You just never know

It's all about who you know, right? We've all heard that many times. But maybe it's not so much about who we know, but rather who we tell. Let me explain.

There are businesses here in Gothenburg that came because of a chance conversation. For instance, a Gothenburg banker meets a Cambridge businessman at the boat dock during a fishing trip. The two hit it off, chat about their towns and business dealings. The next thing you know, Gothenburg has gigabit fiber available to every home and business. It didn't happen with the snap of a finger. A lot of hard work went into that recruitment. But it wouldn't have happened at all had one person not been willing to share Gothenburg's story.

That's how community leaders expect to come across the next occupant of the former Baldwin building. Your neighbor might have a friend or a relative who has close ties to a manufacturing business that's looking to expand or relocate. Your daughter or granddaughter could have been in a sorority with the CEO of a business in eastern Nebraska that was devastated by the flooding and needs a new place to land. Maybe your uncle is an entrepreneur just waiting for the perfect location to mass produce his next invention. You never really know what's possible if you don't ask, right?

Gothenburg Improvement Company believes strongly enough in this city and its opportunities that it purchased the former Baldwin building so local leaders can pursue an occupant that provides jobs rather than turning it into a warehouse. But GIC needs everyone to be on board, sharing Gothenburg's story and encouraging those we know to take a look.

GIC will host an open house from 5-7 pm on Tuesday, April 30, at the Baldwin building. Board members will be on had to answer questions, give tours and show off the possibilities. There's free food and drinks, so come take a look. Then tell your friends, your neighbors, your relatives what you saw. Share your ideas with GIC members, city officials, the Chamber.

Think how cool it would be if YOU were the one who could say, "I helped make that happen!"

---