keep a low profile. I am concerned being Black and having an aggressive officer out there isn't a good mix. 

It is sad though. I don't really see race and religion the way these people do. It shouldn't be a dividing line and it shouldn't give some people the right to hate and act on that hate. Justice should also not be applied to one people and not to another.  To me race and religion is just spicing and garnish on the main person.

There are others that may have been hurt and so far it doesn't appear much action has been taken to follow up to help them either. Nor doesn't it appear that much action has been taken to protect the community in the future from these behaviors. I would also suspect I would be the last person to be informed.

To me accountability doesn't always mean prosecution. It does mean people come to own their behavior and take responsibility for it. In many cases getting into counseling and dealing with deeper trauma that created the distorted thinking in the first place can help the community in the long run. 

In other cases, use of force on and prosecuting illegal behavior can be helpful. This becomes very important if we are dealing with a law enforcement official and any potential harm to children. Our Justice System has a responsibility to protect the public and if they can't do that then........I would be at a loss to understand their essential purpose. 

Most officers I have met are excellent people but as of yet a "bad apple" has not been held to account and it appears that being a county employee creates some levels of immunity from bad behavior. 

So I can't say completely I understand the reasoning and logic used by county officials. Perhaps there isn't enough evidence, maybe we are seen as the "outsiders", or maybe it wouldn't be a popular move for re-election. I can only say that this is concerning from a systems point of view and I have a moral obligation to whisper the truth in the ears of anyone who would be willing to hear it. The only thing the recipients need to do is ask themselves, "What kind of person am I?"

First Polo Game in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

 

In the Month of August we had the very first polo game in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Four chuckers long and most of the fouls were not called. It was the very first time people played the game so it may have been more like practice but we muddled our way through anyway. Everyone had a great time and we plan on making it a more regular event. Some discussion on getting better to have a Humane Society fundraising event and teaching 4H children how to play. Another mentioned playing at next year's U.P State Fare and have a band afterward with a dance.  I can't imagine people showing up dressed up like the show Pretty Woman!

I'm not sure that we are at that level but it is certainly fun to think about. Yikes! I will do anything for a good cause and for good fun. If we raise some money for something worthwhile it will be a blast to participate in the betterment of the community. I guess that is what its all about fun, recreation, and doing good things. 

It also teaches people that there are many more sports beyond baseball, football and hockey. The area has cheap land and lots of horses but most riding is Western . So it is kind of cool having people engage in the fun of it and start to play. 

Some things we need some work on is leaning over well with balance and hitting the ball in a straight line. Likewise, we need to think about following the line of the ball so that safety improves. However, overall everyone did great job and by the end of the game a few were moving faster and hitting the ball more consistently. Two players dribbled half the arena and put the ball between the goal posts!  

Escanaba Polo Mallet Company donated the equipment and expertise to play the first game. Escanaba Polo Mallet Company is a good works establishment that donates much of its profits to orphans, children's enrichment, and horse rescue. They sell affordable polo mallets and clothing. 

Telemedicine Makes Sense in Today's World For Cost and Effectiveness

I'm reading the article, "Is Telemedicine the New Normal?" by Stephen Henderson in Detroit Today and I find that I agree with some of the conclusions of the article that telehealth makes sense and is here to stay. First, let me say there are lots of reason why medicine is so expensive that range from overuse of specialists all the way to drug costs. Focusing on preventative care and access to care may make a big difference in our overall health and our ability to keep costs down.  

Consider that one can see a doctor via Skype (or similar) and discuss symptoms, make a pharmacy order and have it delivered and even educate themselves about their medical issues all from the comfort from their home. That is great news!

I'm not naive as I believe it will not be important to physically go in and see your doctor on occasion but it doesn't have to be every time thereby limiting the need for larger facilities. Basic check-ins and review could take a on more boutique and house visit style. 

We may also consider that by focusing on a primary doctor we are also using specialists more wisely and thus can also do so virtually when possible. That can reduce costs as a method of limiting over referrals that seem to push costs upwards.

