What we’re thankful for this season

In January, we discussed the Gross National Happiness Index, and how Northern Colorado could shift its focus from the bad news of the Great Recession to the better news of what’s going well.

We’ve heard throughout the year that the region has been spared the worst – double-digit unemployment, plummeting property values, government implosion – of the lousiest U.S. economy in decades. Things may be tough, but at least we’re not (insert Detroit, Las Vegas, California here).

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, we should appreciate more than just our “relative better-off-ness.”

Regionalism is alive and well and poised to take off in the new year. Just a couple of examples include Embrace Northern Colorado, profiled in our last issue, which is bringing the region’s leaders together to work on the region’s problems together; and the off-road trail system that will link our major cities once the connection under Interstate 25 is completed.

Speaking of I-25, improvements to the interchanges at Crossroads Boulevard, U.S. Highway 34 – and eventually Colorado Highway 392 – are benefiting regional transportation now.

Creativity is also alive and well in our region. Not only are the arts and creative industries thriving, but so are entrepreneurs in science and technology. The Rocky Mountain Innovation Initiative has adopted its own regional vision, and will be able to share it with even more startups when it moves into its new building on Vine Drive in Fort Collins.

Speaking of RMI2, it is part of the developing Brainiac Triangle on North College Avenue. The other sides are the expanding Colorado State University Engines and Energy Conversion Lab and the under-construction Fort Collins Museum and Discovery Science Center, all accessible on the Mason Corridor transit system, still on its way.

Loveland has a new city manager and a new plan to spur redevelopment of its downtown.

Local farmers harvested record crops this year. The long-awaited Leprino cheese factory will soon be creating new jobs in Greeley and a new market for dairies, which have been suffering.

And speaking of agribusiness, JBS USA has made a long term commitment to the area with the purchase of its Promontory headquarters as well as moving its trucking operations and Pilgrim’s Pride workers to town.

In short, we are thankful for the people of Northern Colorado willing to commit their time and energy and resources to our future with a collective spirit.

Happy Thanksgiving.

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