Business leaders and place development

December 2019 seems so long ago and a different world. Yet, I remember reading an article Aaron Renn (a well-known thought-leader in the development cites) wrote an article in the Atlantic that caught my attention during that month. It is worth reading, especially now as we reimagine the future of the places with live, work, learn, and play. 

In essence, Renn challenges the notion that the Midwest had to "rust out." In his article, he highlights a popular community for its modern architecture, Columbus, Indiana. Columbus has remained viable and attractive to new generations of individuals and families seeking a great place to live. More importantly, he highlighted an individual I had never heard of but was a significant influencer in the civil rights movement and the thriving Columbus, Indiana.

That person is J. Irwin Miller.

I purchased a biography on J. Irwin Miller written by Nancy Kriplen. It is a fascinating look into his life and the role of business in shaping Columbus, Indiana. The idea that the part of a corporation extends to the care of the community around it is not new. Dr. Martin Luther King described Miller as being "the most socially responsible businessman in the country."

Imperfect Miller prioritized the health of Columbus, Indiana, as he built a thriving Cummins Inc. Columbus, Indiana, consistently ranks as a top-tier community in most, if not all, quality of life categories.

After reading Kriplen's book on Miller, it is easy to see why Columbus is attractive. However, Miller knew that to attract and retain talent in Columbus, he had to help create a community worth remaining and relocating. 

While I don't think place development rests on a single person or sector alone, I wonder what many places would like if more business leaders jumped in and prioritized the well-being of the markets they inhabit and serve concurrent with building their business?