Committee members from the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and the Great Places Citizens Advisory Group were in Spencer yesterday to hear our presentation for the Iowa's Great Places application.

They were hearing what we already know -- that Spencer truly is a great place.

What does the official designation mean? Well, if the community's application is granted, we will receive state assistance with programs designed to make our community even richer in cultural offerings. It will work to strengthen our city's lure to tourists and our amenities for residents.

There is the possibility of state funding in the future for projects included in the application, although that's not a certainty. Those funds would certainly be welcomed, as our community is undergoing a renassaince of sorts in the cultural arena, thanks to the kick start presented by the Dvergsten grants.

The presentation was a very visible highlight, but the work leading up to that took months. We need to tip our hats to the committee which spearheaded the Great Places application.

These folks, many of whom are in the midst of major projects, such as the SCT renovation and expansion, the North Grand enhancement project, and the Parker Museum project, gave of their time and talents to put forth the stellar application and presentation.

And thanks too, to all those who took the time to attend the presentation, making it crystal clear that Spencer supports its cultural growth and development.

The projects included in the application include:

Spencer's Grand Enhancements -- Grand Avenue Boulevard & Bridge Revitalization.

Spencer Community Theatre Remodel & Expansion.

Parker Historical Museum Remodel & Expansion.

Adaptive Reuse of the Historic 1914 Old High School & 1937 Auditorium.

"Pathway to Information"- bringing Spencer's cultural & historic assets to its people.

Continued expansion of the Little Sioux River Trail.

It's easy, in these uncertain economic times, to pull in the reins, wait for better days. But that's not how Spencer has grown. Folks here have a well-deserved reputation for progressive attitudes and forward thinking in the face of adversity. We know that the best way to become something more is if roll up our sleeves and make it happen.

The Great Places Committee will now consider what it saw on its tour, which lasted from Monday through Wednesday, from the four communities which it visited. It plans to make an announcement about which applications are accepted on September 30.

We don't know yet if we are "officially" an Iowa Great Place. But we certainly understand that Spencer truly is a great place!