Growing a Missoula to Treasure – LiveMissoula!

On the second Sunday in August, people in Missoula had their choice of going to the demolition derby at the Fairgrounds or hearing the Missoula Symphony at Caras Park. For those at the park, the music competed briefly with the rumble of motorcycles crossing Higgins Bridge. In just a few week’s time after the symphony, Caras Park tent was the scene of a reggae concert and Governor Schweitzer reading a book about his dog, Jag. The backdrop for that event was a country singer entertaining patrons at the Clark Fork Market under the Higgins Bridge. Up the street, the People’s Market was going on as usual in a street blocked off next to the Missoula Art Museum. It is quintessential Missoula, a community often identified with and proud of its diversity.

Diversity doesn’t grow and thrive without tolerance. Perhaps because Missoula grew up with the University, or perhaps because, as a community we embraced the ‘live and let live’ code of the West, Missoula is as often identified with its tolerance as much as with its diversity. It’s not unusual to hear people say, “Only in Missoula!” as they encounter something new. As a community, we are offended—even outraged–when we learn that someone has broken that social agreement of tolerance that we have with each other.

Missoula is changing from a timber town to a cosmopolitan small city and that change brings with it ever-increasing diversity–politically, demographically, ethnically, culturally…the list goes on. This diversity enriches us as a community and opens up a wealth of new experiences and opportunities. It also reminds us that it is tolerance that will allow us to share in those new experiences and shape our evolving collective identity. We don’t all have to like the symphony, the reggae, the rumble, or the reading, but it is incumbent on all of us to be tolerant of those who do. In the face of both change and growing diversity, tolerance is the one constant which will help ensure that we continue growing a Missoula to treasure.

by Mae Hassman, CEO – Missoula Organization of REALTORS®

Great Video about Missoula: http://www.missoularealestate.com/index.php/fuseaction/livemissoula.cms/ID/be3092e1b1c4f98f8f7205a8a758fbf7

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LiveMissoula! is a community building program initiated by MOR in May of 2005. The purpose is to build a positive culture around the common reasons that people have for living in Missoula. Its goal is to foster more positive interactions in order to effectively deal with the challenges and embrace the opportunities that we have as a vibrant and growing community.

In short, LiveMissoula! is a way of life that continues to make Missoula the kind of place where we want to live and work together, as a united community, and address the issues that come with a growing, thriving area.

As an organization comprised of individuals who are involved in the commerce of homeownership and business growth, it is essential that we are in the business of building a community as well. "Building Community" and giving back to the community is the heart of the Missoula Organization of REALTORS®. As REALTORS®, Real Estate Professionals and individuals, we choose to make a difference.

Full Story: http://www.missoularealestate.com/index.php/fuseaction/livemissoula.cms/ID/c4e3bef1f3d316a11f78589037814a63