Forward Janesville - TheReport - First Quarter 2021

4 • W W W . F O R W A R D J A N E S V I L L E . C O M John Beckord • President, Forward Janesville • johnb@forwardjanesville.com Consider Helping Us Tell Our Story “In the decade since the GM plant closed, the Rock County area has welcomed 180 private sector projects representing $2.59 billion in new capital investment, more than 6,425 new jobs, 7.9 million square feet of new construction space, and 4.9 million square feet of leased or sold space. Author and Washington Post reporter Amy Goldstein, wrote a book with the title, Janesville: An American Story . The book tells the story of how Janesville suffered and persevered after the Great Recession and the closure of the General Motors plant. Last year, National Public Radio host Alisa Chang interviewed Goldstein and asked, “It has been a decade since GM left Janesville. How have you seen this town recover and possibly thrive in the ten years that have passed?” Goldstein’s answer focused on the demolition of the GM plant and the prospect of a new use for the site in the future. She described that redevelopment project as “big news for the community.” I agree the redevelopment of the GM site—now called the Centennial Industrial Park—is one aspect of our future economy. Once the entire site is ready for redevelopment, the rail infrastructure represents a valuable asset for the right user. But the point I am getting to is that a somewhat different answer to Alisa Chang’s question is far more descriptive and insightful to an understanding of how we have recovered. The way I would have answered Alisa Chang’s question is as follows: “In the decade since the GM plant closed, the Rock County area has welcomed 180 private sector development projects representing $2.59 billion in new capital investment, more than 6,425 new jobs, 7.9 million square feet of new construction space, and 4.9 million square feet of leased or sold space. Despite the pandemic, unemployment is down to 4.8 percent, retail sales are at record-setting levels, rental housing vacancies are at historic lows; and the single-family home market is red hot. The local economy is far more diversified and insulated from the shocks the community historically dealt with when vehicle manufacturing was the area’s key industry. The icing on the cake is that the community has spent $45 million to revitalize its downtown. A renewed sense of pride and optimism has gained a foothold in the hearts and minds of many Janesville residents.” I actually sent that alternative answer to both Alisa Chang and Amy Goldstein. I did not get a response. I guess to some observers, the redevelopment of the old GM site is still the answer to the question about whether Janesville has recovered from the painful sequence of events that started in 2008. This story leads me to a suggestion I have for those of you who are champions for the community. Don’t shy away from challenging online comments from what I believe is a small group of reflexively negative social media posters. My encouragement is, however, tempered by a few recommendations offered up by Forward Janesville member Laura Barten of Barten & Associates Public Relations. I asked Laura for some guidelines that would help you become an effective online influencer. Key suggestions include: • Demonstrate respect in all interactions. Model professionalism and discourage public belittling of any kind. • Encourage dialogue with the goal of fostering insight and understanding—not necessarily changing minds. • Focus on facts—never get personal, it lacks respect and is counter to your objectives. • Remember to actively listen and recognize both the good and any points of agreement. • Learn how to bridge, pivot, and reframe your answers to more constructively address challenging or aggressive questions. • Pick your battles carefully: Know when to speak up, when to remain silent, and, perhaps most importantly, when to move on. We have a great community story to tell. I encourage you to be part of the effort to challenge misinformed messaging online and flip the script to the amazing progress we have made in the last decade.