IN Dalton

“I Am Running for President”

2011-03-23T08:32:00.002-07:00

Gotcha … for those in our community who support me, you are either thinking “great” how can I help, or has he lost his mind. For the others, who for whatever reason are not my biggest fans, you are already strategizing the many and sundry ways you can oppose / defeat my candidacy. In full disclosure, the campaign for the President of the United States is certainly hitting up with a number of likely suspects announcing their exploratory committees.

But isn’t it amazing that the campaign really began shortly after President Obama was elected in November of 2008. The Republican candidates who sought the nomination eventually won by Senator McCain wasted little time launching their own talk shows or writing their books that afforded them the opportunities to pretty much campaign full time. Our country is so celebrity focused; merely running for President provides instant fame for even those without the necessary credentials to be elected and certainly not to lead our country.

Sometimes the phrase stating that “elections matter” is over-used, bordering on cliché. Of course they are important. But I will argue some are more important than others. Or put another way, certain times call for different strengths in those we elect. And although we cannot predict the issues that might occur during an elected officials term in office, we certainly know the issues of the day that the newly elected will face as they assume their office.

Consider the 2008 presidential campaign. Our country had been dealing with the issue of fanatical terrorism since September 2001. We were and had been fighting two wars for many years. The Republicans while in Power prior to 2006 offered very little in offering solutions that would return America to greatness. They talked about it, but mostly in the context of sticking our chest out while we showed our military might. As I wrote a few weeks ago, in 2000 President Bush took office with annual surpluses and proceeded to grow our national debt from $4.6 trillion to over $9 trillion.

And as we all know, in the final years of the Bush Presidency, the economy collapsed. Candidate Obama comes along and tells us he will bring about change. He told us that he would raise taxes on the wealthy, institute new government programs, grow entitlement spending, and basically enact the same approach many progressive and democratic predecessors have taken – grow the size of government and the rest will follow.

After two years of spending like a drunken sailor or shore leave (I can that my Dad was in the Navy) by the Democratic President and Congress, we scratched our heads in bewilderment of what was happening. Why? President Obama and his partners in crime told us exactly what they were going to do. He appointed key cabinet members and other “czars” who were known not to represent mainstream thinking but very liberal policies by most standards.

Fast forward to the fall of 2010. The Republicans roar back from almost extinction to win the House of Representatives, almost win the Senate, and thoroughly sweet most races for governor and legislatures even in many states that historically vote for the Democratic party.

Why? I propose that these two dramatic shifts politically are due to the power of the independent voter. Those that occupy the middle of the policital spectrum have tremendous power. Elections are won or lost depending on who wins the independent voters. Those in the middle in 2006 did not feel that President Bush and the Republican-controlled Congress were leading in a way for American to prosper. They gave the Democrats a chance. And again in 2008, they supported President Obama in solidifying the control of the federal government by the Democrats.

A short 22 months later the independents are horrified by the runaway national debt, the growth of the federal government and the minimal progress made in turning our national economy around. Neither party delivered the solutions needed by our country, so the independent voters have chosen gridlock in electing a divided government.

What now? As mentioned earlier, the usual suspects are in full campaign mode: Newt Gingrich, Mike Huckabee, Sarah Palin and Mitt Romney are being jonied by the Tim Pawlentys of the world and all could take on President Obama in 2012.

I would argue that neither the president nor most of the likely Republican candidates can truly lead our nation in a way that puts our country back on a path to greatness. The Democrats will continue to preach more spending aka (investing) as the answer. And the Republicans will talk about cutting the spending but only in those easy areas: non-defense and non-entitlement discretionary spending.

Neither party has a plan for reforming taxes, improving and reforming education, reforming entitlement programs or improving our relationships globally. We need leadership.

If I had the ability, instead of running for president I would establish the national nonpartisan party. Our new party would seek those to serve who ask hard questions, seek common sense answers and, after using their God-given ability to think, propose solutions. If an elected official responds to questions armed with only his or her party's talking points, they are not fit to serve.

I hope and pray that someone is out there who can effectively lead this great nation!

Spring is in the Air!

2011-03-23T08:32:00.001-07:00

Although it is normal to see the first signs of spring in late February in our region, I am not sure anyone could be any more excited by the blooms of the first yellow flowers popping out of the ground all around our beautiful community. To me one of the best attributes of our area is the weather. By the time we are tired of a season, the next one begins. And after another cold winter complete with one of the biggest snow storms in a number of years, we are on the verge of another amazing spring season.

Around this time last year, I wrote a column with a similar theme proclaiming that spring was close. I further wrote that economically speaking, we were close to turning the corner of benefitting from new growth in our economy. Our 2010 economic development scorecard illustrates the following successes:
- 340 direct new jobs were created in 2010 or 17.9% of our Grow Greater Dalton four year goal for new job creation
- An additional 161 indirect jobs were created or 12.2% of our four year goal
- A total of 501 jobs were created in 2010
- $28.2 million in new capital investment was invested in our community or 14.8% of our four year goal for capital investment

Our 2010 Economic Development achievements occurred as a result of attracting new investment from new companies locating in our community and simultaneously working with existing industry partners who made investments in expanding their operations. Communities that thrive typically do so through these complimentary strategies.

Although the achievements realized in 2010 were exciting, it is not yet time to celebrate or relax. The US economy, our state’s economy, and even our local economy are all far from being ideal. To use an automobile analogy, our economies are definitely not hitting on all cylinders.

Just as our weather senses the pending arrival of spring, I still believe our community is on the verge of real economic revival. Last year I reported that 2010 would be a success. And in many cases, that prediction was accurate. But it was still not a year for celebration given minimal improvement in many economic indicators.

One such indicator, unemployment in Georgia not only remains above the national unemployment rate but the difference between the two is growing. Locally, the Dalton MSA unemployment rate is higher than Georgia’s and the US. Budgets continue to be anemic for everyone ranging from individual families, local governments, school systems, non-profit agencies, small and large businesses, state governments, etc. The largest budget in the world (America’s) is also in peril and threatens an improving national economy and even our national security.

Just as a spring garden requires ideal conditions and preparation to be beautiful, economic success also requires ideal conditions and preparation. Businesses perform optimally when the unknown is minimized. Businesses, small or large, can make better business decisions when they can predict favorable outcomes. If they know the financial landscape, the regulatory environment, and what the marketplace needs, they can reasonably run their businesses by employing people, making their products, marketing their products, and realizing a reasonable return on their investment.

In today’s environment, the unknowns are paramount. For instance, many companies have tremendous cash on their books even after a number of years of terrible business results. And in many cases, these companies are seeing their sales increase and growing demand for their products. These positive conditions would normally mean that they would begin hiring again to meet the production demand for their products.

But due to many shaky economic statistics and lingering uncertainty in the marketplace, these companies are taking a wait and see attitude as it relates to increased hiring and expansion plans. Government policy at many levels is exacerbating this uncertainty in the marketplace.

At the federal level, maintaining reasonable tax rates for the long-term became politicized and these reduced tax rates were only maintained for two additional years. I deliberately say maintained and not extended for a purpose. The corporate tax rates that were reduced by the Bush Administration were appropriate. Given we have the largest corporate tax rates of any country except Japan; we need to remain as competitive as possible to keep business and industry here in the US.

In Georgia, we are also uncompetitive in today’s economic climate. Although property tax rates and sales tax rates are average, we also have an income tax that is higher than average. Add these all together, and we are not as competitive as some of our neighbors. The recent Tax Reform Council has proposed a reasonably thought out set of reforms, but our state government leaders do not seem inclined to pass the reforms or make any changes that will improve our competitiveness.

Although the news media spews doom and gloom, I remain encouraged that the American spirit will prevail. Just as Cherry Blossoms bloom against a cloudy and cold early March day; our spirit, our fortitude, and our belief in a better future for those who follow us will enable us to overcome the challenges of today. Our Nation, the State of Georgia, and Greater Dalton will once again bloom as beautifully as the most impeccably prepared and maintained garden.

Dereliction of Duty

2011-03-23T08:30:00.000-07:00

Elected officials and public servants choose to go AWOL (absent without leave) in Wisconsin and Indiana. What a travesty? How many other Americans of all income levels can choose to go home without penalty when they do not like the cards that life deals them? How is it that elected officials go run and hide just because they are in the minority on an issue? How can the democratic process survive if rogue members of either party can simply flee their community or state holding the legislative process hostage?
Although the two current groups who are AWOL are members of the Democratic Party from both Wisconsin and Indiana, the first groups to do so were members of the Republican caucus in Texas. Regardless of party, it is simply wrong to abandon your job or to run and hide and debilitating the process by their actions.
And are we really supposed to believe those who are in hiding are really concerned about the middle class? If so, I submit they are primarily concerned by only those select few who are unionized. Did you know?
• In 2010, the union membership rate--the percent of wage and salary workers who were members of a union--was 11.9 percent, down from 12.3 percent a year earlier.
• The number of wage and salary workers belonging to unions declined by 612,000 to 14.7 million. In 1983, the first year for which comparable union data are available, the union membership rate was 20.1 percent, and there were 17.7 million union workers.
• The union membership rate for public sector workers (36.2 percent) was substantially higher than the rate for private sector workers (6.9 percent).
• Workers in education, training, and library occupations had the highest unionization rate at 37.1 percent.

If you listen to those who so vehemently argue on behalf of the unions, you would assume that all workers who are middle-class are also union members. The numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor say otherwise. Those who choose to belong to unions are the minority. And when you consider the ages of union members, interestingly the highest percentage of members are the oldest. By age, the union membership rate was highest among 55- to 64-year-old workers (15.7 percent). The lowest union membership rate occurred among those ages 16 to 24 (4.3 percent).
It is not coincidence that those who argue so passionately for keeping the collective bargaining privileges do so because it is financially and politically prudent to do so. The unions are the largest political contributors to those who have abandoned their office. Consider one of the key changes that the Wisconsin Governor is proposing – if you do not want to be in the Union and have your union dues automatically paid by the state to the union, you can choose to keep that money. Heresy I say. What about free choice?
The reason that the Democratic officials and the unions have chosen to fight these proposals so robustly at this time is because they know this is a watershed moment for their preservation. Although unions have brought about positive and needed improvements in the workplace historically (reasonable workweek, vacation pay, sick pay, safety rules and regulations, etc.), today they simply drive up the cost of doing business beyond what the marketplace can support.
And in the case of public workers who are unionized, the union contract provisions increase the cost of services to the taxpayers exponentially beyond the true cost of providing those services. And as a very appropriate cartoon in yesterdays Daily Citizen pointed out – at the negotiating table the taxpayer is left out of the negotiations.
Some in our community will take issue with my position in this column. And that is okay – it is even American for us to disagree. We are supposed to debate the issues of the day and propose laws that satisfy at least a democratically elected majority at all levels of government.
It is un-American to get mad and abandon one’s office just because one finds themselves in the minority position on an issue. The voter’s had their say when they elected the governors of Wisconsin and Indiana and in electing the Republican majorities. And in the end, the voters will ultimately have their say again when the next elections occur. Public service is an honorable endeavor and deserves that those elected to serve do so honorably.

