Most people don’t think of themselves as “investors.” That’s for big companies, real estate moguls, and people in fancy suits, right? But…we all invest in things, even if we don’t call it that. You buy quality work boots because they last longer. You fix the porch now instead of waiting for it to fall apart, preventing costly damage and ensuring safety for those who walk across it. You help a friend because relationships, like anything valuable, require time and care—and one day, you might be the one in need. These decisions—conscious or not—reflect our values and priorities and they show what matters to us. Each of these choices shapes our daily lives more than we realize.
The same principle applies to our communities. You show up to the Fourth of July fireworks or the county fair. You appreciate when a street looks nice instead of rundown. You like it when the roads get plowed fast in the winter. Those things don’t just happen. Someone, somewhere, invested in making them possible.
The truth is, every town, every street, every neighborhood is shaped by what people put into it, not just what they take. By maintaining and caring for what we already have—by investing in our towns and communities—we’re not just improving aesthetics or convenience. These investments create environments where people feel proud to live, work, and engage with one another, ensuring our towns are not just surviving, but flourishing for generations to come.
Now, some people go all in. They start businesses, renovate old buildings, organize events, or volunteer like crazy. And that’s great; we need those people. But not everyone is built for that level of commitment, and that’s okay, too. Even the smallest investments add up. Planting flowers in your yard? That’s investment. Shopping at a local store instead of ordering online? That’s investment. Picking up a piece of litter instead of walking past it? That’s investment. No one person has to do everything—but each of us doing something makes a difference.
That’s exactly what we are working toward in Venango County, and what we invite you to be a part of. Right now, Pellere and its partners are investing in the future of this region, whether it’s through blight remediation, energy resilience, or creating spaces people actually want to be in. Investing isn’t just about money—it’s about giving time and effort to make our community better. The reality is, if we don’t invest in things we actually want, we end up stuck with whatever we get. If we don’t invest in local businesses, we lose them. If we don’t invest in public spaces, they deteriorate. If we don’t invest in smart infrastructure, we pay for endless repairs instead of lasting improvements. Instead of patching things up temporarily and hoping for the best, let’s focus on sustainable, forward-thinking investments in buildings, infrastructure, and energy. The goal? A community that isn’t constantly scrambling to fix preventable problems but is instead growing stronger and more resilient. We don’t want to just be keeping up. We want to be advancing!
The next time you’re out at a festival, or walking down a street that feels good, or using something in your town that just works, take a second to consider what went into making it that way. In one way or another, we’re all investing in the future. Whether it’s participating in local events, volunteering on cleanup days, supporting local schools, sharing knowledge, or simply being a good neighbor, these actions contribute to a thriving town. Proactive investment in our communities leads to lower costs, better opportunities, and a place where people want to live, work, and raise families. When enough people make the choice to invest in their community, the impact is undeniable.
Investing in our community starts with small actions, but collective efforts lead to lasting change. Whether you want to learn more about this initiative, explore our other ongoing efforts, or get involved and share your input, we’d love to connect with you! One simple way to make an impact is by lending your thoughts to our ongoing community poll—your voice matters, and your feedback helps shape the future of our efforts. You can find it on Pellere.org. Reach out anytime via email at rachel@riverrootsredevelopment.org. Be sure to visit our website at riverrootsredevelopment.org and follow us on Facebook (@PellereFoundation, @RiverRootsRedevelopment) for the latest updates.
Rachel Brosnahan is the Community Engagement Coordinator for River Roots Redevelopment. She can be reached by email at rachel@riverrootsredevelopment.org.
