I read recently that the color orange “radiates warmth and happiness, combining the physical energy and stimulation of red with the cheerfulness of yellow”. It was suggested that orange is associated with gut instincts, as opposed to the physical reactions associated with the color red or the mental reactions associated with the color yellow. Supposedly, orange brings spontaneity and a positive outlook on life and is a great color to use during tough economic times, keeping us motivated and helping us to look on the bright side of life (Source: Empowered by Color).
I’m not a psychologist and I don’t know whether any of the above has any actual basis in reality, but I hope that it is spot on. Specifically, the part about how orange will keep us motivated and help us look on the bright side of life. Why, you may ask? Because we’ve reached the season where we will begin seeing a bit more orange around Grimes; the type of orange that we associate with road construction projects.
For those of you familiar with Grimes Chamber & Economic Development, what I’m about to relay should come as no surprise. We will often point out the many great benefits of living and doing business in a vibrant and growing community. The construction of new infrastructure (roads, sewers, water lines, buildings, trails, etc.) are common in our community and it is fun to watch. These projects are an indicator of the growing prosperity and the bright future we have in our region.
However, we understand road construction projects, while wonderful when completed, are not typically a pleasurable experience. While frustrating for commuters, they have real financial impacts on businesses who rely on the free-flow of traffic to allow customers and employees to support their livelihoods.
This year, much needed improvements are being made to SE 37th Street in Grimes. We ask that you go out of your way, not to avoid this area, but to patronize the businesses in this part of town. We, as a community, should lend a hand whenever and wherever we are able. It’s the neighborly thing to do and by doing so, we can help these folks survive to see a brighter future. Not to mention, being near all that orange will help to radiate some warmth and happiness.
-Brian Buethe, President | CEO, Grimes Chamber & Economic Development