The Net Works
Pulling the content together for the QB magazine is like casting a wide net into the community. We pull that net in and dig through what’s in it. The catch we find wiggling inside might include themes, community concerns, new faces, moments to celebrate, and of course, we always find loads of human interest stories. Things get really interesting when emerging trends peek out and make themselves known. For example, in this issue you’ll find many stories that talk about China. We didn’t plan that – yet it arrives. And so we become aware of how topics move into and through our community through the net we cast.
Our cover story is about a community health initiative that evolved into a strong, ongoing conversation where people talk, and people listen. The Healthier Barrington Project conducts a survey every three years to measure not only our health concerns, but our entire quality of life. Residents who answer those surveys deliver their message. The coalition members who study the data – a group of Barrington’s social services, municipal, educational and other groups – do the listening. And the coalition responds. As noted by Village of Barrington president, Karen Darch, coalition leaders are better informed about the needs, interests, and concerns of our residents. This support net works.
The biggest concern that arose from the survey in our view is unemployment. Nearly 20 percent of survey respondents report that someone in their household is unemployed and looking for work. We wanted to be part of the solution, so we put this issue to work for you, offering in-depth articles on resources and ideas around topics of finding a job, growing a company, or how to buy, build, or sell a business.
The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce recently moved to a new location; they’re now on James Street. But this dynamic organization of business people and a dedicated Chamber staff never really stops moving. Even in the past few tough economic years, their membership is at an all-time high. Get to know some dynamic Chamber members and all that the Chamber offers in our feature story, found on page 100.
CareerPlace™ is another must-know resource, covered in the pages ahead. We had just sent our magazine off to press when we learned that a scholarship fund has been set up to assist job seekers who need help covering the CareerPlace membership fee. The fund is named after the late Dan White, a former board member and instructor. His passionate service and commitment for this nonprofit made a large impact. Dan’s family has started the fund in his name. Also, CareerPlace is launching a social media training program with an initial investment from the Barrington Area Community Foundation. (Learn more about the Foundation in Snapshots.) The Foundation’s financial assistance will be applied for “training the trainers” as the offering gets underway. The program will be open to the general public.
We hope you enjoy this first issue for 2012 – even find it helpful – and we wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
