And the Winner Is
As I have looked and talked to others who feel the same way about our local economy, I have heard many things, stories, answers, partial answers, and even a few I don't knows. All of us have heard the success stories of little towns who have hit the economic lottery in landing a big manufacturer who brings jobs. We have seen little towns grow into larger ones while suffering the problems that larger ones get. The lust that we have for these types of plants can become unhealthy while destroying the very small town business fabric that makes Quitman a great community. Focusing on that one thing that will make us great.
Economic success stories in MS are rife with the ones that came and went. We have a small plant here that started out on fire and has fallen into a holding pattern with the owner. There have been headlines trumpeted across the state where all things were given to a business by the state and local governments only to see them die on the vine. Taxpayers were left holding the bag while the business suffered no real loss that couldn't be written off. A million here and a million there and soon you're talking about real money. If it bothered me as a taxpayer to have that happen imagine how much does it to the small business that has been a good citizen 10, 20, 30, or even more years. Possibly even looked over as just another pocket to dig in when needed.
Focusing entirely on industrial recruitment usually excludes the very ones that make a town homely. I have praised those in power for getting the JCJC project up and running because even if the kids leave later, at least they are getting a working education here. I say that because college isn't for everyone, even if everyone thinks so. I believe that we have just completed a strategic plan(s) for our community that brings together a diverse leadership team that has their finger on the pulse of what makes us beat. All of us have enjoyed our assets even if we don't recognize them as such. Natural beauty, family oriented community, good schools, people who care.
"If you don't know where you are going, any road will take you there". In today's age everything is connected in ways not dreamed of 30 years ago. Most of us remember when the only news you heard was what "they" wanted you to hear. Any and all things are available if you know where to look. I think it is easy to be discouraged by seeing shuttered plants and buildings where the right market has yet to find its way in them. I think everyone has a story of failure where they or someone they knew quit trying because it didn't work out. I'm sure Thomas Edison was thinking of quitting at some time or another. It takes dreamers to come up with ways to make things work where they never did before. It matters what road we take but it also matters that we don't give up hope or dreams.
When we pursue our dreams there will be times that look like we are on the wrong path. I sometimes look at the tract of land at 18 & 45 and wonder if but I believe that someone can make things happen there if we find them. I look and the land around 45 and envision it looking like some of our neighboring communities. I walk and ride around our little town and love the friendship, enjoyment, and love that are shared here with one another and it gives me hope for the generation that is coming behind mine. I want and try to believe that we can and will grow with the correct strategy to enhance what we have already in place. I know so many of the young people who desire to stay here and make this their home also want more than is offered. We just have to find it together. We can be a winner in the economic sweepstakes without sacrificing what makes us special. Until next week. ags