What is truly important these days?

2011-03-23T08:29:00.000-07:00

How do you answer that? Of course most of us would answer that our family, our faith, our jobs, our hobbies are just some of the things important to us. But collectively, what do we as communities, states, and even a nation truly hold dear?
I would argue that the Great Recession that we are still trying to climb out of has affected how most of us answer the question. Sure our families, our friends, and definitely our faith are all very important to us. But given the lasting effects of this prolonged and deep recession, I think most of us have and will continue to reevaluate our priorities.
Amazingly in the political arena, the voting electorate seems to have done a complete turn-around when it comes to government spending. Just two years ago, President Obama and the Democratic Party controlled the entire federal government. Fast-forward two years and the Republicans win the US House of Representatives, a large number of Governorships, and a majority of state legislators. Interestingly the same independent voters who sided with the Democrats in 2008 over economic concerns, flipped over to the Republicans in 2010.
The battle cry has largely been over rampant government spending. This backlash has been aimed at both legitimate spending like education and national defense and the frivolous pork projects sought by insensitive and self-serving politicians. This clouding of the issues or broad-brush indictment of all government activity and spending could be detrimental in the long-term.
Consider the battle occurring in Wisconsin. Who is right? The Governor and the elected majority argue they are simply doing what the voters told them to do when they elected them – reduce the size of state government and the associated spending. The public employees argue that the Governor and the elected majority are more interested in eliminating or severely negatively impacting the unions.
This same tug of war has occurred and continues to occur in many other parts of the country. The State of Georgia has every bit as big a fiscal problem as Wisconsin. Fortunately the union impact is not as large as in Wisconsin, but nonetheless all employees working for the State and most local governments have endured pay cuts, furloughs, benefit reductions, etc. Interestingly in Wisconsin and in New Jersey, the Unions would prefer the state governments lay people off than pursue other alternative cost-saving options.
But the bigger picture here is the potentially lasting effect these issues could have on future public policy. Because most of us have been adversely affected by this recession to some degree or other, we have become even more concerned regarding fiscal affairs than we were prior to the recession. Special Purpose Local Option Sales Taxes (SPLOSTs) are a good example of a typically preferred revenue generating instrument that is now under attack. And new ones will certainly be harder to pass than they were in better economic times.
Unfortunately many of our elected officials have created the environment we now find ourselves in. Given a fourteen trillion dollar debt at the national level, huge deficits in a majority of the state governments around the country, and challenging budget issues at the local level, I think most of us are in fiscal shock. While worrying daily about our own fiscal assuredness, we are bombarded with negative news concerning the budget gaps, the deficits, and the shaky financial position of government at all levels.
Where do we go from here? All of us must come to the conclusion that our country and our standard of living have been reset. Our home values have decreased and will appreciate in value much more slowly going forward. Pensions and other employer provided retirement plans are a thing of the past. Benefits like health insurance will continue to become more and more expensive and absorb a larger share of our discretionary income.
Our governments must become leaner. Our Federal government must be reduced in size and scope (and only do what it is constitutionally allowed to do). Entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare have to be reformed in order that they remain viable. Our National Defense budget has to be on the table for discussion and reductions must be made. Foreign aid also must be trimmed. It is unfathomable to me that we provide any country foreign aid when we are borrowing money from others to do so.
It seems to me that the world we know has changed forever. We have come through another of those cataclysmic periods that truly changed the trajectory of life as we know it. The big question facing us now is – what will we do with what we know? Will we become more conservative in our lifestyle choices (homes, cars, etc.)? Will we hold our elected officials to a higher standard? Will we work harder in collaborating for the collective good?
Although it is too early to tell, I am optimistic that in the end the greatness of our nation will once again rise to the occasion. We will once again prosper and remain the envy of the world.

The Importance of a Vision

2011-03-23T08:27:00.001-07:00

According to Dr. Stephen Covey, in order to be effective one must “begin with the end in mind”. He further states that effectiveness requires that “mental creation precede physical creation.” Last week, members of the Varnell community were introduced to the Varnell 2020 Vision. The presentation of the Vision by Mayor Dan Peeples was wonderfully refreshing. His energy and passion was indicative of a Mayor and Council who are not just talking, but a group of leaders who are committed to action.
Since being elected by the citizens of Varnell, Mayor Peeples and the current Council have worked tirelessly to imagine a new Varnell. And with a blank slate in which to draw on, they have a unique opportunity to truly improve a growing community. They have spent months talking to citizens and talking among themselves about what Varnell could be. And in a time when most governments are solely focused on cutting budgets and eliminating services , the Varnell leadership presented a beautiful picture of what their community can be given hard work, resources, and a little luck.
The Mayor and Council propose three areas of focus: the Cleveland Highway commercial corridor, a new Downtown, and recreation / leisure amenities. In recent years new development has grown along the existing commercial corridor and has plenty of available land to support continued growth. The expansion of public sewer will fuel additional quality growth. The vision outlined plans to recruit businesses that are not currently available in Varnell such as a dry-cleaning business, a law office, a hair and beauty business, and additional restaurants.
Mayor Peeples jokingly remarked during his presentation that a recent forum caller inquired as to where Downtown Varnell is located. The Mayor aptly responded that the forum caller precisely made the point that the community needs a downtown. Creating a “downtown” business district is not new. All downtowns were built new at some point. The Mayor and Council plan to design such a business district, gain approval from the Varnell citizens, and then build the district as resources are available.
The focus area of recreation and leisure already has assets that add value to the Varnell community. The Varnell Springs has been enhanced recently with walkways and paths that will protect the spring while also allowing continued use. The recreational complex located adjacent to Varnell Elementary is already in great demand. But the vision calls for enhancements to the walking trail such like new park benches and new decorative lighting.
Varnell was recently awarded a community block grant to build a community center. Using skilled inmate labor from the Georgia Department of Corrections, the initial price tag will be reduced significantly allowing the City leaders to build an open-air picnic shelter behind the community center.
The City of Dalton has also benefitted from a vision from its elected leaders. Mayor Pennington and the Dalton City Council knew that the tax rate in the City had reached a level that threatened it from being competitive, especially given the economic climate of recent years. They set out to not only reduce the size of the city government through reducing taxes, but to also maintain current services at a level that citizens would not notice. The City of Dalton employees, department leaders, and the elected leaders epitomize doing more with less.
The current members of the Whitfield County Board of Commissioners also have a vision. Given our community’s high unemployment rate, they are extremely focused on economic development. They are so focused some have criticized some of their decisions like the recruitment of IVC to build their North American cooperate office and manufacturing facility here and their decision to purchase 180 acres of land off the Carbondale exit on I-75 to build the Carbondale Commerce Park.
For those that will become employed again or those who improve their employment through a better job, the decisions of the County’s leaders will be praised. And for the rest of us who will one day have less of a tax burden because more businesses invested here and grew the tax digest, we are grateful for the vision of our County Leaders. And for those still unemployed, these decisions will pay off sooner rather than later in providing more employment opportunities for our neighbors.
As a taxpayer, a citizen, and a community stakeholder, I am grateful for our community leaders who choose to serve as elected officials. And those that lead our communities proactively with the benefit of a Community Vision, I applaud you! On behalf of a grateful community – Thank You!

America’s Debt and Its Impact on Our Future

2011-02-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

How much do any of us really know about our nation’s debt? We hear news stories about it constantly. But do we as everyday Americans really understand our debt situation? Should we be concerned, worried, terrified?
In order to cut through the sound bites and the sky is falling predictions, I googled the issue seeking to get a basic understanding of the topic. Of the many websites / stories on the topic, one in particular provided me the basics of the issues. Did you know?
• The current US debt is over $14 trillion dollars of which two-thirds is owed to people, businesses, and foreign governments who have purchased treasury bills, notes, and bonds.
• The remaining one-third is owed to the government and held as Government Account Securities – funds we have borrowed from Social Security and other trusts funds.
• The U.S. debt is the largest in the world. From 2000-2007, our debt grew by 50% ballooning from $6 to $9 trillion. Add an additional $700 billion bailout program in late 2008, and we are now over $10 trillion.
• The US debt is currently about 95% of GDP up from only 51% in 1988.
• The interest owed on our debt was $414 billion in FY 2010. The interest is the 5th largest federal budget line item following defense and security ($890 billion), Social Security ($730 billion), and Medicare ($490 Billion).
The interesting facts could go on forever. But hopefully these few will suffice in framing the issue in order to discuss its impact.
Again, as we reflect on these facts, are we concerned, worried, or terrified? Or do we care? Of course we care. But if the majority of Americans really were concerned, how did we get here? How did our elected officials “spend” us into this situation? How did we become so distracted or disillusioned into thinking that spending more than we have is ok?
Remember the budget surpluses that VP Gore and Gov. Bush discussed in the 2000 presidential campaign. Seriously … just 10 years ago, the two men vying to become our nation’s 43rd President, debated what they would do with the surplus that occurred from a few good years of the federal government spending less than it took in. Believe it or not, they both agreed that the “surplus” should be used to pay down the debt, shore up Social Security, and to give back the rest as credits or tax cuts. Remember that when these debates were occurring, the total US debt was around $5.6 trillion.
Gov. Bush eventually became President. He pushed hard for tax cuts and got them. The nation entered into a recession, terrorists attacked us in September of 2001, and almost immediately we became entangled in two wars. Spending soared to unprecedented levels and by the time President Obama was sworn in our debt is a whopping $10 trillion. Fast forward two years, and our debt is now over $14 trillion.
Back in 2000, VP Gore and Gov. Bush also agreed that by the time either was sworn in as President, the accumulated “surplus” would equal approximately $4.6 trillion. As Larry the Cable would say, “Can you believe that”? The debt was approximately $5.6 trillion and the surplus from the most recent annual budgets was approximately $4.6 trillion.
Where would we be today if President Bush would have used the entire “surplus” to pay down our nation’s debt? Imagine starting your presidency off on the right foot and reducing the debt of the country you serve from $5 trillion to $1 trillion. For those who want to play devil’s advocate, the tragedy of 9/11 and the recession, and the wars of the Bush years would have still required deficit spending. You are correct in assuming that some of the spending of the Bush Presidency would have been necessary. But in the end, our national debt would be about $5 trillion less today if he had used the $4.6 trillion in surplus to pay down our debt in 2000. In reality, he and Congress spent the $4.6 trillion and borrowed another $4 trillion.
Our national debt dilemma is no one person or President’s fault (Bush $8 trillion / Obama $4 trillion). Many are to blame for what ails us. But if history has taught us anything, it is that tough times are reoccurring. We will have national disasters, wars / military conflicts, recessions, etc. It is time we do the prudent and get our financial house in order, in order to restore America’s strength.
It is incumbent that both parties and the President roll up their sleeves and get federal spending under control both in the short-term and long-term.

