Renewal. With the changing of the clocks to daylight savings time we look toward spring. It for us is a time of renewal – to try new things. AI seems to be changing everything at lightning speed – and with this new technology we are reminded of old ideas that still work. Writing and storytelling – from our own feelings rather than computer generated. And so, we look to write the stories of the clients and communities we are serving.
FEATURED ARTICLE
Social Connection and its impact on Community Health
Social connection is the #1 factor in boosting mental and physical health. The Surgeon General’s 2023 report on Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation highlights the impacts of the pandemic and the proliferation of single-person households.
As we consider economic development and city planning, we must prioritize how people come together.
Community strength isn’t just about infrastructure and commerce, it’s also about fostering environments where people can connect, recharge, and find purpose. Paired with access to green spaces, healthy food options, cultural hubs, and job opportunities, these elements create a city where people don’t just live, they thrive. We visited Dr. Lexi Lain, Naturopathic Physician, to talk about these issues (look for her as our guest next month in the Luminaries Podcast) and asked her to share some insights on Public Health:
People.
Our families, friends, neighbors, and the broader community are the heart of our lives. They are the ones who step up in times of need, celebrate our successes, and provide the essential human connection that keeps us thriving. Without meaningful relationships, communities wouldn’t exist; we’d be living in isolation, with our mental and physical well-being deteriorating each day.
My Journey: Finding the Right Place to Call Home
I grew up in Dallas, Texas, the concrete jungle of competition and opportunity. Dallas has a ton to offer and is a great place to grow up, but I wanted to spread my wings and experience the world. I did my undergraduate studies at OSU in Stillwater, Oklahoma, a typical college town where I found joy in running the 3.2-mile loop around Boomer Lake and immersing myself in student life. Later, I pursued my doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine in Seattle, Washington, at a private school nestled within St. Edward State Park. Surrounded by towering evergreens, I experienced firsthand how nature has a profound impact on mental health. Despite Seattle’s beauty, the persistent gray skies and lack of social warmth—known as the “Seattle Freeze”—took a toll on my well-being. That’s when I made a conscious decision about where I wanted to live. I moved to Lake Norman, North Carolina, prioritizing these non-negotiables:
✅ Climate – Blue skies and sunshine were a must.
✅ Affordability – The cost of living needed to support my lifestyle.
✅ Access to nature – Greenways, parks, and water were essential.
✅ A strong sense of community – A place where I could connect and build relationships.
Through my personal and professional experiences, I’ve come to realize that happiness isn’t just about location, it’s about how well a place aligns with your core needs. And for most of us, that means social connection, access to nature, and a lifestyle that supports well-being.
The Power of Connection in Stress Management
As a naturopathic doctor and founder of the Get Your Spark Back program, I’ve seen firsthand how social connection, movement, and proper nutrition change the way we respond to stress. When we engage in meaningful relationships, spend time in green spaces, and nourish our bodies, we rewire our brains for resilience, reducing anxiety and burnout.
Cities can support their residents by making it easier to connect. Here’s how:
🌳Parks & Greenways – Safe, walkable spaces promote movement and social interaction.
🍽 Restaurants & Community Gatherings – Shared meals foster relationships.
🎶Music & Festivals – Culture brings people together.
🌿Farmer’s Markets – Access to fresh, local food supports physical health.
🏠Welcoming Neighborhoods – Sidewalks, front porches, and community events create belonging. It’s no coincidence that the most sought-after real estate is adjacent to water, greenways, or natural preserves. We are wired to seek out nature because it restores us. Research even shows that indoor exposure to natural elements—like plants and daylight—improves mood and productivity in the workplace.
A Call to Action for City Planners and Leaders
A thriving city is one where people feel connected, safe, and supported. It’s a place where mental and physical well-being are woven into the fabric of the community, from parks to public spaces to workplace wellness initiatives. Whether through corporate wellness programs, stress management coaching, or community engagement, the key is simple: connection heals.
News and Events
We have been on the road to several conferences this first quarter of 2025!
South Carolina Rural Summit
Held in Columbia, this annual gathering brought economic developers, community leaders and others to discuss the successes and challenges of rural South Carolina. We were joined by Gov. Henry McMaster who shared news on the wildfires and insights about the farms and agriculture that is still very much a part of the South Carolina economy.
Carolinas Meeting
Held in Charleston, joined by planners, developers and others in sharing ideas at this premier annual real estate event to highlight development projects, conduct tours and host networking. Always great to see clients, teaming partners and old friends.
North Carolina Main Street
This year’s theme was “Creating Liveable, Lovable Communities”. Celebrating 45 years, the conference was held in our own backyard, Mooresville, NC. Amazing to see the downtown revitalization, new Liberty Park and mixed-use developments making this downtown a vibrant award winning place attracting visitors from every corner of the U.S.
North Carolina Main Street
This year’s theme was “Creating Liveable, Lovable Communities”. Celebrating 45 years, the conference was held in our own backyard, Mooresville, NC. Amazing to see the downtown revitalization, new Liberty Park and mixed-use developments making this downtown a vibrant award winning place attracting visitors from every corner of the U.S.
CityVision
Come see us in Greenville, NC at the end of April at this annual event hosted by the North Carolina League of Municipalities. “This year’s conference takes on the emerging issues facing our cities and towns. Expert-led sessions will focus on the topics of housing, transportation, economic development and municipal workforce, along with a targeted showcase on civility and local leadership, and case studies from around North Carolina will provide you with a firsthand look at innovations you can implement back at home.”
PROSPERITY BUILDER SCORECARD
Prosperity Builder Scorecard™ is a tool we developed in evaluating quality of life and goals attracting talent and investment, and other policy priorities. Get your overall score and a score for each of 12 categories. For more details about our Scorecard or other products and services in our Prosperity program, reach out to us at info@roseassociates.com to schedule a free initial consultation. Be sure to put PROSPERITY SCORECARD in the subject line!
WHERE IN THE CAROLINAS ARE WE?
We have been busy! Rose Associates’ work with communities across the Carolinas is focused on one goal – Building Prosperity and Curating Quality of Life:
- Dillon, SC Market & Development Strategy (pending adoption)
- Pender County, Market Analysis and Prosperity Builder Scorecard to support NC Comprehensive Plan (review)
- Mebane, NC, Community Needs Assessment to support Comprehensive Plan (review)
- New Hanover County, NC, Market Analysis & Development Strategy to support Comprehensive Plan (review)
- Rolesville, NC, Economic Development Plan Update to support Comprehensive Plan (in process)
- Lillington, NC, Market, Economic & Land Use Strategies to support Land Use Plan (in process)
- SAGA/Lee County, Prosperity Builder Scorecard (in process)
We are resuming our Luminaries podcasts in 2025 with leading economic development professionals! Episode #4 features Jenn Bosser, CEcD, President & CEO of the Iredell County Economic Development Corporation. She has lead this organization to winning 130 new and expanding announcements since her arrival in 2019, totaling $2.2 Billion in capital investment. Hear how she leads this dynamic organization along with her latest passion project, Iredell Ready – an innovative workforce development program.
Interested in being a guest? Contact krose@roseassociates.com. See prior shows here with Carolina real estate titans Arthur Samet, Pete Frandano and Cindy Chandler.
How Can We Help?
What problem do you need to tackle in 2025?
With 35 years of experience and expertise in real estate and economic development, we can help make decisions that will expand your performance and reach closer toward your vision. Contact Kathleen at krose@roseassociates.com if your community wants to know more and put “Consulting” in the subject line.
