A recent marketing analysis, done at the request of Town Council by Kennedy Lawson Smith and The Clue Group listed 7 ways (and more) that Middleburg is "special." Smith, described as " . . . one of the nation's foremost experts on commercial district revitalization and development, independent main street businesses, and economically and environmentally sound community development," had nice things to say about our Town and our stewardship of it.

They bear repeating:

1. A "rich level of civic engagement" by the people of Middleburg.

2. Minimal "sprawl" and a commitment to avoid it.

3. Commitment to a "high quality of life" for all our citizens.

4. A high proportion of locally owned businesses, which meant that a higher proportion of the money spent in Middleburg stays here.

5. A strong sense of its unique character and the fragility of same.

6. "Remarkable" and interesting businesses.

7. "A deep appreciation for its history and culture."

What makes us attractive, of course all too often attracts the very things that threaten all that's best about the town.

Happily, it also attracts those with the hearts and minds to face those challenges intelligently, and to act wisely on the basis of what they know and learn.

As both Smith and Town Council made clear, there is always a lot of work to do to maintain, preserve, and pass on what's best about Middleburg in this constantly changing world.

Happily, we start from a good base and move forward with good ideas and good people to execute them.