Have you been to Realville?

2011-02-11T05:59:00.000-08:00

Of course you have. It is where most of us live. Our actual address may include an actual name of a place, but we all live in Realville. Thanks to the administration and staff at Dalton High School, all Dalton High freshmen were able to spend a little time in Realville last week. The experience was paid for by the Dalton Education Foundation and was staffed by volunteers from all walks of life.
Realville is the fictitious town of the Reality Check program that enables students to get a little taste of the real world. Prior to the experience, teachers assigned the students with different real-life scenarios. The students were assigned all varieties of occupations, their educational qualifications, whether they were married or single, had children or no children, or were single parents. Given the education and occupation assigned, the students were given payroll information – both gross and net after taxes.
Armed with real world and very realistic information, the students spent the next 40 minutes visiting different stations that gave the students choices to consider like housing, transportation, insurance, groceries, or the availability of part-time jobs. For example, I might have been assigned the scenario of being a single parent with a six-month old, who dropped out of high school, was employed as a video store clerk, and brought home $1200 per month.
Armed with my life circumstances and my $1200, I would first visit the housing station only to realize that my least expensive housing option was a $500 per month one-bedroom apartment. My transportation options included everything from a $60 bus pass to a $500 per month Honda. My grocery bill for two came to $425 per month. And last but not least, childcare for my six-month old would cost me $425 per month. Even if I chose the bus for transportation, I have already allocated my $1200 in just four important and necessary expenses and need an additional $210 to break even.
A friend of mine and volunteer at one of the stations summed up the experience through the words of two different students, the first student simply said to herself after looking over her checkbook register, “this sucks” (my apologizes for the use of a crude expression). The second young man was comparing his sheet with his buddies and exclaimed – why do you make so much more money than I do?
This real-world experience gave these young and impressionable students a chance to “play” life in safe mode. They were able to understand the realities that compensation correlates with educational attainment and job choice. They were able to taste life, see life conditions in a safe and non-judgmental application, while also benefiting from the knowledge that these experiences provided.
My station was the part-time job station. A student could come to me and get a part-time job working at the grocery store or delivering pizza at night. They would look at the board of options; nonchalantly choose to deliver pizzas five nights a week for an extra $900 per month. I would then challenge them by asking – who will keep your six-month old while you deliver the pizzas? When will you spend time with your child? How can you deliver pizzas using a bus pass?
Soon after moving to Dalton, I had the pleasure of working on the Education is Essential Committee through the Chamber. The EIE committee created a similar program to Reality Check call Big Bucks. Some of you may remember the program or were volunteers in classrooms that utilized the program. Although the Big Bucks program was similar in concept, the Reality Check program is a much more interactive and informative program.
Jean Lowery, the Executive Director of the Dalton Education Foundation, told me after the experience that the Chattanooga community is using an even more comprehensive program of which Reality Check is just one component. The more comprehensive approach is a collaborative between the Chattanooga Chamber, Hamilton County Schools, Chattanooga State College, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. After seeing the experience firsthand, I whole-heartedly endorse our community researching what Chattanooga is doing and see if we can adopt it here.
The Greater Dalton Chamber applauds Dalton High School, the Dalton Education Foundation, and the volunteers who made a Friday very worthwhile in the lives of students. We look forward to working with our education stakeholders in implementing programs like Reality Check for the benefit of our students.

The Difference a Teacher Makes

2011-02-11T05:58:00.000-08:00

Last week our community lost one of its finest. Although I did not personally know Demera Robinson, I know her family. And more importantly, I have known many Ms. Robinsons throughout my life. I had teachers just like her. Those that taught more than the textbook material. Those that took a real interest in me as a person. After reading just a few of the comments from Dalton High School students, it was obvious that Ms. Robinson was just that kind of teacher.
It is times like these that we should stop and reflect on what is really important in life. As a citizen, father, community leader, and economic developer, I would argue that all things that build our community or positively affect our community are important. At the national level, things like enforcing the rule of law, protecting our country against foreign and domestic enemies, and managing our fiscal affairs are all important priorities for our national leaders to focus on.
At the local and state level, the priorities should be very basic – public safety, good schools / educational opportunities, good roads and transportation infrastructure, clean water and public wastewater treatment, and amenities for quality of life. In this day and time, basic infrastructure should be a given. Clean water and good roads are expected by taxpayers.
The Great Recession that we all are still recovering from has appropriately put a magnifying glass on the spending by our various government entities. Many political pundits are proclaiming that the Republican takeover of the US House and many state legislatures can be directly attributed to the public’s ire against runaway spending.
So what taxes are legitimate? How should our elected officials prioritize the taxes they enact and the spending they appropriate? These are serious questions that need to be debated in a bi-partisan and adult manner. We need real leaders and not politicians given the severity of the issues facing our nation, our state, and our local communities.
Over the last three years our state officials have dealt with the effects of declining revenues by cutting the state’s budget across the board. Appropriations for education have not been spared. These cuts, on top of declining digest values that determine local funding, have dealt a double-whammy to those charged with educating our children.
I, like most, do not want to pay any more in taxes than necessary. But what is necessary? I think most reasonable people want good, if not great schools. We want good roads. We want law enforcement and courts to keep us safe. But spending by our federal government on projects like studying turtle migration has clouded our view on what is important and necessary.
In the recent report from The 2010 Special Council on Tax Reform and Fairness for Georgians, good comparative data was included that illustrates the tax burden for Georgians. According to the report, Georgia ranks 39th among states in per capita taxes (State and Local combined). In state taxes alone, Georgia ranks 45th nationally. Based on 2010 numbers, Georgia is now 49th in per capita revenue followed only by SC. According to the report, “this data suggests that, relative to other states, state taxes in Georgia are very low while local taxes are approximately average.”
What are our priorities? Are the taxes that are collected and spent a reflection of those priorities? Should our officials take a new approach of re-thinking our priorities and aligning the appropriate spending on the things that matter most?
Can we afford to cut more teacher positions? What are the short-term and long-term effects of larger classrooms? I don’t pretend that these are easy questions or simple problems. But I think most would support the necessary taxes targeted at funding our highest-leveraged priorities.
Over the holidays, I watched the fictional movie Mr. Hollands Opus. The movie ends with a former student (who eventually became Governor) saying, "Mr. Holland had a profound influence on my life and on a lot of lives I know. But I have a feeling that he considers a great part of his own life misspent. Rumor had it he was always working on this symphony of his. And this was going to make him famous, rich, probably both. But Mr. Holland isn't rich and he isn't famous, at least not outside of our little town. So it might be easy for him to think himself a failure. But he would be wrong, because I think that he's achieved a success far beyond riches and fame. Look around you. There is not a life in this room that you have not touched, and each of us is a better person because of you. We are your symphony Mr. Holland. We are the melodies and the notes of your opus. We are the music of your life.”
I dedicate this column to Demera Robinson and every teacher who is making a difference in the lives of our children. Education is not an expense – it is an investment!

2011 ???

2011-02-11T05:57:00.000-08:00

Can you believe another year has come and gone? Can it really be 2011? At dinner last night, the subject of Y2K came up. Can you believe it has been 10 years since that futile scare? Are you feeling optimistic or cautious about 2011? How would you describe your outlook for the New Year for yourself, your family, your community, our state, and our nation? These are tough questions and the answers will vary from one person to another.

