Anne Corriston is Knight's program director for Aberdeen.

My first visit to Aberdeen was in January 2005. A few months later, I returned to participate in a community forum sponsored by Knight Foundation.

Business leaders, artists, teachers, people looking for work - they were there to help us create a vision for a better Aberdeen. I remember asking one man why he was there. "I'm not sure, I'm just hoping I can start to feel better about this place!" he exclaimed.

Gallup and Knight had not yet launched the Soul of the Community study then, but this man typified someone who was not emotionally attached to Aberdeen.

That was then. Today, a little more than four years later, I see people not only feeling better about Aberdeen, but eager to participate in making it better for others. The Aberdeen Area Diversity Committee welcomes new workers and residents. Absolutely Aberdeen is mobilizing people and organizations around harnessing broadband technology for improved economic growth and access to information.

The Soul of the Community study says there's a strong correlation between economic growth and community attachment. So it makes sense to look at what drives attachment. For Aberdeen, it's social offerings - places where people can meet up with others and feel welcome. Red Rooster II, anyone?

Being more welcoming to newcomers is another way Aberdeen can increase attachment. Remember, newcomers come in all forms. They're from other cultures, communities, and lifestyles.

What can we do to make Aberdeen the kind of place where residents feel connected and would recommend it to others? We've come far in four years - let's keep moving forward! Share your ideas by commenting on this post.