In the ongoing discussion of a vision for Jefferson City, a question to ponder is whether we make the most of our strengths.
A S.W.O.T. analysis - a standard business evaluation - examines strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
Two obvious strengths are volunteerism and Jefferson City's status as the state capital.
The city is a hive of volunteer activity. Volunteers mentor children and teach adults to read. They serve meals and respond to emergencies. They assist charitable organizations, service clubs and churches.
Volunteerism, as it relates to the city, is the driving force for more than 20 boards and commissions.
In the absence of those volunteers groups, the cost to hire staff or consultants to provide similar research and expertise would be enormous.
Another strength is Jefferson City's unique status as Missouri's capital.
City leaders deserve to be commended for recognizing that strength and working with state government to retain consolidation of state offices here.
State sites - the Capitol, Governor's Mansion, Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) redevelopment site - also are a major attractions for visitors. Attracting more visitors remains part of Jefferson City vision to enhance economic development.
A possible opportunity is to capitalize on existing strengths by marketing the city to visitors who rally at the Capitol.
During the legislative session, rally participants routinely spill from buses onto the Capitol lawn, then reboard those buses in the evening to return home.
Rally participants typically are associated with a group or association. Among them may be influential leaders involved in destination decisions for their group's meetings, retreats, conventions, etc.
Can our city do a better job of marketing - greeting visitors, distributing brochures, etc. - to this established audience?
Although the city's Convention and Visitors Bureau may not have the manpower, could volunteers - not unlike the volunteers who welcome passengers at the Amtrak station - be assembled?
Vision can serve as a conceptual launching point for an examination of strengths, as well as specific plans to capitalize on those strengths.