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Home About Us B2B Club Breaking News Contact Donate Events / Programs Feedback Ideas Incubator Industry Clusters Links / Resources Progess Funds Progress Teams Public Art / Murals Publications		Breaking News August 13, 2004 - People take on new plans By Karen Madden, Daily Tribune Staff Rome residents have taken the first steps to put ideas gathered at a recent Make it Happen rally into action. Town residents have signed up to study one of four areas identified as key concerns of the community. Sharon McCray is one of the people who plans to study the creation of a chamber of commerce. McCray, 57, and her husband, Dick, have been full-time residents of Rome for 21 years. Prior to that, they had a cottage in the community for 13 years. "I live in Rome, and I'd like to see Rome progress in a way that the community envisions with the quality of life people want to have here," McCray said. McCray owns a chiropractic business in Wisconsin Rapids. She hopes Rome grows to the point that there are enough year-round residents to support moving her business to the community. "That's what I was hoping when we moved here," McCray said. "I'm hoping Rome grows, and we attract more young families and have a more stable population." A Vision Committee also has been formed to further develop ideas for the community's future, said Steve Nowicki, town chairman. The committee also will oversee the progress of the study groups. "This isn't something that's going to happen overnight," Nowicki said. Nowicki is pleased with the number of people who have volunteered to be a part of the groups and on the committee. It gives residents the opportunity to have a say in the community's future, he said. "The (Town) Board has its hands full," Nowicki said. "All these great ideas need to get into play. All this has to come from the people." The study groups and committee give people who aren't normally involved in politics the opportunity to make changes in the community, Nowicki said. He hopes some of them may decide they like being active and decide to run for a local political office. McCray said she knew somebody had to do the work. "I live in Rome, and I want to be part of it," she said. It's not too late to volunteer to help, Nowicki said. Anyone interested in serving on one of the study groups can call 325-8013. Ideas to consider The ideas under consideration by recently formed committees include: • Develop chamber of commerce and economic development • Create a bridge between lake associations and town of Rome to build a whole community • Build up fourth lake • Build a village center You can reach reporter Karen Madden at 422-6729 or kmadden@wisconsinrapidstribune.com.
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