Boomtown Institute – The Agurban E-Zine Issue 96 Oct 10, 2006

We’re Back!

Some of you may have noticed that The Agurban hasn’t been delivered for the past several weeks. We’ve had a serious problem with our database and software that we’re still working on. Because of these glitches, some of your emails or requests may not have been received. If you emailed us in the last month and didn’t receive a response, please email [email protected]. Look for some exciting changes to The Agurban in the coming weeks!

You Know You’re in a Small Town

Galva, IL was established as a Swedish Railroad Town, located near Bishop Hill, a historical Swedish communal town that brings in dignitaries like the King of Sweden for special events. It is like a lot of small towns that I visit. People are friendly. They pitch in when needed and care for each other.

To show the special spirit of a town like Galva I could tell you about the two devastating tornadoes that they’ve had in the past ten years, the latest of which in 2003 resulted in over 6,000 truckloads of brush being hauled away in a two week period. I could tell you about how Galva has four big parks, totaling over 50 acres, probably more park land/capita than most towns. Or I could tell you how the town overwhelmingly welcomed back their 120 member National Guard unit from Iraq last year.

But, I’m not going to tell you any of that, I’m going to tell you about their bakery. The thing that really impressed me and still sticks in my memory was a very small bakery on the main street in Galva. Jacobson Bakery started in Galva in the 1930s as a wholesale bakery selling to area stores. It specialized in rusks, a Swedish hard toast sweetbread. Today, they still bake their breads, coffeecakes and rusks early in the morning. Then for the rest of the day the front door is open for customers to pick up their baked goods, leaving money in the cash box under the counter. A homemade sign taped to the glass says, "To our customers – Please put money in slot in metal box behind glass case. If you don’t have correct change, (No Problem) just put in next time you visit our bakery. Thanks, Dwain & Del."

It could only happen in a town like Galva. Does your community have any quirks that make it fondly stick in visitors’ memories? You may think they’re odd, but others may find them endearing.

The Blog Log

Visit my weblog to see where I’ve been and what I learned along the way. This week I blogged on niche agriculture, Rochelle, IL, cold water and regional employment impact as well as several other topics. http://www.boomtowninstitute.com

On the Road Again

In addition to my travel blog I’ll list my upcoming engagements in each issue of The Agurban. Come see me when I’m in your neighborhood!

Jack’s Schedule – Week of October 9, 2006

Tuesday, October 10 – State College, PA

Wednesday, October 11 – Bedford, PA

Thursday, October 12 – Sioux Falls, SD

Thursday, October 12 – Marshall, MN

NOW AVAILABLE IN PRINT!!! Boomtown Institute’s ABC Volume One, Enriching Your Community One Letter at a Time! Order yours today at http://www.boomtowninstitute.com. Quantity discounts available!

Jack Schultz is the CEO of Boomtown Institute and Agracel Inc., an industrial development firm majoring in rural America, author of Boomtown USA, and speaker. Boomtown Institute serves as an economic development mentor to communities across the United States, leading communities to realize their full potential.

Visit the Boomtown Institute website at http://www.boomtowninstitute.com

Keep up with Jack as he tours the country on his blog! http://boomtownusa.blogspot.com/

To learn more about Agracel visit http://www.agracel.com

To send comments or suggestions regarding The Agurban click here mailto: [email protected].

For all reprint requests click here mailto: [email protected] .