Warren Worx has helped secure funding for five communities to provide a mobile WiFi hotspot in Sheffield, Youngsville, Sugar Grove, Warren and Tidioute.

It might not seem like much given the much larger tasks in front of Warren Worx, but expanding internet access is a pretty significant win for the organization as it approaches its first year in existence. Communities will also receive funding to either create a new event or resurrect an old event that no longer exists — like the World War II reenactment that used to take place in Tidioute. There are a host of things like securing WiFi hotspots for smaller communities or helping create events that can bring people into small downtowns that can make a big difference for local residents that don’t necessarily come with huge costs. What was needed was a group with an eye toward solving some of these problems.

County residents should be encouraged to see Warren Worx deliver on a project, even a small one, while acknowledging bigger projects are going to take time to come to fruition. A countywide housing study is on the Warren Worx agenda, as is creating revitalization groups in townships throughout Warren County to help push more small-scale revitalization efforts in places like Sheffield and Sugar Grove. Those efforts are worthwhile.

We still don’t put much stock in the idea that branding efforts will mean much to most county residents. A snappy slogan probably isn’t going to bring in people who weren’t coming here anyway. But Warren Worx is in the midst of some interesting projects and promising work. Area residents should remember, though, that not all Warren Worx efforts will pay off quickly. The real key to Warren Worx’ effectiveness will be if the community remains interested as the work gets harder – and it will get harder.

Warren Worx is off to a nice start. The hard part will be sustaining that start.