If a community isn't willing to invest in itself, then who will? That's the question posed by Mark Nikota, an Alberta-based economic developer and passionate community builder, in this week's podcast episode. Mark discusses with Doug the importance of leading by example and investing in your community's future — as opposed to waiting for change to happen organically. He also presents specific examples in which older, unused buildings have been demolished (in efforts led by local government) creating space for new investment to occur — and in doing so removing costly barriers that may be inhibiting future development from taking place. Listen in as the two discuss these items and a number of other ambitious initiatives being spearheaded to move a group of regional communities forward.