Furthermore, by making health easier to access we can consider the overall benefits to preventative medicine. Instead of having excuses it takes very little time to set up an appointment and have one. You wouldn't even have to turn off Netflix for very long. Perhaps you can do it right from your phone as long as you turn the volume down. 

There are limitations and one may miss important issues without consistent physical inspection but the bulk of medical care is from self-reporting and with a proper prescreen questionnaire that limits possibilities and asks the right questions based on answers we may just make doctors more accurate.  Some people with issues will need to come in but many people may need a more routine reviews. 

Characteristics of Successful Venture Capitalist Investments Environments in Delta County Michigan

Developing local business while attracting national and international investment is a worthwhile pursuit that increases the opportunity that higher levels of quality of life and financial well-being . Yes there will need to be new industries in places like Delta County but that doesn't mean we can't attract new talent while still enhancing existing talent and businesses. The way in which we do this is dependent on our local culture and advantages but does follow existing literature on how to attract venture capitalism to the area by creating the right setting. 

Delta county is an ideal location because of its existing infrastructure, need for downtown enhancement and as a transportation hub with rail, road, air and a deep sea port present. Just looking at the downtown and how it could benefit from a paint job and new business investment will tell you something about the need to continue to grow the economy. If we add to that the local community college and the existing small industrial base with large contextual need to increase Great Lakes exports we can get a better sense of new opportunities. 

There are characteristics that mark high value cities for development (McDonald and Bailly, 2017):

1. Growth potential, skilled workforce, resilient economy.

2. Transportation connections (nationally and internationally).

3. Pro-investment city leadership.

4. Pro-investment planning. 

 

Let's see how Delta County fits within these categories.

1. High potential for shipping, manufacturing, and tourism. Local community college to train people, and somewhat isolated from short-term economic shocks.

2. Spider webbed railroad, connection of roads, close to import export airport, developing space launch site, and deep seaport.

3 & 4 City and county leadership has been talking and open about methods of growing the local economy but hasn't come up with a strategically viable plan.

 

Its not looking too bad for Delta County. There are other things that could be worked in on terms of start-up initiatives, improving the downtown offerings and decor, encouraging condos and seasonal housing, improving training of law enforcement, bikes and golf cart traffic, public transit and other gradations of change. However, a solid base has been created and now the county has to think about attracting new industry, business, and improving its overall public marketing image. 

One thing investors look for is quality information that leads to better decision making. This means that information is catered in a way that attracts and serves their needs. In marketing we learn that different information appeals to different types of people. If you are attracting vacationer the information is going to be significantly different than what investors need to conduct their analysis. 

The same can be said for research data and investment decisions. Investors look at different portfolios and information to make a decision about the type of businesses they would like to put their money. When that information is easy to find and fits their criteria they will have more incentive to continue to search out additional opportunities.     

Research has found that offering appropriate business information based in the needs of venture capitalism leads to more successful match between business needs and area investments (Croce, Francesca, and Ughetto, 2016). That same study also found that beyond the details found within the financial reports are soft characteristics such as owner information and the amenities of the area. In particular they looked at:

1. Facilities and Infrastructure: Product Transport, City Services, , Business Districts, Public Transportation, etc....

2. Local Labor Skills: Labor skills in the area and Bay De Noc College training.  

3. Institutions and Systems: Taxes, City/County Admin, Courts and Law Enforcement Performance, Entertainment, Etc...   

Thus successful investment decisions are not made simply from the businesses themselves but also the environment in which they exist. Investors want information on the area as much as they do on the specific business and their owners. The environment in which these businesses exist in terms of county administration, institutions, transportation and labor skill make make a big difference. Thus any turn around investment strategy may want to consider making information available on their institutions and other amendments to create investment context for specific businesses. 

