The Main Thing:

See the Light

It did not end well—the relationship, that is. Yes, there were good times, but the weight of everything else was too much.

What follows? Rumination? Anger? Liberation? Yes, yes, and yes. But those are just words and the meaning we put into life situations. Can one dispense of this activity (labeling everything and placing a value on it) and live a fulfilling life?

The answer is yes. I write about how to do this and how to be more resilient by avoiding the labeling of our past. This is not about denying our experiences but about empowering ourselves to see them in a different light. I hope it helps you become more resilient.

Read the second in the series about Flow and Resiliency here.

Focus on Technology

Bury Your Data and Money in Your Backyard

The looming "Q-Day" marks the moment when quantum computers will crack today's encryption systems, potentially exposing all digital secrets from emails to bitcoin wallets to government communications. Experts surveyed by the Global Risk Institute estimate a one-in-three chance this happens before 2035, with tech giants like Google, IBM, and nation-states racing to develop this technology that harnesses quantum mechanics to solve problems conventional computers can't handle. The Quantum Apocalypse Is Coming. Be Very Afraid by Amit Katwala (WIRED) outlines various nightmare scenarios: energy grids failing, military operations compromised, financial systems collapsing, and widespread data theft—all possible once quantum computers can run "Shor's algorithm" to break current encryption methods.

Why this Matters: The quantum computing revolution represents both an existential challenge and a strategic opportunity for economic development professionals. Communities that prepare early by investing in quantum-resistant infrastructure will gain significant competitive advantages in business attraction and retention. Economic developers should be forging partnerships between local universities, tech companies, and government agencies to build quantum expertise.

Take Action: Begin by organizing a quantum preparedness coalition in your region that brings together cybersecurity experts, academic institutions, and business leaders to assess vulnerabilities in your local economic infrastructure. Create education programs to develop a pipeline of quantum-literate talent that can support both defensive measures and innovative applications. Advocate for policy changes that incentivize businesses to implement quantum-resistant encryption now rather than waiting until a crisis hits. Consider creating a quantum technology innovation district to attract federal funding and position your region as a leader in this emerging field.

Your Memory Might Be Fleeting

This might be wonky, but it may have tech sector targeting significance. In the article, Scientists create ultra-efficient magnetic 'universal memory' that consumes much less energy than previous prototypes by Peter Ray Allison (LiveScience) wwe learn that Japanese scientists have developed a revolutionary "universal" computing memory called Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory (MRAM) that combines the speed of RAM with the ability to retain information without power. This innovation significantly reduces power consumption while maintaining stable binary states even when powered off, overcoming previous MRAM limitations. The technology demonstrates remarkable stability and durability due to its unique design, potentially transforming everything from laptops to smartphones with faster performance and greater storage capacity.

Why this Matters: This memory breakthrough represents an opportunity for economic development professionals focused on tech sector growth. Communities investing in advanced computing infrastructure and nurturing relationships with electronic manufacturers could position themselves at the forefront of the next computing revolution. Multiple sectors, from data centers to IoT manufacturing, are impacted. This technology could create high-wage jobs and establish innovation clusters that can sustain economic growth for decades as this technology becomes standard in all computing devices.

Take Action: Connect with local universities and technical colleges to develop specialized training programs in advanced electronics manufacturing and quantum materials science. Create incentive packages specifically targeting companies in the memory technology supply chain. Organize innovation showcases that bring together researchers, manufacturers, and venture capital to accelerate the commercialization of these technologies in your region.

It's All About The Numbers

Data Centers don't typically employ many people, but they certainly add to the property valuation in a community. As reported in Related Looks For $8B As It Launches Data Center Business by Matt Wasielewski (BISNOW) we learn that real estate giant Related Companies is making a significant entrance into the data center market with a new venture called Related Digital, launching with $500 million in initial commitments and aiming to raise $8 billion. The venture already has projects underway, including a 64-megawatt data center in Ontario and plans for over 5 gigawatts of development across North America. Their most notable project includes a Chicago facility for PsiQuantum that will reportedly host the world's largest quantum computer, while their near-term pipeline extends to developments in Missouri (1.2 GW), Illinois (1 GW), and Wyoming (250 MW).

Why this Matters: The entrance of traditional real estate developers like Related Companies into data centers demonstrates how this asset class is becoming mainstream, creating opportunities for communities to diversify their economic base. Economic developers should note that data centers not only create high-paying jobs during construction and operation but also strengthen local tax bases and can attract additional technology investments, particularly in regions with reliable power infrastructure, favorable energy costs, and strategic locations relative to fiber networks.

