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Quint Studer urges Putnam County to adopt a 'get to' mindset, highlights early‑childhood and civic education
Summary
Quint Studer, founder of the Studer Group, told a Putnam County audience that maintaining momentum on downtown revitalization, talent retention and early‑childhood supports is essential. He emphasized a “get to” mindset, CivicIQ public education, and 0–3 brain development work as tools to keep young people and investment in the county.
Quint Studer, founder of the Studer Group and a national community development speaker, told a Putnam County audience that residents should adopt a “get to” mindset to sustain recent progress on downtown revitalization, housing and business attraction.
Studer, speaking at a community session hosted by the Putnam County Board of County Commissioners and the Chamber of Commerce, said the county should focus on practical steps that keep and attract talent. He urged residents to “get to” appreciate and promote local assets rather than treating civic work as an obligation. “I just donated $10,000 to your community,” Studer said during his remarks to illustrate private support for local efforts.
Studer outlined CivicIQ, a speaker‑based public education effort he helps run, and said local leaders should bring outside experts to improve public understanding on issues such as density, safety and trees. He also promoted early‑childhood investment as a long‑term strategy, saying research shows that the number of words children hear from birth to age 3 shapes brain development. He recommended hospital‑based interventions before a mother leaves the hospital and talked about local programs described in the session as “brain bags” and playground investments.
The presentation included local survey data (83 respondents) the speaker used to illustrate trends he said were promising: median age moving from 45 to 42 and population increases that Studer tied to younger residents staying in the county. He cautioned that while progress is visible, many initiatives are still in earlier stages and warned the county’s near‑term challenge will shift from attracting growth to managing it.
Discussion at the event included audience questions and brief remarks from county and chamber representatives. Studer closed by urging residents and local leaders to promote the area’s strengths and to continue coordinated work to convert plans into completed projects.
The remarks were presented as an advisory talk and did not include any formal votes or binding county actions. Studer said he would remain available after the meeting for questions.
