Hometown Pride; Not Everyone Embraces It, But Should!

Battle Creek, Michigan...The Best Known City of its size in the World!

Keeping Battle Creek GRREAT; 

Small steps toward a bigger goal

By T. R. Shaw Jr.

  (Note:  This column was published locally in my hometown of Battle Creek, Michigan.  While many communities struggle with civic pride, ours is no exception.  In too many places we cannot see the forest through the trees and we get caught up in negative self-talk.  Author Melody Warnick recently spoke in our community.  She authored a recent best selling book, "This is Where You Belong, Finding Home Wherever You Are" about place attachment, and learning to love where you live.  Every community has its points of pride, typically, those closest to it, don't always see them.)

          As a lifelong Battle Creek resident, with the exception of college and the military; and being a fourth generation leader, I’ve seen many changes, both good and bad in our community.

            Like everyone who’s been here for decades, I frequently struggle with community pride, frustration and apathy.  Lots of good things are happening, but it seems we often take one step forward and two steps back with our bad civic attitude.           

Some of the recurring negative themes I keep hearing, center on Battle Creek’s self-image.  Many see our community’s glass as half-empty.   We keep losing stores.  Our mall has lost all three anchors, Macy, Sears and J.C. Penny.  Malls are dying everywhere, we’re no exception.  Pier 1 announced they’re closing and other businesses have faded into the sunset, largely unnoticed. 

We see downtown progress as slow, and continue to speculate on what Kellogg will eventually do.  Dollar Generals are popping up all over town and we question if that’s a positive economic indicator?  We often complain the foundations don’t do enough, which isn’t true, but a perception.  We complain that young people don’t engage, as many of our service clubs and venerable community organizations struggle as older generations continue to keep them going. 

            We too frequently compare ourselves to other cities.  Last week I was at a concert in Grand Rapids and marveled at the development, vibrancy and energy there.  I frequently see other communities and wonder why Battle Creek can’t be like this?  It’s natural to question our priorities when we see these contrasts.  We seem to complain about a lot of things. I’m sometimes guilty of the negative civic groupthink

            All this is common with a half-empty mentality.  Truth is, Battle Creek has many things going for it other cities envy, and we just don’t appreciate it and often don’t even recognize it. 

Here are just a few.

Battle Creek was recently named an All-American City.  While that may not excite everyone, it puts us on the map as a strong, vibrant community in other’s eyes.  This is something we should be proud of and build on.

The Field of Flight Air Show was just named the Nation’s Best Airshow.  This is truly a feather in our cap and also something we should be very proud of.  A new hockey team is coming to Battle Creek, which will build excitement!

We are home to the Brass Band of Battle Creek, the world’s best brass ensemble.  This one group brings prestige to our community in ways few understand.  World class musicians place membership in the BBBC high in their biographies and are proud of the affiliation; they are the very best ambassadors our community could ask for.  The BBBC concerts draw fans from throughout the Midwest and around the nation.  This band is something everyone needs to support.  I openly admit I’m biased for the BBBC.  Speaking of music, Battle Creek offers many music and cultural opportunities other communities envy.  We have the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra, Michigan’s oldest symphony, Cereal City Concert Band, Post Band Concerts, outstanding high school performances, along with many other cultural gems only a few of us take advantage of or support.

It has been said that Battle Creek has the best collective history of any city in Michigan.  So much has happened here!  Yet, our historical awareness, museums and local interest doesn’t reflect that.

Things are happening downtown, the Milton is coming along and will build a new vibrancy.  I remember it as the Security Bank Tower!  New Holland Brewing is coming soon, along with Hand Map Brewing on Caryle Street.  It’s exciting!

While we appear to have temporarily lost the missile defense command at Fort Custer, it was largely political, it helped keep our area’s military relevant during the quest.  Many positive changes and growth are still expected at the ANG Base and Fort Custer.  We lost a battle, not a war, there are still great things to come at the airport and in Fort Custer.

I could go on and on, but the bottom line is Battle Creek is still a great place, despite our own sour attitudes and outlook.   I’m not sure how to cultivate a positive civic attitude.  It has to be on an individual level, and residents need to step up and become leaders for positive change.  And yes, invest in Battle Creek!

We need to look around us to see our true greatness, despite some of the current social, political, and economic problems we face.  It’s up to us to create the community we desire.  As Tony the Tiger would say, let’s choose to be “GRREAT!”

T. R. Shaw Jr. is CEO of Shaw Communication, a local author, former owner of Shaw Funeral Homes, and a retired Navy officer.  He is chairman of the Brass Band of Battle Creek and active in community and military affairs.