In thinking about the New Year, I have to admit my thoughts were vague at best. I even went online and researched everything from the Chinese calendar (year of the Rabbit by the way) to the Farmer’s Almanac. My search also found a few prognosticators ranging from a religious group for such, a fairly thorough economic forecast from Robert Reich, former Labor Secretary for President Clinton and a Professor, and the usual postings from those known simply as bloggers.
Surprisingly, there were very few credible or authoritative search results offering bona fide forecasts / predictions. I say surprising because in the day of the media talking head and expert “panels”, one would think that we have more answers than we have questions. Those of us that live in the real world though know that the future is as unpredictable as an Oklahoma tornado.
I was intrigued by some of the predictions made by Professor Reich. “CEOs and stockholders will prosper in the globalizing economy, but the American labor force will continue to struggle, as America's two economies diverge further,” predicts Reich. Professor Reich describes two economies within the US Economy this way, “ the Big Money economy and the Average Working Family economy — will continue to diverge. Corporate profits will continue to rise, as will the stock market. But typical wages will go nowhere, joblessness will remain high, the ranks of the long-term unemployed will continue to rise, the housing recovery will remain stalled, and consumer confidence will sag.”
Zachary Roth blogging on THE LOOKOUT describes 2011 this way – “As we enter 2011, we're at an unusual economic moment. Everywhere you look, there are hopeful signs that the economy is finally turning around. But many Americans just aren't feeling it yet in their daily lives -- and might not be for a while. Today's news brings that contradiction home more strongly than ever.
Who really knows what 2011 will hold for any of us? We use the data available to us to make the best decisions possible producing the most desired outcomes. Professor Reich goes on to make the case that Wall Street will prosper at the expense of main street America because of the cold-hearted greed that international markets offer at the expense of the American citizen / consumer. Although I agree with the Professor’s prognostications, I do not agree with the reasoning behind his predictions.
I would argue that Multinational corporations and small businesses alike will invest and operate in any market that offers a good return on investment. Given the growth rates and wealth creation that is occurring in countries like China and India, it is only natural that those who can capitalize on these markets will.
And the reasons these same organizations are not investing at the same robust levels here in the US as they are internationally is simple economics. The same dollar invested in a minimally bureaucratic, low wage, low taxed economy yields a much higher return than a country like the US that has more bureaucracy, higher wages, and higher taxes. Last time I checked, the US had the highest corporate income tax in the world except for Japan.
So as the 112th US Congress convenes this week and state legislatures begin their sessions all across the country, the jury is still out as to what policies will be enacted, changed, or repealed that will affect our country’s ability to compete. Although many promises were made in the recent election cycle, it is now time to govern. The US and the state of Georgia have tremendous issues to debate and a responsibility to enact laws / policies that will increase our ability to compete.
Thankfully we are prepared locally to compete (at least against other US communities). Our local governments have low to average tax rates. Because of Grow Greater Dalton and our local governments, we have the necessary resources to market our community to those looking to expand or invest here for the first time. We are in a terrific location that manufacturers can reach over 50% of the US population within one day’s drive from Dalton. And we have tremendous transportation and utility infrastructure.
Although many are forecasting continued instability within the housing market, prolonged high unemployment, and flat to declining wage rates, most also agree we have turned the corner. So 2011 may not be as bad as 2008 or 2009, but it is too early to declare we are out of the storm.
As my blessings continue to be greater than my needs, I am thankful to be an American, a Georgian, and a proud member of the Greater Dalton community! From all of us at the Chamber of Commerce, we wish each of you a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Let there be peace!

2011-02-11T05:56:00.000-08:00

North Korea attacks South Korean island … Tourist attacked in Israel … President accuses Republicans of taking hostages in tax debate … Republicans accuse Democrats of promoting socialist agenda … Mexican drug lords extend violence across US border …
If newspaper headlines, forum comments, and soundbytes espoused by the various TV talking heads were all we had to go by, peace would be the last descriptive we would use to describe the world as we know it. But in the book of Isaiah the word proclaimed centuries ago that “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. “
What would the world be like if each of us sought peace? Remember the words of the song Let there be Peace on Earth?
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be.
With God as our father
Brothers all are we.
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.

Just think what our world might be like if the peace that many of us feel and project became contagious. And as the song says, that peace began with each of us?

Consider the recent debate on the Bush tax cuts… could a win-win have been reached instead of a compromise? Could our elected officials have debated and worked through the issue without demonizing each other. Not only do I think so, I feel a win-win was possible and would have led to a better tax package and took at least a baby step toward fiscal responsibility.

I think most felt the tax cuts being kept in place for over 95% of Americans were necessary and responsible as we continue to try to climb out of the current economic abyss. I also think most agree that spending at the federal level is out of control. So a possible win-win could have been a modest increase for the top two percent of wage earners while also reducing spending by at least the same amount.
It is a far stretch to say that any tax increase for the top-earners will put the brakes on growth and investment. But given the fiscal malpractice of our Congress and Presidents (pick any of them over the last 20-30 years), it is good politics to blame the other guy and demonize one another rather than rolling up your sleeves and working it out.

A win-win option is possible if mutual respect and mutual benefit are desired. In Stephen Covey’s landmark work on human effectiveness, seeking a win-win solution produces the highest level of benefit. Why then do we see so much evidence of the opposite – win/lose, lose/win, lose/lose, and compromise? In the political world compromise is considered success. If we could somehow get back to some level of civility where mutual respect and mutual benefit could exist, maybe our country would be in better shape.

Internationally we do not seem much better off. After thousands of years of war and fighting, conflict still reigns. North Korea imprisons its people through totalitarian rule yet seeks aid from the rest of the world through intimidation. In the Middle East, peace not only is nonexistent, the mere premise is thought irrational by the radical.

Rarely a day goes by that news reports of abuse, violence, assault, rape, and even murder are reported. Even the simple reading of the forum in our local paper can quickly wipe the smile off of your face. One will rarely be at peace after reading the criticisms and complaints of even a few.

So as I enter this Christmas season wishing for peace I will be mindful of the words in the song – peace was meant to be, it begins with me, and it occurs with God as our Father! Although today we are not at peace, one day the world will be at peace!

Wishing all a blessed and Merry Christmas!

My Christmas List

2011-02-11T05:55:00.000-08:00

I have previously mentioned in past columns that I love this time of year. Christmas is definitely my favorite season and holiday. I start listening to Christmas music well before Thanksgiving. So, I thought it appropriate to share my Christmas list so that all who read this might contribute to bringing some or all of it to fruition.

Given this Christmas season is much like the last couple, my list does not include material things or things that possess tremendous monetary value. My list does include wishes and aspirations that would definitely make my everyday life better, but more importantly the wishes would drastically improve the collective world that we all live in.

Although I wish for world peace, I know that in reality the world has never been peaceful. As long as we humans occupy this earthly planet with all of our greedy, envious, and me first attitudes, world peace will be elusive. So my Christmas wish is that each of us would do all within our powers to create peace where we live, work, and play. Each of us has tremendous opportunities daily to quiet the noise and to calm the turmoil – but we must choose to do so.

Although I wish for and pray for every man, woman, and child to have adequate food to eat, I know that many are hungry. Through the efforts of so many in our community like Providence ministries, the Salvation Army, the local network of churches, and many, many more - those needing food will receive a meal or two. My Christmas wish is that we be mindful that the need exists, and that we will do all we can to assist those who feed our neighbors.

Although I wish for leadership, vision, and good governance from our elected officials, they (like us) are mere human. Most work diligently for the good of all of us. Many work to promote their own agenda or their parties agenda without regard to what is beneficial to those they govern. Their agenda is put ahead of the people’s agenda. They act unethically, profit from their positions, and in some cases actually break the law.

My Christmas list is that those in office spend this magical and special time of year reflecting on why they ran for office in the first place. I would ask that they step back evaluate their deliberations, their actions, and their votes during the past year, and truly grade themselves based on how they benefitted the jurisdiction that elected them. At the end of the day did their decisions improve the lives of those they represent?

And as it relates to those in public office, I also wish that each would serve honorably. Notice I did not say or ask that they serve without mistake or that they always make the right decisions. Whether a decision is right or wrong is more often than not subjective. But in my opinion, evaluating one’s behavior as being honorable or not is never subjective.

Next month, we begin another legislative session. This session brings many new players to the process – a new Governor, a one-year at the helm Speaker of the House and one of the largest freshmen classes of representatives and senators in recent history. Our state is in dire need of visionary, compassionate, and honorable leadership. As our state continues trying to do more (or the same) with less, true leadership is paramount. My Christmas wish is that Governor-Elect Deal, Lt. Gov. Cagle, and Speaker Ralston will provide this needed leadership.

At the national level, our leaders face an even more daunting task than our state leaders do. Although I wish the federal government had never usurped powers not given to it by our constitution, that train has left the station. The practice of deficit spending has reached epidemic proportions that threaten to bankrupt our once mighty nation. Imagine being the President and having to listen to other world leaders lecture you on getting your financial house in order. My Christmas wish is that the recent deficit reduction plan not be totally ignored but it becomes the basis for renewed dialogue about the future of our great nation.

In spite of all that is not right with our community, our state, or our nation, I am so grateful that I live where I live. The greater Dalton community has become my family’s home. We are Georgians and we are Americans. Our blessings outweigh our short-comings. And we treat each other as neighbors not strangers. So even in these difficult times I can celebrate because of the Hope this season brings. And as long as any of my neighbors is need, my purpose is known.

From my family to yours, I wish all a blessed and Merry Christmas!

The US Needs Mass Transit

2011-02-11T05:54:00.000-08:00

Last week the editorial board of the Daily Citizen printed their editorial for the day titled “Shut-Down High-Speed Rail Study.” Rarely will an editorial get much a reaction out of me, but this one really hit a nerve. I also rarely support massive federal projects. But I do believe in high-speed rail as the only form of mass transit that will get Americans out of their cars.

My objections to the editorial are many but I will only highlight a few and I will do so with facts that will support my arguments. With all due respect to our journalism educated editorial team, very little journalism went into the writing of this editorial.

In the first paragraph, the column speaks of no one being willing to speak up against the project. I have attended numerous small and large group meetings that were advertised profusely. A number of the Daily Citizen reporters attended many of these presentations given by the project team working on the study. In most of these meetings, the attendees seemed genuinely interested in the possibilities that high-speed rail could deliver. In only one meeting did I hear of one possible objector who seemed only concerned with how the project would impact his property.

The next objection raised in the editorial speaks to the fact that a cost-benefit analysis has not been completed that illustrates how a Chattanooga to Atlanta line would benefit Georgia. Although I am not able to provide detail information to counter this claim, I have seen information that illustrates that ridership and revenue projections from potential riders has been included in the studies thus far.

I would ask this question – can you measure the positive impact of removing 10, 15, or even 20 percent of the single passenger vehicles traveling from Chattanooga to Atlanta from the congestion of I-75? I think so. I traveled through the heart of downtown Atlanta a few Sundays ago at approximately 6pm returning from South Georgia. I felt like a NASCAR driver. All lanes were bumper to bumper moving at 55-65 mph. To my knowledge there was not any construction nor accidents – just more traffic than the road capacity could handle. This was on a Sunday!

The road network in and around Atlanta is overloaded. There is not any remaining capacity and (in my humble opinion) minimal options for capacity expansion. Only through investments in and the expansion of mass transit options will the transportation capacity of the Atlanta region improve.

Another reference by the editorial says millions of dollars have been spent studying this corridor project. When I asked if they knew the real number – the answer was no. Again, I would understand a letter to the editor from a citizen not knowing the facts, but the editorial board comprised of journalist?