Take Action: Evaluate your community's power capacity, transmission infrastructure, and fiber connectivity to determine readiness for data center development. Create expedited permitting processes specifically designed for data center projects to compete with locations already attracting these investments. Develop targeted incentive packages that address the specific needs of data center operators, particularly around energy costs, land availability, and workforce development. Establish relationships with both traditional developers like Related and technology companies to position your community as a potential site for future expansions.

Opportunities for You

My passion is to help businesses, organizations, and people grow and connect. So, here are my current offerings. Contact me if you have any interest:

Bridgebuilders Cohort -- Bridgebuilders is a unique mentoring program that includes wise and experienced veterans paired with new, young, up-and-coming economic development professionals in a group setting. You can indicate your interest by filling out this form. Or contact me directly if you have questions.
C7 Community Partners—Circles of Seven is going BIG. I am looking for at least five partner communities to join me in kicking off the C7-2025 Community partners. C7 is a way to help the businesses in your community go beyond startup and grow to success. If you are interested in learning more about this program, you can indicate your interest by filling out the waiting list form here.
Next Wave Leadership #3-- It’s time to start the next “Next Wave Leadership” cohort. Are you ready to share, be vulnerable, and learn from each other? Are you seeking to grow your leadership acumen? Learn more about Next Wave Leadership here.

Overheard :

If you're not making mistakes, then you're not doing anything. I'm positive that a doer makes mistakes.

John Wooden

Rabbit Hole:

I Work for Vandelay Architects

If I were on a quiz show and asked to name three famous architects from the last century and the current one, I would likely be able to do it easily. Like George Costanza on Seinfeld, I yearn to be an architect in another life. I am learning about and reading about architecture, the different styles, and the construction techniques.

Nearby, Chicago is the home of the first skyscraper. The City dedicates itself to promoting that status through its River Architecture Tour, which I encourage you to take if you’re ever in the City of “big shoulders.”

I love architecture, which is why I found the linked article so interesting. Some of my favorites are on the list, so let me know how many of these buildings are in your community, nearby, or perhaps you have visited.

Watch it here.

I like it Hot and Black.

How do you like your coffee? With cream?

When my friend moved to New York City many years ago, he had the habit of saying, “I’d like a regular coffee, please” (he’s from the Midwest, hence the politeness*). He soon learned that in New York, a regular coffee is a cup of Joe with two sugars and cream. At my local coffee shop, a regular coffee indicates the size, not the ingredients.

Coffee and the caffeine that comes with it is the most widely consumed elixir globally, so it pays to know what you are getting. How about caffeine? How much caffeine do you ingest in your ‘regular’ coffee?

This article in the Takeout will clarify it for you.

*This isn't meant to imply that New Yorkers are rude; I lived there and met many nice and polite people. 😃

This May Leave You in the Dark

This past year, there were several opportunities for people living in non-northern latitudes to see the Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the “Northern Lights.” Usually, one must travel far north, near the Arctic Circle, to see this spectacle.

Traveling to see things in the dark is a growing trend. Dark Sky Sanctuaries are being designated so light pollution does not get in the way of witnessing our cosmos. I know from living out in the country several years ago how exhilarating it was to see so many more stars in the sky than one might see living in cities.

This article sheds some light on the subject (sorry, I couldn’t help myself). This summer, find a dark place and enjoy connecting with the universe.

Thanks for Reading

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Whenever you’re ready, there are several ways I can help you:

1. Economic Development: If you are looking to supercharge your economic development organization, I can help by strategizing and developing a roadmap to success. Set up a time to talk to me here.

2. Culture Change; Is your organization changing? Would you like to create an asset out of your culture? Do you know how to assess team strengths? Let me help you. I'm a certified culture change practitioner. Set up a time to talk to me here.

3. The Green Economy; The world is changing. Some of it is positive, and some of the change is not. Let me help you develop green economy opportunities for your community. Set up some time to talk about here.

4. Mentoring Programs: Circles of Seven (C7) is a proven and award-winning model for mentoring. Whether it is for business or your community leadership program, I can develop a mentoring program for you. Let's talk about your situation. Set up a time here.

If you have any thoughts or comments regarding any articles in this newsletter please feel free to contact me through email at martin@martinkarlconsulting.com.

You can review my services and offerings at www.martinkarlconsulting.com

Martin Karl Vanags