Powell’s most significant contribution to the world probably has been in the person of W. Edwards Deming.

Deming grew up in Powell and was a member of the third Powell High School graduating class in 1919. He went on to develop a system of statistical quality control for industry, and by applying those principles, he helped Japanese industry rebuild following its destruction during World War II. Today, the innovative principles Deming developed have become known as the cornerstone of the global economy.

Such innovative thinking is just as vital today as the world economy inevitably evolves. An effort is under way in Wyoming to help businesses and non-profit organizations generate new ideas for products and services, share them and test their potential for making money.

That effort is coming to Powell next month during an Innovation Engineering Leadership Institute at Northwest College.

Changes in the world sparked innovation in Powell schools as well. In this edition of the Powell Tribune is a report on a robotics club where students are dreaming up ways of performing a series of tasks, designing a machine to perform them and testing their design. The schools’ iPad project began last fall, and teachers are finding innovative ways to use it for instruction.

Innovation also is important on a personal level. As energy prices rise, for example, people might think outside the box for ways to use less electricity or drive their automobiles fewer miles, adapting to the situation instead of complaining about it.

It is fitting that Dr. Deming will be honored in his hometown during the Leadership Institute early next month. We should remember that he made the world better with his innovative thinking, and apply that principle to our homes, our schools, our businesses and our community.

That would be an even better way to honor him.