By KELLY WILSON
Herald-Whig Staff Writer

Truckee Meadows Tomorrow has made a difference in the Reno, Nev., area, from a simple initiative designed to recognize people "caught in the act" of improving the community's quality of life to major projects such as developing renewable energy education and training programs in local schools and higher education institutions.

Three representatives from TMT shared the organization's successes and challenges during the Alliance for Building Community's fourth annual Community Building Celebration on Thursday.

"They're an inspiration for us," said Laura Hyde, coordinator of Alliance for Building Community, a partnership of individuals and organizations working since 2003 to improve the quality of life of residents of Adams County.

"That's exactly where we're wanting to be," Hyde said of TMT's achievements in improving quality of life.

TMT has collaborated with business owners, community leaders, educators and active citizens for 15 years to set a value system of measurable indicators that help monitor how the community is doing in terms of preserving and enhancing quality of life.

Ten indicator categories were chosen as priorities based on community assessments, and individuals and organizations in the Reno area have adopted specific indicators and created compacts to address areas that need improvement.

Numerous success stories were shared Thursday, and the TMT representatives offered suggestions for how Alliance for Building Community and its partners can move forward to make positive community change in Adams County.

Karen Hruby, TMT's executive director, was impressed with the work that has been done so far.

"You guys are doing great work here in Adams County," she said.

The quality-of-life indicators measured by TMT are similar to those being measured by Alliance for Building Community.

"We're really excited to be here today," said Cheryl Waterman, executive director of United Way of Adams County. United Way, the Adams County Health Department and the University of Illinois Extension-Adams/Brown Unit are the three founding partners of Alliance for Building Community.

"It's exciting to know that here in Adams County we have everything we need to do what they have done," Waterman said.

Alliance for Building Community is finishing up a county-wide community assessment and is expected to present a report by the first of June. The assessment will help the organization and its partners set priorities and take action that will make a difference.

Hyde feels confident that Alliance for Building Community is moving in the right direction.

"One of our strengths is our partnerships," she said. " We have the right people at the table talking together."

-- kwilson@whig.com/221-3391