Andy Devine? For most everyone born after 1958 that is a question that comes to mind when cruising through Kingman, Arizona on Route 66.

In 1955, during a special episode of This Is Your Life, a popular television show of the era, Front Street in that dusty desert crossroads was renamed Andy Devine Avenue.

Today this prolific character actors obscurity could be a valuable marketing. Or it could join a long list of missed opportunities and underutilized assets.

Opportunity Is Knocking

In my work to develop heritage and cultural tourism assets as a component of economic development two things always surprise me. The first is that in every community, large and small, there is a fascinating story, a colorful character, or a quirky attraction. The second is that when the discussion turns towards tourism development most communities turn toward dreams of big attractions or festivals.

But a community doesn’t need a Dinseyland to become a destination. They just need an Andy Devine. Or the largest ball of string, the world’s largest hand dug well, or a connection to Route 66.

Look what Greensburg, Kansas has accomplished with the Big Well Museum. Or take some time to explore Pontiac, Illinois and talk with Liz Vincent in the toruism office about what happened when the town tapped into their Route 66 association and heritage.

Step One

It begins with visionary leadership that can develop a sense of community and community purpose with a simple focus. If we make our community a place that people want to visit, we make it a place where people will want to live. It will also become a place where people want to open a business, to retire, and to raise a family.

Aside from Pontiac, if you are looking for ideas on how to transform your community, I suggest a study of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The leadership in Tulsa has built an impressive network of cooperative partnerships. And that in turn has fueled an infectious sense of enthusiasm in the community. And now, especially when it comes to Route 66, they are selling everything on the hog including the squeal.

Kingman, Arizona also makes for an interesting study. I know of few communities that have such a diverse array of toruism assets. But Kingman is like most communities that I engage with, development of those assets is fragmented.

Step Two

If community development is fragmented, time and money are wasted. Opportunity is missed. Consider Andy Devine.

A few years ago new signs were added to the Route 66 corridor in Kingman, Arizona. They read Route 66/Andy Devine Avenue. Now, with the growing popularity of Route 66, and the fading recognition of Andy Devine, there was a recent push to abandon the name Andy Devine Avenue.

Rather than use the obscurity as hook, it was viewed as a detriment. It was a distraction from a Route 66 centered focus.

Opportunity Lost

On November 13, 2016, Zane Grey, Andy Devine and Bob Boze Bell were inducted into the Arizona Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame. The event garnered international media attention, and a short blurb in the local paper.

A golden opportunity was knocking. It was a tailor made promotional campaign. “Who is Andy Devine? Discover the answer with a visit to Kingman, Arizona!”

There is an extensive display of Andy Devine arifacts at the Mohave Museum of History & Arts. And there is an annual Andy Devine Days rodeo and parade. Then there is the Route 66 connection.

And if we really turn the imagination loose, a whole campaign could have been created. Bob Boze Bell is a Kingman boy with a family connection to Route 66. What about a film festival, movies with Andy Devine or that were filmed in Kingman and the surrounding area?

A Healthy Dose of Ideas And Inspiration

I don’t claim to have all of the answers. And when it comes to recognizing opportunity and grabbing the bull by the horns, my track record is spotty at best.

But long ago I recognized the importance of cooperative partnerships and the sharing of ideas. And it was that desire to provide a healthy dose of ideas and inspiration that became the catalyst for Coffee With Jim, our weekly podcast on Podbean.

As our multifaceted network grows (a reach and engagement of more than 600,000 peopel when I last checked) the podcast has evolved into the focal point. It is, as one reviewer noted, a virtual diner where folks gather to talk road trips, adventure, and community development.

A Cast of Characters

A quick review of previous programs, and of the upcoming schedule shows that the podcast is more than “Jim” show. It is a cast of colorful and inspirational characters.

If you need a bit of inspiration for a road trip, or on how you can help make your community a destination, join us on Sunday mornings. Invite your friends. Jim Hinckley’s America is a shared adventure.

Speaking of shared adventures, I have a request. If you are involved in a community development program, or know of a successful initiative that fostered development of a sense of community and community purpose, drop me a note. i am always in search of inspiring stories that can be used to encourage community leadership.

One more request. Subscribe and follow. We are building a community of folks that are passionate about the American story, road trips, and building stronger communities. Join us.