In fact, the project thus far has cost approximately $12 million dollars. Most of which has come from the US Federal Highway Administration using federal highway funds that we all pay for maintaining and improving our transportation system. The local match has come from the City of Chattanooga, the Atlanta Regional Commission, and the Cumberland Improvement District (special tax district in Cobb County).

Georgia has invested very little on this project for two reasons. First, until recently our GDOT could not spend money on any transportation mode except roads and bridges. And second, the elected leadership of our state was not supportive except for Senator Jeff Mullis and Senator Doug Stoner. Just recently Georgia changed GDOTs mission that now allows them to study, maintain, and improve all of Georgia’s Transportation system.

When / if this project gets built, the estimated cost is projected to be between $5 Billion and $10 Billion. Unless you work for the federal government or are an elected federal official, that is a lot of money. The studies so far have cost approximately $12 million. And let’s say $38 million more will be required in final studies / design work. If you spend $50 million on a project that will be built at a cost of $10 billion, that is a 1 to 200 ratio or one-half of one percent.

To put this in prospective, typical architectural costs for a building can run 5-10% of the cost of the building. Or consider the recent admission by the federal government that the “virtual fence” on the border with Mexico is not working and it has already cost us $50 billion. The 5th runway at the Atlanta airport reportedly cost $5 billion.

Again, with all due respect for the editorial board of the Daily Citizen, I respectfully disagree with their position and premise. If we are ever going to reduce our country’s addiction to oil, we have to think and act differently. In one change of habit, one change of transportation mode, we bolster our efforts to make US companies more profitable while simultaneously reducing the money we send to our enemies.

A High-Speed MAGLEV train using a steel and concrete girder system can be built right here creating jobs. It is powered by electricity that Georgia Power and TVA can supply from nuclear energy through their power distribution entities and our own Dalton Utilities. And some percentage of cars will be removed off the I-75 corridor that is at or above capacity. I see this as an economic development, environmental stewardship, and national security issue.

America's New Economic Reality

2011-02-11T05:53:00.000-08:00

By the time you read this, the results of the 2010 political season will be known – at least in most cases. And I think the “experts” will have successfully predicted a major change in the political make-up of our federal government and in many state races as well. The House will have switched majorities from the Democrats to the Republicans. And although the Senate balance shifted toward the Republicans, they were unsuccessful in capturing the majority. What will these changes mean?

Given we are in the middle of a very protracted “jobless” recovery, and given that most economic indicators continue to show tremendous softness, I think America will have spoken through the exercise of their vote that they are extraordinarily dissatisfied with business or politics as usual. Some have even described the sentiment of the American voter as angry. Regardless of what you call it, once again a major shift in political direction has occurred in a very short span of time. Why?

When there have been similar economic conditions going into a campaign, the usual answer is – it’s the economy stupid. And although the slow to no recovery is probably a major driving factor, I would argue that something else is occurring. A much broader and more profound change seems underfoot. More on that later…

In 1994, the republicans took over just two years after President Clinton won his first term. He like our current President proceeded to move a very aggressive liberal agenda through the Congress. The voters responded by electing the “Contract with America” republicans who pulled the agenda back to the center. Surprisingly President Clinton working with a republican congress actually made a few accomplishments.

Fast-forward to 2000, President Bush is elected and the republicans were in full control of the federal government. Just eight years ago, economic forecasts touted robust growth and even forecasted budget surpluses at the federal level. The republicans while controlling the reins of the federal government had the opportunity of a lifetime. They could reduce the size of government, reduce spending, and move the pendulum of power back to the states and away from Washington. Did they?

Of course not… they spent money as feverishly and aggressively as their democratic brethren. President Bush never vetoed a spending bill. Increasing the federal power enjoyed by Senators and Representatives was just as intoxicating to republicans as it was to democrats.

So, I feel that this election is different. It is my opinion that the rise of the tea party and general independent voter is a direct result of voter dissatisfaction with both national parties.

If we want America to return to the prominence we once enjoyed, continuing the failed policies of the last 20 years is not an option. Just as most Americans have down-sized and cut back, government at all levels must do more with less. Entitlement programs (that should have been minimal at best) must be dealt with. Those we elect will have to make hard choices.

One of the scarier political ads that I saw over the last few weeks was not the mud-slinging typical ads that most candidates have paid to air. The scariest to me was the Chinese leader speaking to an auditorium full of young Chinese citizens and basically saying that by owning our debt, they in effect own us. I know it is dramatic and exaggerated, but in fact we are woefully indebted to China.

The recent “Great Recession” has humbled most of us. Even if we kept our jobs, we know many friends, neighbors, and even family who have lost theirs. I truly think most Americans have reset their individual economic baseline to one that is much more conservative (at least fiscally) and they now expect the same from their elected officials.

The Democrats and the Republicans need to understand that business as usual will not be accepted anymore. If you are found to be unethical, you will be held accountable. If you play political games instead of leading, you will be voted out. Although the republicans and democrats alike have tried to paint the Tea Party and its members as extremists, the voting public (especially the true independent) appreciate that their existence and growing prominence have put accountability back into the process.

So our new economic reality will have lasting effects if we truly want change for the better - not just change. If we are willing to live within our means and reward people for getting their education, going to work and working hard, and giving back to their community, we can be the America that we once were. But if we go back to living foolishly and extravagantly, think we can give handouts instead of handups - we will continue to fall further behind our global competitors.

The choice is ours…

The Importance of the Political Middle

2011-02-11T05:52:00.001-08:00

Once again those voters who either call themselves independent or are on the margins of either of the mainstream political parties will decide who controls congress after the votes are counted in November. These same voters from the middle are predicted to carry tremendous clout in state races as well.

Mark Halperin in a column in Time Magazine recently said, “Barack Obama is being politically crushed in a vise. From above, by elite opinion about his competence. From below, by mass anger and anxiety over unemployment. And it is too late for him to do anything about this predicament until after November's elections.” He went on to say, “many members of the general public appear deeply skeptical of Obama's capacity to turn things around, especially, but not exclusively, those inclined to dislike him - Tea Partyers and John McCain voters, but also tens of millions of middle-class Americans, including quite a few who turned out for Obama in 2008.”

How did things change so quickly? How did those from the middle, the independents, come to dislike today what they so passionately supported just 22 months ago? It isn’t like the economy was good in 2008. My unqualified belief is that those not drinking the Kool-Aid (die-hard card carrying Democrats and Republicans) are those that truly want what is best for our country, our state, and our local communities.

Now before those of you who are more tried and true political party members of either party think I believe you do not want the same, hear me out. Those who belong to, support, and vote almost always along party lines do want what is best for your country, state, and local community. But you see the world through the paradigm of the party. It is my belief that those not affiliated or those that are loosely affiliated with one party or the other see the world from the middle.

So in 2000 after eight years of President Clinton and the left-leaning policies of his two terms, the middle voted with the Republicans to elect President Bush. And after eight years of policies from the right, the middle voters or independent voters elected President Obama. What is interesting as stated by Mr. Halperin of Time Magazine, is that after only two years of the current administration, many are calling for “change”. Many different political strategist, pundit, talk show host, etc. are predicting a Republican takeover.

I say all of this to say, in this complex, global, and flat world that we live in, can we afford this start and stop process of public policy in which the voting public has to settle for the same old tired ideas that the main political parties espouse. Can this political stalemate or gridlock enable the US, Georgia, or even local communities to truly thrive?

Recently a key Democratic leader was on a talk show and boldly pronounced that the Senate had to get rid of the filibuster rule that mandates 60 Senators approve of a measure to prevent a filibuster. His reasoning was that the filibuster rule was preventing the Democratic led Senate from passing legislation that they wanted passed.

I am not a political expert by any means, but eliminating a rule that has served our country well in preventing either party who finds themselves in the majority from running roughshod over the other party is sacrosanct to me. What if the current administration could pass card-check legislation or cap-in-trade legislation with only a simple majority?

Put the shoe on the other foot. What if the Republicans do take back the Senate and want to outlaw abortion, double the defense budget, or eliminate all entitlement programs without any consideration of the opposing political party or the 40% of the voting public who would oppose such measures?

In an ideal world, political parties and candidates would campaign hard, debate the issues, and then after the individual candidates are elected, these officials would exercise their judgment and vote their conscience. But what really happens is the elected official becomes a tool of the political party that they are members of and the party platform becomes the litmus test of what gets attention.

Independent voters have become, in essence, the filibuster of election cycles. As each party becomes the majority and tries to push the country or state toward its ideology, it is the middle or independent voters who prevent any of the political parties from “taking over” our country and our states.

If we truly want the US or the states that make it up to thrive, we must find a way for bipartisanship. We must hold our elected officials accountable to the office they hold and not to the political party they are a part of. We need our country’s best and brightest signing up to run for elected office and then using their talents to better our nation and our states.

And in the end, would not both political parties benefit or prosper over the long-term if they were more tolerable of those who reside in the middle of the political spectrum? I for one think so.

New Norms for Today

2011-02-11T05:51:00.000-08:00

Last week I was heard a radio announcer discussing five new norms for society that were emerging. These new norms included: 1. long-term unemployment, 2. renting vs. owning, 3. saving vs. spending, 4. staycations vs. vacations, and 5. higher tax rates for the wealthy. Each of these have the potential to affect us individually and collectively.

It seems the majority of economists, politicians, and business leaders agree that long-term unemployment is here to stay. Recently at an economic development conference, a very renowned professor of economics from Emory argued that this recovery will most likely resemble the 2000-2001 recovery. That period was known as a “jobless recovery”. And he forecasts that most of the available data points to this recovery being equally jobless.

This is important for many reasons but the most important to me is the dramatic and prolonged impact this new norm will have on those lacking adequate job skills. Most of the job losses have occurred in those jobs requiring minimal skills. As the economy improves, the jobs that will be created will be those requiring a higher skill set. In order for our local citizens, fellow Georgians, and even those unemployed throughout our nation to gain employment, they will have to pursue their skills in order to compete for the new jobs.

Given the dire effects the housing bubble and subsequent problems within the financial sector, a new norm of people renting vs. owning is also a pretty safe bet. An environment of fairly open and easily obtained capital / debt has morphed into one in which even those with good credit will not be approved for mortgages. Those who just a few years ago could obtain a mortgage with little to no money down will be forced to rent their housing for an extended period.

