Where we live, What we Think
Midwest Partners works to recognize hometown strengths and promote resiliency in our little slice of Americana. After all, Princeton makes it pretty easy to see how you can get hooked on small towns.
Princeton teaches us that instead of thinking of small towns as “the middle of nowhere,” perhaps we can start thinking of them as “the center of everything.”
After all, you can’t have a strong community like Princeton without those members of the community that go the extra mile. Thank you.
Hometowns tug on our hearts for a reason. They fill us with memories so vivid and complete we could live entirely in that tiny capsule of time in our minds.
As the Bureau County seat, Princeton is a destination, a center of influence for the region…and home. Families that have lived here for generations have watched their children leave and come back with life experiences from throughout the world.
Midwest Partners shares these perspectives through the lenses of long-time residents, scholars, and visitors alike with programs such as 56 Reasons We Love Princeton and “Friendly Faces, Hometown Places.”
56 Reasons We Love Princeton, Illinois
A Collaborative Program to Recognize Our Strengths & Promote Resiliency
Recognize. Inspire. Reward.
56 Reasons We Love Princeton began as a means to support local businesses and organizations affected by the economic impact of the COVID-19 Virus.
56 Reasons was based on the idea that life in Starved Rock Country can recover from the pandemic and return to full-scale community vitality many different ways— by identifying role models, building hope, offering tangible support, kickstarting revenue generation, and celebrating our unique small town assets.
The strategy is to recognize and honor organizations and businesses; not to ask them for anything.
Some Princeton institutions like “Coffee With Paul” on WZOE radio, became part of our daily routines. Midwest Partners helped sponsor the program Friday mornings, addressing civic affairs on Facebook and over the air.
What came from those ideas was a series of ads highlighting individuals, businesses, and organizations in our community that go above and beyond the call of duty (ABCD!) These designs were published in the Bureau County Republican and other media with the support and sponsorship of Midwest Partners.
But why 56?
Well, because we are Exit 56 when you leave Interstate 80! Tell your friends an family! Patronize these businesses and get to know the people who have been honored as part of the first 56. See them below.
