The Brain Gain

Gavin and Jessica Winter


 

 

Gavin Winter, 32, returned to Pipestone after college;
Jessica Winter, 31, began working in Pipestone in 2007, and moved here in 2008. Shown with their children, Makhi, 7, and Broderick, 2.

There is a population of people between the ages of 30 and 44 who are moving back or into rural areas that are perceived as safer and more affordable with a slower-paced lifestyle for families. Economic development specialists have found that this older cohort is offsetting the “brain drain” from the 20-somethings who leave rural America for college or bigger cities with “brain gain.”

The brain gainers are educated and experienced and they arrive in rural America with their skills, ideas, families, social capital and sometimes, their jobs. If they find a sense of belonging once they arrive, they stay. If they don’t, they move on, often within five years. That’s why economic development specialists are advising rural cities to have systems in place that help newcomers connect and find a sense of belonging.

Since Pipestone County’s statistics align with the brain-gain trend, we decided to find the brain gainers and learn why they came or returned, what keeps them here, and what else they believe could be done to further enhance the quality of life in Pipestone County.

This is the eighth profile for this weekly series.

Pipestone County Star: When did you move to Pipestone County, how old were you at the time and who did you move with?

GW: I moved back after graduating from college in Duluth; I was 20-something. Jessica moved to Pipestone after finishing the Pharmacy program at South Dakota State University; she was 26.

PCS: If you moved in for the first time, why did you move here? If you returned, why?

GW: Jessica moved here for the first time. She was previously living in Dell Rapids, S.D. and originally from a small town in Iowa (Alta). She wanted to be in the same community that she was working in. I returned. I wanted to work in the family business.

PCS: What is your occupation? Did you find this job when you moved here, find it prior to moving here, or create this job yourself? If you moved here with a spouse or significant other, please also answer the question for him or her.

GW: I manage two title companies and am probably better known as a Real Estate Broker. Jessica is a Pharmacist. For both of us, our employment was established prior to relocating to Pipestone.

PCS: What do you like about living and working here?

GW: The ability to buzz around town and get anywhere you need to go in five minutes or less. A reasonable cost of living. Good people.

PCS: What amenities, businesses, activities, organizations, infrastructure, etc. etc. do you think could be added to enhance the quality of life in Pipestone County for you and your family?

GW: I think Pipestone does a good job making the most of its resources. With a National Monument, walking trails, Aquatic Center, Rec Center, and Performing Arts Center, there are several different options for kids and adults alike. There isn’t anything in particular that I think would drastically improve the quality of our life. The generic more jobs- better pay’ still holds true. I believe at this point, retention is more important than growth. New-and-improved is always welcome, but taking care of one another and supporting our local merchants and businesses is just as important as luring the new addition. Shop Local.

PCS: Do you feel you have opportunities to contribute to your community?

GW: Everyone does. I view community as more of culture than a municipality. Property maintenance is a great example, and something I deal with every day. Distressed and rundown properties have been a hot topic lately. Property preservation is not only a direct benefit to you the owner, it projects a personal sense of pride, and shows your neighbors and visitors that you are an active participant in keeping your part of the community clean. Mow your lawn, paint, plant some flowers, trim your trees: Contribute.

PCS: Do you feel a sense of belonging in Pipestone County?

GW: Well, we like to think we belong on the beach, with minimal responsibilities, and I think it is normal for a person’s affinity to their surroundings to have ups and downs. However, we made the conscious choice to live in this community not for what it doesn’t have, but for what it does: Good people from all different backgrounds, who all want the same thing a good neighbor, a safe place for their families or themselves, and a place to feel home.

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