Recently I had the opportunity to load my family up into the van and take a road trip to New York. The trip was great and full of tourist attractions, learning and family fun. What occurred to me more than at any point in my career in economic development, was just how many factors make a city great. Not just with large cities like New York, but communities like Claremore. What are those characteristics that help us better appreciate the places in which we live? My three-year old started this thought process for me. Before we had pulled out of the driveway, she asked her customary road trip question, “Dad, when am I going to get home to Claremore?” So, what are those distinct features that make businesses choose cities for expansion or relocation and make residents call towns home? Over the next few weeks the claremoreusa.com team will be highlighting those characteristics that residents and businesses love most about Claremore. For those who are familiar with our city but haven’t had the chance to visit lately, Claremore is growing at a fast rate while continuing the proud tradition of being a family friendly community with a rich heritage of faith, culture, and commitment to business success. Yet, it isn’t the same place that you may remember from 10-15 years ago. The next 20 blog segments will be dedicated to past, and current community strengths. Hopefully, by the time that we have finished the series you will be asking yourself the question, “When am I going to get home to Claremore?”

Tim Hight
www.claremoreusa.com