Connecting to previous research:Creating an online investment space where businesses, administrators and investors can meet makes a big difference in successful investments. We now find that attracting the right kind of investors based on a successful cluster development strategy and in turn providing information on local institutions can foster further interest and local growth. That "investor online community" will also need proper marketing to reach large institutional investors and smaller venture capitalists.  

R. Mcdonald, R. and Bailly,  A. (July 2017). ―What investors want: A guide for cities. Center for Cities. https://www.centreforcities.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/17-07-18-What-Investors-Want-A-Guide-For-Cities.pdf

 

Croce, A., Francesca, T, and Ughetto, E. (2016) How business angel groups work: Rejection criteria in investment evaluation. Sage Journals. https://doi.org/10.1177/0266242615622675

Supporting Police AND Supporting Protesters-Culture, Metrics, Values!

We have a crisis of confidence in the Justice System. Our national leaders have pitted this as Police VERSUS Protesters (or visa versa if your prefer).   That argument based in duelist thinking is destructive. This could be a police AND protester issue if stakeholders looked beyond current frustration and into the need to reconcile.   There are reforms needed in policing but that doesn't mean all police are to blame. Protesters are right in being upset because the system has gone unchallenged for many decades and has seemingly removed appropriate feedback loops that would allow it to improve. It is now time to improve through Culture, Metrics and Values to encourage the world to be a better place.

Let me say I get both sides of the argument. I firefight, challenged serious criminals a couple of times, and tried to help people were I felt I could. Over the years I've met mostly good officers that were helpful and genuine. On the other hand, I have seen the Justice System struggle with complex financial crimes based on lack of expertise while using hammer to smack petty crimes.  I myself have been on the receiving end of racial, religious, and monetary aggression and feel that they walked because of their close association with law enforcement.

So while I have respect for most officers I know all too well that some are not out to do the right thing and the system can turn a blind eye and brush illegal behavior under the carpet.  

So I can honestly say I understand the frustrations and anger the protesters feel when racism and discrimination smack them in the face and no one "sees anything" and ethics and morality appear to be damned! On the other side, I know most of these officers are trying to do the right thing and desire to help their communities but often lack the resources, support and tools. Good intentions erode under a culture of "protect your own", judges and prosecutors who are often shortsighted, and a thankless job that comes with lots of risks and not many rewards. 

Of course people are going to line up on both sides of the protest line, dig their heels in and say, "Its all their fault!"

Culture: Culture best serves it's stakeholders when it is open, inclusive, and focused on solving problems. If the culture becomes exclusive and focused more on punishment than helping we need to revamp. Having a "one of our own" enforcement mentality is great but it should allow for open internal dialogue and holding each other accountable for bad behavior.

Metrics: Success shouldn't come through tickets and arrests alone. There should be metrics on how to help others and encourage people to make their lives better. I have seen victims of crime become victims of the Justice system because we didn't reach out to help them. Our focus was more on punishment with partial information and not enough on helping.  Changing some of the metrics leads to changing of promotions and the culture of the organization.

Values: We built this huge legal infrastructure off attorneys, judges, court rooms, prisons, and guns. We forgot their essential purpose in helping society and encouraging peace and trust in the system. Societal stability relies on trust and we must work to restore that trust by universalizing our values to all races and religions. 

If we are not 100% the Justice Department is doing the right thing, punishing people fairly, and being wise in its decisions we should start thinking about reform. Likewise, if we believe that some of these officers are trying to protect the public and have good intentions then we should stop trying to hurt them during protests and find ways to create dialogue. This is where real leadership comes into play....when we try and understand both sides and take actions to pull the country together. Those on both sides that are sowing discontent are doing so for their own selfish causes and we may want to consider picking better leaders.

   

Executive Orders Donald Trump August 8th 2020

 The President announced that a number of executive orders will take effect. I haven't had an opportunity to review but it appears that treatment court makes sense whereby veterans have opportunities to gain treatment versus punishment. Discussions on voter I.D., unemployment, mail in ballot, etc. that are likely to be challenged. I don't have an opinion yet until I truly understand what the issues are. Perhaps I will write a little more later.