Mired in the great depression and facing the prospects of war, Franklin Roosevelt believed in experimentation. If one experiment failed, he simply tried another. Roosevelt certainly didn’t have all the answers; but this one quality endeared him to a nation. His mantra lives on in the memories of our senior population.

We Duluthians ought to take a lesson. We are faced with many challenges in our region. Unfortunately, we tend to try the same old solutions to resolve the same problems. It is no wonder these issues persist.

Finland, until recently a poor agrarian society, tried a new approach. According to the May 29 issue of the Duluth News Tribune, the Finish society has invested heavily into education, which has resulted in a society of highly motivated, creative people. Finland now boasts about an advanced society that is rich in economic development. Moreover, people from all over the world are now touring Finland’s schools to learn their secrets. Roosevelt would be proud.

We should follow suit - not only in education, but in economic development as well. Bold experimentation in thinking differently is in order. Why must we be tied to thinking of the past? Certainly trying to attract businesses had some success, but investing in education and our young professionals might be just the kinds of experimentation that brings our area around.

While investing more in education may require a new look at the political landscape, the Chamber has recently invested in a Young Professional Group. This is an experiment that deserves some attention. The twenty-somethings that participate in this group are bright, sophisticated, and energetic. They, if given the right encouragement, could economically propel our region into the future.

I must confess that I was a critic of this group when it first started. But given Roosevelt’s thinking, I support their effort and wish this new experiment all the best.