Although we need new construction for the carpet industry to fully rebound, a growing renters market will certainly help with carpet sales as owners of apartments / rental properties traditionally replace their carpet much more often than those that own their homes. As apartments become a larger percentage of available housing, carpet sales could see an increase even while the new home market continues to recover.

In an era of pronounced federal budget deficits and extreme national debt levels, who could argue that a new norm of saving vs. spending is anything but good? Many argue that the US economy has been running on consumer debt / spending for so long, that the correction we have endured was inevitable. As so many have lost so much of their accumulated wealth, saving for the future will naturally become more prominent in the American household budget.

This new norm will certainly help most of us rebuild some of the lost wealth that disappeared during the “great recession”. Our children who have lived during these times and have seen a parent or both parents lose their jobs, or their homes, will be much more likely to be more financially conservative.

As families reduce spending in order to save, transitioning vacations into staycations is another natural trend. Most communities have tremendous recreational / leisure assets right in their backyard. It may not be Disney World, but how many times does one need to see Mickey. Younger generations are much more interested in enjoying the outdoors and recreational activities that are abundant within a short drive of their communities.

Greater Dalton may not be a vacation destination that can offer a family a week’s worth of fun / leisure, but we are certainly a staycation destination. We have tremendous outdoor and recreational assets in our community or within the vicinity of Greater Dalton. Staycations are for those families who live here and want to enjoy a more low-cost and close by “getaway” and for those who live within a half-day’s drive that will come here for a weekend. Staycations have been a key tourism strategy of our Dalton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and this new norm will only make that strategy more successful.

The current debate raging in Congress is the Bush tax cuts. Should they be extended or should they sunset. Extending all the cuts except those that benefit those in the highest 2% of earners seems acceptable by both parties. The President and those in the majority argue, however, that those at the top can afford to pay a little more and should not have their tax cuts extended. Given that it looks like they will punt this issue until after the mid-term elections, the new norm of higher taxes for the wealthy seems imminent.

Taxes should be understandable, transparent, and fair. I think most would argue that most taxes rarely meet this definition. It is easy to pick on the rich. But this class of taxpayers is the investors who enable our economy to grow. They are the business owners, large and small, that create jobs. These new norms seem appropriate given the times we live in.

"Everyone is mad today. Be Happy"

2011-02-11T05:50:00.000-08:00

“Everyone is mad today. Be Happy”, said Jeff Immelt, Chairman of the Board for General Electric. Mr. Immelt was quoted while participating in the Montana Economic Development Conference organized by Sen. Max Baucus. Mr. Immelt was in famous company along with CEO of Microsoft Steve Balmer and famous investor Warren Buffett of Berkshire Hathaway also participating in the conference.

Although all three key business leaders expressed many interesting points about the current state of the economy and what we need to do to improve it, I began this column with probably the least impressive quote but to me the one that says the most. It reminds me of the famous marketing line for Nike from a few years ago – Just do it!

Thinking about this unique and difficult time that we are in economically, I feel some of the answers needed to jump start our economy are somewhat simple. The first is for the federal government to stop spending more than it takes in. Our congressman and senators at the federal level need to bury all of their party rhetoric and agree to a few simple guiding principles:
• Hold spending to at least to the level that current revenues will pay for (can you say balanced budget?).
• Agree that earmarks or any funding for typical pork barrel projects must be larger than a state can afford to do (how many projects would meet that standard).
• If a project must be done because it is larger than state resources can afford, a grant must be applied for and approved by an authority separate from a congressman or senator’s own approval.

Everyone is mad today. Politicians are mad and angry and are acting like little children because they are not getting their way in this divisive atmosphere of political theater. Citizens are angry because those elected to lead (I use that term loosely) are not leading. They are fighting over the petty while real problems get neglected. And of course the media, rather than reporting the news, they are choosing sides and are just as partisan as those they are reporting on.

Immelt goes on to suggest that the US will have to or is being restructured because our economy has been and is systemically organized on a system that is not sustainable. He argues that the US economy since the 1970s has been built on consumer credit and the misguided notion that we could be a “lazy” service-based economy. Immelt says, “It was just wrong. It was stupid. It was insane.” He goes on to say, “the future of the economy has to be as an exporter.”

By the way all of this information was in a very good column in the Daily Citizen by Matt Gouras, an Associated Press writer. The column is well written and outlines much more of what was offered by the conference and what these influential business leaders had to say.

My focus on the conference and what the participants had to say was to dive a little deeper into the suggestions they offered. I totally agree that the last forty years of “economic success” has been a house of cards. Living above your means as an everyday citizen and building an economy on consumer credit by a nation are equally foolish. I think most people who look at these propositions from a distance would all agree.

But even as we know that our recent past has dug us into a tremendous hole, our elected leaders at the federal level and in many states are still living in the same vain. Are they fiscally responsible? No, they are living on credit and debt.

What jobs are being created? Government jobs minus those in healthcare (which will soon be government) are the only jobs being created. Government jobs are service jobs – they do not create anything. You cannot export government. Don’t get me wrong, service jobs are need, but when they are the only source of job creation, you lose the ability to withstand the ups and downs of a global economy.

I conclude by saying that given we live in a manufacturing community, we have a tremendous opportunity to lead our state and our country out of the economic state that we are in. Our local flooring industry makes wonderful and needed floor-covering products. We need to protect and improve the business climate that our local businesses operate in. Let’s not waste the learning this difficult period has given us. Instead of Don’t worry – Be Happy, I propose that we do something and be happy! Or as David Star Jordan once said, “Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it.”

Survive or Thrive?

2011-02-11T05:49:00.000-08:00

Recently I visited a church where my family were past members and worshipped regularly. We went back to hear Dr. David Swanson who was the youth minister when we were there and now is the Senior Pastor of the largest Presbyterian Church in Orlando, Florida. Just as he was over twelve years ago, David – Dr. Swanson delivered a needed and well done sermon. After the service, I wanted to speak to him and pick up a copy of his new book – Vital Signs: Discovering the Keys to Abundant Christian Living.

Although I have just started the book, I am convinced that the theme of his book is exactly the message most of us need to hear. Abundant living in this day and time? Is such a thing possible? This thought reminds me of one of the key principles in Dr. Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Dr. Covey describes the different paradigms from which people see things depending on whether they view the world from a position of abundance or scarcity. A more simple analogy might be viewing the glass as half empty or half full.

If we view the world from a paradigm that there is only so much “stuff” to go around, we will act differently than if we feel that the world is blessed abundantly. Paradoxically one can have tremendous worldly possessions and still see the world with a scarcity paradigm. And often those with little material possessions feel rich beyond measure.

Are we surviving or thriving? There are thousands of answers to this very simple question. The answer depends on who “we” are. It depends on the day to day circumstances that each of us face. It depends on the frame from which we view the world. If measured by the message proclaimed by the talking heads, the media, and the politicians – we are surviving. We are just hanging on.

If we view the question historically or from a position with a longer time line, we are probably doing ok. Some would argue we are thriving. We have clothes to wear, food to eat, cars to drive, etc. We are still better off today than those that lived much differently than in times past.

I am worried these days. I worry because we seem void of real leaders. We have a leadership deficit in this country and in this world. Our elected officials for the most part seem more interested in getting elected and staying elected than really providing real substantive leadership. The issues facing our country today are not that different than those faced before. But today, it seems that those in leadership positions are regularly abdicating the responsibility that came with the office.

As far as community leadership is concerned, we need improvement. In a time when local resources are not what we are used to having, we are fractured and unorganized as to efficiently using resources. In good times having multiple forms of governance may be ok. It may deliver desired results. But in times like these, should we study and discuss new ways of governance in order that we are as effective and efficient as possible.
I would argue that every business in the Greater Dalton community as restructured because of today’s economic reality. They have looked at every program and every cost to validate its existence. Public entities must do even more than there private counterparts. Each and every expense should be reevaluated annually to insure that resources are invested appropriately.

In these very difficult times, how we relate to each other and whether we collaborate with each other is critical to our ability to thrive vs. survive. We should explore every possible opportunity to partner and build each other up. Working in silos and competing for resources will not work. The old adage is still pertinent – a rising tide floats all boats.

Merely surviving is not an option. Not only will we survive, but if we work together, we can begin to thrive sooner rather than later. We must be able to talk to each other civilly. We must partner to utilize fewer resources more effectively. We must work to build each other up which in turn will build up our community.

I really appreciate being on the email distribution list of Varnell Mayor Dan Peeples. Those of you that are equally blessed know what I am talking about. His regular emails to the citizens of Varnell are upbeat and promote a sense of excitement and pride. He is working regularly to promote his City in such a way that is uplifting and energizing. And it seems to be working!

I will leave you with words that a recent senior pastor at my church regularly used as his benediction - Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity (Colossians 3:13-14). If we will bind together in a spirit of community, we will begin to thrive again realizing an even greater future than we enjoyed in our past.

One Step at a Time

2011-02-11T05:48:00.000-08:00

Even in good times measuring progress in the field of economic development can be difficult. Some might say the old adage “two steps forward and one step back” is apropriate. In today’s economy, it seems more like one step forward and two steps back. Nevertheless, a community has to keep moving one step at a time.

Yesterday, we were blessed with wonderful news that the Georgia Department of Labor would open a Social Security claims adjudication office. This office will not only create approximately 40 new jobs for our community but it will also bring thousands to our community annually who need the services provided by the office. Those visiting will get to experience all that our community can offer in retail, lodging, and dining.

Although yesterday’s announcement is wonderful news and we can certainly use the newly created jobs, this project was not a typical recruitment project by our economic development team. But even though we did not recruit this project in the same traditional manner that we have others, we were successful in being chosen because of the foundation we have established with many collaborative partners.

The Grow Greater Dalton Campaign was created to provide accelerated resources for economic development. The campaign established four strategies to be implemented: 1. dramatically accelerate job creation, 2. identify and develop sites for new development and redevelopment, 3. create a vision of a new Greater Dalton and make that vision real through the Archway Partnership, 4. and create a new marketing focus and message for our community.

