It usually didn’t take newcomers long to figure out that Juan Ganum was the leading cheerleader for the city of Niles, despite the fact his pom-poms and skirt were invisible. (Thank goodness for that!)

After 17 years serving that rah-rah role as part of his duties as the community development director, Ganum has moved on to become the city manager of Bridgman. His legacy will be that he helped lay a solid foundation for the future of Niles.

Although he was one of the most vocal advocates for positive thinking about — and, perhaps most importantly, within — the community, he had more than just a great attitude. That alone won’t make a difference without hard work, preparation, expertise and a clear vision for success.

Ganum brought those to the table as well.

It may sound overstated but having knowledgeable and respected individuals serving as positive voices in any community is vital to achieving success.

Ganum will certainly be missed but I’m optimistic that city manager Ric Huff, Niles Main Street leaders and city officials can find someone to build on the successes.

Most communities here in southwest Michigan have someone like Juan, although they aren’t always involved with the government or even working in an official capacity.

In Dowagiac there is city manager Kevin Anderson, chamber director Vickie Phillipson, the COA’s Patty Patano and others. And Cassopolis you have CeeCee Wilson, Charlie Retherford, among others. In Edwardsburg you have the Marchettis and Jo-ann Boepple, just to name a few.

The list goes on and on in each community.

The key is we need to rally more positive voices to drown out the naysayers and the negativity that will never be fully eradicated.

You won’t find it in any job description, but one of the biggest challenges facing individuals like Ganum is the need to restore — or in some cases even create — community pride.  Civic identity and passion has taken a big hit in recent years as cities like Niles and Dowagiac and others have faced the effects of a struggling and changing economy.

Southwest Michigan has a lot to offer and each of its individual communities have much of which they should be proud.

The next step is to make sure we find the right “cheerleaders” to help keep spirits high. Pom-poms are optional.

 

Michael Caldwell is the publisher of Leader Publications LLC. He can be reached at (269) 687-7700 or by email at mike.caldwell@leaderpub.com.