This poster is a common sight in Fredonia.

As many local residents know, our beautiful little village is currently in the running for the number one spot of a show called, “Small Business Revolution,” a show that picks a well deserving town, and then showcases them for a season.

Representatives from a company called Deluxe go out and visit these places that have been nominated, and become acquainted with business owners and residents, to help the elected towns campaign for that number one spot.

Included in that number one spot is an award of $500,000 which is used to revitalize selected businesses in the area, with the help and guidance from the experts of the show.

There’s much excitement with the current position of being within the top 10 towns that have been nominated and visited, and while the top 5 towns won’t even be announced until January, we’re already winning.

You may have already noted that this isn’t my usual area of interest for this column, but the reason this column has been successful, is largely due to this community — and it’s hard to ignore the way that this crazy possibility has united our town.

As a teenager, it was one of my dreams to meet Ty Pennington, who was on a different, but similar show back then. A show that helped people and gave them the gift of opportunity.

Any other “Extreme Home Makeover” fans out there?

Fredonia is now in a similar position to the people who appeared on that show. People and businesses with endless potential, who just need to tap into it a bit further …

I just wonder if we grasp all that is possible for Fredonia.

A great opportunity has opened itself up to our village, and I think many of us are awestruck by the reality of all of this.

All across social media, and as you drive through our streets, you can see traces of the effect that is already being had.

People are going out of their way to show support for local small businesses, and to tell others about our great little home, like never before.

If one were to go online and search for the hashtag of #myfredonia, you would find numerous posts of gratitude to various business owners, places, and simply the town itself.

It’s similar to thanksgiving. There are so many things we are grateful for year-round, but suddenly it’s the right time to make sure we tell people just how happy we are that they’re here, and how much we value them.

This village has always been a great place to live, it’s just being highlighted.

While it’s being highlighted, the people who live here are being united for a common cause – Fredonia. We all want the very best for our home, and while we may all see things a bit differently, we all have a role to play in keeping this town great.

This place is home to so many wonderful people who do so many amazing things, and has been, historically.

Almost two hundred years ago someone had the idea to dig a well for gas, to properly harness a natural resource, and did so – successfully, in Fredonia.

We still have that same kind of creative thinking necessary for success today, and now we have the chance to not only share that with the world, but to get some significant help along the way.

It’s time for something like this in our town and in our region, and time for a dramatic change for this village.

Let’s remember that it’s not the village that makes the people, but the people who make the village.

Let’s keep making Fredonia great, and let’s do this, Fredonia.