A letter to the Community from the EDC and Junction City 1st Advisory Boards.
A Culture of Abundance Over a Culture of Sacrifice.
Peter Drucker, a renowned author and business advisor, frequently taught that lasting success comes from an abundance mindset—a focus on creating opportunities rather than on guarding against loss. Communities grow stronger and more prosperous when they choose to invest, build, and imagine more, instead of cutting back or holding on to what they have. This core idea of abundance versus sacrifice is a strong tenet throughout his management philosophy and is directly relevant to our current situation. The decisions we make today will shape the future of our community. For too long, a culture of sacrifice—defined by anti-growth rhetoric and protectionist attitudes—has dominated our local discourse. We have consistently heard and acted on the premise that to preserve what we have, we must resist change and reject new opportunities.
Unfortunately, this approach has led to significant losses that have hindered our growth and prosperity. In the past few years alone, we have lost out on several key opportunities, including: The new interchange on Taylor Road, which would have improved connectivity and economic access. A cutting-edge agricultural industry that promised strong ties for future opportunities.
These are just a few of the missed opportunities we know about. The true cost of anti-growth sentiment is likely much higher, as it discourages potential investors and leaders from even considering our community. We are currently getting what we've asked for: a stagnant economy, a declining population, and the loss of our most talented young leaders. They are seeking opportunities elsewhere because they are fed up with lack of progress. We have an opportunity to change our trajectory by embracing a culture of abundance. This principle is about recognizing that we are a community sitting on a wealth of assets—from our rich agricultural heritage and strategic location to our dedicated residents and untapped potential. A culture of abundance is about working together to leverage these assets for meaningful and sustainable growth. It is about actively seeking out new opportunities and creating a welcoming environment for innovation and development. This shift, however, cannot happen if we continue to allow the negative voices to have the loudest and most prominent platform. While it is important to hear all perspectives, we must be proactive in challenging the anti-growth narrative. Leaders must come back strongly with a clear message: that growth is not an option but a critical necessity for our community's survival and future. The perpetual negativity that undermines progress cannot be allowed to dictate our path forward. We must actively champion and promote a positive vision for Junction City.
Embracing this new mindset does not mean we sacrifice our core values. Instead, it means we become more intentional about our future by: Investing in our infrastructure to support new development and improve quality of life. Actively pursuing industrial growth to build our tax base and create new jobs. This is a critical foundation that supports and strengthens the entire local economy, including the opportunities for entrepreneurs. Encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation to diversify our local economy. Building a community that attracts and retains young leaders who will shape our future.
It's time to shift our focus from protecting what we have, to creating what is possible. By uniting around a shared vision of abundance, we can transform our community for generations to come.
Sincerely,
The Junction City First Board:
Keith Henry; Chair
Alan Bontrager; Secretary
Jim Schmidt; Treasurer
Blake Ballhorst
Clint Junghans
The EDC Advisory Committee:
Mark Powers; Chair
Steve Struebing; Vice-Chair
Alan Bontrager
Justin Hoover
Ron Johnson
Pat Landes
Trish Giordano
Mickey Fornaro-Dean; President of Operations and Director of Economic Development.