The formal fund-raising campaign concluded in late 2009 and we have been working on implementing the strategies for less than twelve months. Over the last few months, we have made significant progress. In the area of site development, we have a commerce park under development thanks to the Whitfield County Board of Commissioners and the Dalton-Whitfield Joint Development Authority. We have worked successfully with many private landowners in identifying other available and suitable sites for development. We have worked with Dalton Utilities and Electric Cities of Georgia in identifying empty buildings that already have available utility infrastructure that we can redevelop.

Under the leadership of Elyse Cochran, we have dramatically enhanced our marketing message that is attracting attention well ahead of schedule. And this marketing effort is not just a flashy media package that we send out, it is going out and meeting our customers, our targeted clients, and our extended collaborative partners who can assist us. It is meeting with the right decision makers and telling our story.

The latest announcement from Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond is a direct success made possible by our efforts to build relationships across the state of Georgia, throughout the southeast region and even throughout the United States. Our message, that we are open for business and possess the attributes needed by businesses seeking to move or expand, is resonating loudly. Those that need to know about our community are hearing from us like never before. One characterization recently stated by a statewide project manager who said, “the bear has been awakened.”

And strategy number three – create a community vision – is also well on its way to being executed. Melissa Lu and the entire Archway team has worked tirelessly to assimilate past vision documents, data from as many sources as possible, and the wealth of information gathered from the town hall meeting and many focus groups. Very soon the most important community strategies that need our efforts will be communicated and many across the community will have the opportunity to put their mark on our future.

I did not forget strategy number one – dramatically accelerate job creation. I saved the best for last. The Grow Greater Dalton plan set a goal of creating 475 jobs annually. As of yesterday, over 400 new jobs have been created since January 1st. Given that we have four months left in the year, we could achieve our aggressive goal even in these difficult times. The plan also set a goal of achieving $48 million in new capital investment annually. As of yesterday, we have achieved over $90 million in new capital.

The gains we have made are wonderful, exciting, and forecast even greater success going forward. But the reason we are not beating our chest or giving high-fives is there is still so much more to be done. Although our achievements thus far are measurable and meaningful, we have a long way to go in improving the lives of our neighbors. When our job losses total 6000+, the creation of 400 seems a drop in the bucket.

So, our mantra must be one step at a time. Your economic development team will continue to seek every project, we will seek to tell our story to all who will listen, and we will work tirelessly until all who seek a job has one.

State’s Rights Almost Extinct

2011-02-11T05:47:00.000-08:00

One hundred and fifty years ago, our country went to war with itself over state’s rights. And today, unless Governors and State Legislatures take a stand against an avarice federal government, state’s rights will be extinct. Issues that are as diverse as illegal immigration to fiscal responsibility to healthcare coverage, independent and sovereign states are losing their constitutional rights each and every day.

At the Constitutional Convention in 1787, defenders of states' rights were concerned that a powerful, consolidated national government would run roughshod over the states. With ratification of the Constitution in doubt, the Framers promised to add protection for the states. Accordingly, the Tenth Amendment was added to the Constitution as part of the Bill of Rights. The Tenth Amendment stipulates that "powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”
Naturally many issues that faced our country throughout our history have hinged over the debate as to which level of government has ultimate power or authority. Today is no different. The US Government is suing Arizona for its illegal immigration laws while simultaneously bailing out state’s who have been fiscally irresponsible.
Where does it end? California’s citizens voted in Proposition 13 in 1978 hoping to reign in the burden of property taxes. But they did not vote in elected officials who were fiscally responsible. Thirty years later, one of the largest states in the US has a $19 billion budget deficit. California’s deficit is 21% larger than Georgia’s total budget.
The recent “bailout” (I know it is hard to keep up with them given that Congress is passing so many) provides $26 billion in stimulus / bailout funding for education and healthcare. California has a tremendous teacher’s union. Are the two connected? What is the incentive for a state government to manage its budget if the federal government is there to bail it out?
Most would argue that immigration is a federal issue. But what should a state do when they are over-burdened by the number of illegal immigrants because the federal government ignored their responsibility. Because state and local governments incur tremendous costs for education, transportation, criminal justice, and indigent healthcare, they should be able to pass legislation that enables them to fiscally manage the services it provides.
The flip –side should be that states should have to balance their budgets and not rely on stimulus / bailout funding from the federal government. The reason states like California support federal support and would freely give up some of their state’s rights is because they operate much like the federal government. Proposition 13 was passed by the citizens of California to reduce the tax burden on property owners. An unintended consequence is a severe restriction on revenue creation. You cannot have a balanced budget when revenues are restrained / capped while spending continues to increase.
After hearing from two Democratic Governors recently who are leading their states exceptionally, I feel that Governors and their respective state legislatures need to take a stand against a growing federal government. Congress and the President seem intent on the government being the only institution left standing after they are through. The march through state’s rights issues by the current federal leadership is nothing short of Sherman’s march through the south.
If we are to thrive again as a nation, the normal checks and balances at the federal level need to be bolstered by strong leadership at the state level. Governors and state legislators are still close enough to the voter that course-correction is possible. And I have to believe that the majority of Governors believe in fiscal responsibility (balanced budgets), minimizing the role of government, and being responsive to the needs of the voters. If states do not exercise their right to check the power of the federal government, we may never be the nation that the rest of the world looked up to and envied.

The Dog Days of Summer

2011-02-11T05:45:00.002-08:00

How are you feeling today? Is your personal “gas” tank full, half-full, or empty? These questions were discussed a couple of days ago in the Sunday School class that I attend. The lesson background came from the book of Ecclesiastes and focused on the wonderful teachings of King Solomon. Most of us are familiar with Chapter three that begins with “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to harvest …” But I must confess that I was not as knowledgeable about the overall message of King Solomon as I should have been.

The general tone of the book is one of melancholy. Some might argue that Solomon was hopeless, tired, and discouraged. But he ends the book with exactly the true message – “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for that is the whole duty of everyone.” You are probably asking where in the world I am going with this column.

Glad you asked… it is this time of year that I am just plain old tired (my grandmother used to say “sick and tired”). It has been a long and hot summer. As my wife and I have worked all summer in getting ready for our oldest to go off to college, this summer hasn’t been the slower pace and relaxed tenor of usual summers. After polling my classmates in Sunday School, I found that I was not the only one feeling this way. Many “gas” tanks were emotionally approaching empty.

I would argue that the mood in general is “tired”. We have endured a very long and nasty primary campaign season (four elections alone for the ninth congressional race). The economy has been a drag for over three years now. And just when we saw a few positive indicators that forecasted improvement, the business community in general became spooked by a whole hosts of issues.

Just reflect on the headlines of late - Ethics investigations, soaring deficits, Bush tax cuts expire / everyone’s taxes are going up, teacher layoffs, GDOT broke, etc. Now add a heaping spoonful of political mudslinging and what do you get? Business paralysis, voter apathy and fatigue, and in general a bad attitude!

The Dog Days of Summer are among us. The heat index soars to near record levels. Our utility bills rise just as sharply. We worry about the elderly, the two-a-days that our football players are enduring, and our school band performers. Will we survive? Of course we will.

Just as my extended family spent hot Sunday afternoons gathered under a large pine tree drinking Coca-Cola and eating peanuts, all of us are coping with the current season. We complain about the heat while looking forward to that first hint of fall when the high temperature barely reaches 80 degrees with little to no humidity.

Just as Solomon so poetically stated, there is a season for all things. Better times will return. The current political season will end. School will start back. Football games will be hard fought and exciting. And most importantly, our economy will improve. Jobs will be created. And business capital will be invested.

At the end of the day, we are a blessed nation. God has shown tremendous grace toward our nation. For this we should be grateful. And for this grace and for these blessings, we are obligated to look out for and to love our neighbors. How much more good could be done for those in need if that need came from a caring and loving citizenry, instead of an inefficient and bureaucratic government?

So as these final hot, dog days of summer try to wear you down - put on a smile, greet your neighbor, and be grateful for all that we have. May God continue to bless the world we live on, our nation, our state, and the wonderful Greater Dalton community!

Education is Workforce Development

2011-02-11T05:45:00.001-08:00

I recently wrote a column on education reforms. My intent was not to disparage and judge our local school systems or schools. It was simply to suggest that something as important as education should be constantly studied, debated, and improved. Especially given that financial resources have been strained and will continue to be so, we as a community have an obligation to work smarter and be more creative in educating our children.

A few years ago, I heard the Chancellor of the University System of Georgia state that the answer to any question is education, education, and education. I would totally agree. If we want to be a more successful community, a more successful state, and a more successful nation, our students must be given or more appropriately earn a world-class education. I would further state that the ultimate goal of education is preparing future workers for employment. Workforce development and the quality of a community’s work force is one of if not the most important attribute in competing for business retention and business recruitment.

Let me back up and provide a couple of key statistics. Fifty-eight percent of all tax dollars that all of us pay in the various taxes go to fund education. Over $10 billion dollars is spent by our state government on education. The state’s funding for education is augmented by local taxes. Locally, over $245 million is collected in local tax revenues. Of that approximately $174 million is collected by and spent by the two school systems. These numbers do not include those currently being collected for the ESPLOST. Given that almost 60% of state tax dollars and 71% of local tax are invested in education, shouldn’t our expectations be high?

Yesterday, I had the privilege of participating in a conversation with Larry Rosenstock, CEO of High Tech High in San Diego, and a small group of business and civic leaders. Mr. Rosentock also spoke Monday evening to a group of over 140 local community citizens. Phillip Brown, Tim Fleming, and Sharon Bonfacious have organized this week’s visit with Mr. Rosenstock. This was the first of a four-part Student-Focused Education series. Others will be held on Nov. 18th of this year, and Feb. 28th and April 14th in 2011.

High Tech High is now a Charter School System in San Diego, California. But, it started as a Technical High School. About 12 years ago, a group of business leaders, civic leaders, and leaders from education begin discussing that change was needed to accelerate educational achievement in San Diego County. The success achieved by High Tech High is remarkable especially when you consider what they have done in only 10 years (last year alone 100% of the graduates were accepted to college).

