Collaborating is good

In a world of diminishing resources, it's good to see organizations more prone to work in their own "silos," busy building their own "deal" starting to work together. Collaborating is good. Two years ago, for example, 12 chambers of commerce in ten northwest Kentucky counties came together to form the Chamber Leadership Initiatives for Northwestern Kentucky (C-LINK). It's not a merger of these business groups but rather a board of representatives from each chamber that has made some nice headway in the campaign to bring I-69 alive in western Kentucky. Twelve chambers in southwestern Kentucky this year have formed the West Kentucky Regional Chamber Alliance. The Greater Owensboro chamber will be announcing some more partnerships in the coming months.

Recently, officials with Owensboro Community & Technical College and Western Kentucky University-Owensboro announced a joint admission arrangement to make it easier for students gaining their Associate's Degree from OCTC to work towards a Bachelor's Degree at WKU-O. The issue of class credits transferring from Kentucky community colleges to four-year public universities has long been a thorn in some students' side and it's good to see OCTC and WKU-O collaborating to help rectify it.

Owensboro and Bowling Green have long been considered rivals—rivals in population growth, economic development and opportunities. Recently, officials of Owensboro's RiverPark Center said they are working with leaders of Bowling Green's new SKyPAC Center to help both performing arts facilities with programming and other needs. I don't remember the last time these two cities collaborated on much of anything. Good for Owensboro and Bowling Green.

There's an old phrase that I've tried to put to use every time I've asked buddies to help me move households: Many hands make light work. It works for more than moving, however. Collaborating in many endeavors breaks down walls and opens opportunities. Hopefully, more organizations will realize the benefits far outweigh the downside in strong collaborations.