The group of leaders in San Diego decided to build a Charter School to try a different approach to education. The school would not be controlled by the local school board and would receive normal funding just like existing public schools. High Tech High now operates nine schools in San Diego County: one elementary school, three middle schools, and five high schools. All of these schools serve a diverse, lottery-selected student population; all embody the High Tech High design principles of personalization, adult world connection, common intellectual mission, and teacher as designer.

The original concept for our Career Academy was to design and implement an educational experience much like what High Tech did in San Diego. Until recently, funding for a true Charter School did not automatically follow. But with the recent change in state law, a Commission School can be chartered which does allow for state and local funding to follow a student transferring from one school to a commission or charter school. I remember visiting Coweta County back in 2003 or 2004 to see what a Charter School looks like and see what it can accomplish.

Although much of the statistical data illustrates that our schools are good today and continue to improve, many wonder how much better we could be if we challenged the status quo and became more entrepreneurial and creative in our approach to education. One statistic stood out from High Tech High. They are now a mini-district with 9 schools and approximately 4000 students. Their administrative expenses / central office expenses are approximately 6.5% of the budget. The other public systems around them have central office expenses that are over 20% of the budget, and the larger the system, the larger the percentage.

Again without intending any criticism of current efforts, current schools, current teachers, etc., what could we achieve with a more open-minded approach to workforce development / education? Could we be more successful if we erased the political boundaries, forgot old prejudices, and truly looked at education and workforce development from an entirely new paradigm? What if the system was truly linked with the goal in mind that all students would seamlessly move through the process engaged and could leave prepared to be successful in any career field they chose?

I think we have the potential to shock ourselves! Just as businesses must innovate to survive, public institutions must also innovate. In today’s dollars, a twelve year education cost over $120,000. Would any of us invest that kind of money on a status quo initiative or one that over 20% of the time delivers an employee who is unemployable in today’s market?

The Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce has a long history of involvement in education issues. For many reasons, we have not been as involved in recent years. Because education is workforce development and workforce development is critical to economic development, we must be involved more today than ever. The jobs created today require more education than a high school diploma provides. The jobs that many of our young people will do are not even created yet. I am hopeful and confident that our community has the desire, the ability, and the fortitude to be like High Tech High in fundamentally changing our approach to education.

The Value of a Fresh Perspective

2011-02-11T05:43:00.000-08:00

This summer our community has enjoyed the presence and efforts of 41 interns from the University System of Georgia and the Savannah College of Art and Design. Through the efforts of the Archway Partnership, The City of Dalton, Whitfield County Dalton State College, Dalton Utilities, and many of our floor-covering companies, these interns have been working on a variety of projects that will contribute to a more successful Dalton-Whitfield!

Over the last couple of weeks, these bright and energetic young professionals have spoken to civic groups, the Dalton City Council, the Whitfield County Board of Commissioners, and the Chamber of Commerce partners about their work. A fresh perspective is invaluable when seeking to do things differently or creatively. The work that these interns have produced is amazing. They have not only dreamed big in thinking what can be, they have also delivered their work product such that we can implement / execute these wonderful ideas over time and as resources become available.

The economic development goals of this community are fairly simple: insure that all who seek a job can obtain one, that wage rates and our standard of living increases over time, and that the community’s wealth also increases over time. These goals can be achieved if the community as a whole remains focused on quality growth. I believe most people want to be successful and be involved in successful activities, organizations, and teams. Businesses are no different. Successful communities are more attractive to new and existing companies’ more than unsuccessful ones are.

As I am afforded the wonderful opportunity to work for our great community, it is exciting to see and dream “what could be.” As I envision the new “miracle field” that Whitfield County intends to build, or hear Ty Ross speak about the City of Dalton’s green space improvements, or Mayor Peeples’ vision for a new Varnell, and the steady and consistent quality of life improvements that are routine for Tunnel Hill - I smile and stick out my chest grateful to live in such a dynamic place with tremendous potential.

To do things out of the ordinary takes courage. To break new ground is risky. The naysayers lack vision. They are happy or satisfied with the status quo. Many of them think the good ole days are worth returning to. Their favorite mirror is the rearview mirror. As Jack Turner once said, “I lived through the good ole days, and I don’t remember them being all that good.” Change is uncomfortable, painful, undesired, sometimes hated, confusing, scary, etc. Change is also guaranteed and constant!

One of the green space projects that seem the most logical in the short-term is the Crawford Street median improvement. This project will cost money. In these economic times, every dollar must be scrutinized. But all expenditures are not sunk costs. Many are investments. The Crawford Street project would create a beautiful and pedestrian-centric corridor leading into and out of downtown that would be an investment in quality of life for the citizens of Dalton. Just as the citizens of Varnell have benefitted from the park enhancing the Varnell Spring, downtown Dalton needs and can benefit from more green space.

With just the mention of this project, the objection of losing parking comes up. The area to be improved is down the middle of a four-lane street that the volume of traffic only warrants a two-lane street. If parking is affected, let’s do our homework and solve for it and not throw out the baby with the bath water.

The interns this summer have produced ideas by thinking about the possible not the impossible. They have truly had the freedom and encouragement to think big! Although budgets and funding and a thousand of other barriers exist that prevent breaking out of the pack, these talented young professionals have shown us not only what is possible but also what is doable.

The Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce is grateful for each of these interns, the institutions they represent, our elected officials and business partners who supported them, the Archway Partnership, Melissa Lu, Ty Ross, Don Cope, and Bob McLeod. We are especially grateful to Elichai and Melanie Hoenig for their outreach efforts and for creating a new and exciting partnership with the Savannah College of Art and Design. The value of a fresh perspective is appreciated!

Voting is Imperative!

2011-02-11T05:42:00.000-08:00

As early as middle school social studies class, each of us has been taught the importance of voting. It is a right and a privilege that has been defended and earned by the bravery of our military men and women for centuries. Our very Democracy can only survive if each and every US citizen becomes informed about the issues and the candidates offering themselves for elected office.

I was shocked and dismayed by the attitudes of some in our community in a recent Daily Citizen column. These individuals stated that they probably would not be voting because they did not know the candidates. What a shame. In an earlier column, I stated my enjoyment for the movie the American President. And in that movie, President Andrew Sheppard says “America isn't easy. America is advanced citizenship. You've got to want it bad, because it's going to put up a fight.” America is advanced citizenry and we should all do all that is necessary to educate ourselves on the issues and the candidates.

I would argue that we are getting the kind of elected officials who are more concerned about raising money and working their political machines instead of governing because the American electorate is so uneducated about the issues facing our nation, our state, and our community. If we the citizens knew more about the issues and where the officials / candidates stood on the issues, we could hold them accountable.

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the tremendous work of the Chamber’s media partners in helping all of us become informed on the issues and the candidates. Dalton’s Daily Citizen, WDNN TV, and the North Georgia Radio Group have all partnered with us in getting information out and on their own over the last few weeks. If someone had only read the series of profiles featured in the Daily Citizen, they could vote and make an informed choice.

The candidates have done their part by participating in numerous forums and attending countless community events seeking to meet people and to get their message out. Campaigning is hard work and those who really want to represent us spend many hours shaking hands and greeting people one on one. I attended an event today for a candidate for Governor and only five people were in attendance. To the candidate’s credit, he answered the questions and espoused his platform with the same energy and passion as if there were five hundred in attendance.

I have said many times that our local community is at a crossroads. We have three options of which direction to take. The fourth option is the one we can see in the rear-view mirror. We know what looking back will do for us. It isn’t realistic or productive except for historical base lining. Going forward can be to choose straight ahead, turn left or turn right. Each option contains elements of the unknown but they also represent going forward.

There are many races up for election this year. It will take some time to become informed. But in the end, the burden is on us to become informed and to elect those that will represent us to the best of their ability. I also believe that most candidates seek elected office to do good. They want to be successful. If we attend the forums, and read the coverage offered by the media, and call / email the candidates and express our concerns, we can make the most informed decision in choosing who we will vote for.

Early voting will continue through next week. Each of us still has time to do our homework. And most importantly, we have plenty of time to vote. If you were inclined not to vote this cycle or have not voted in a few election cycles, think about all those who have fought for our right to do so. Think about those who are serving in desolate foreign lands right now trying to secure for those countries the same right and privilege that many Americans choose not to exercise. And then reconsider your chance to make a difference.

For those that have already voted – Thank You!

Is It Time To Consider Education Reform?

2010-06-18T08:56:00.001-07:00

Is it time to re-think how we educate our children? I am not talking about the normal tweaks to curriculum and classroom instructional delivery – but real reform. As the husband of a kindergarten teacher, the brother of a high school administrator, and one who has many friends who work diligently in the education profession, my thoughts in this column are not to be taken as criticism. I do offer them in the full hope that the topic will become one of deep and reflective thought that then transcends into a community dialogue for all of us who continue to work in making our community the very best it can be.

I mentioned last week that I had just returned from a two-day conference hosted by the Southern Growth Policies Board. Amazingly as each presenter offered recommendations for strengthening and growing the automobile manufacturing sector in the south, the recurring theme was the need for workforce development. Gov. Joe Manchin made the boldest statement of them all. I am paraphrasing, but he basically said that as a society, we spend more on education than any other public service, and our return on investment is unacceptable.

I would agree with the Governor that we spend tremendous resources on educating our children. I would further agree that the return on investment across the nation is inadequate. But I would disagree that great strides are not being made in many communities across our great nation. And those that are making tremendous improvements are doing things differently. They are implementing reforms consistently as the data suggests they should. They are no different than a sports team or business organization that implements change as the performance data suggests they should.

Education as an institution is typically very slow to change. Not because data is not available for making substantive change, but typically because of the politics surrounding such an emotional and passionate institution. But as the data suggest and companies validate, the US education system is not preparing the employees of tomorrow. Our children come out of high school not prepared to work in the jobs of today or tomorrow.

I would suggest two reforms are needed to course correct our direction as a nation. The first reform would be to adopt a balanced or modified school calendar. This balanced calendar is also known as year-round schooling. In Malcolm Gladwell’s book the Outliers, he describes a Baltimore, Maryland study that provides substantial evidence that the traditional calendar contributes to the achievement gap that exist between low-income students and those with higher means.

The study basically argues that children of low income households have little access to educational learning when not in school. Those with means tend to go to camp, have access to books, and visit museums and libraries in the summer months. The over-whelming number of other studies document that year-round learning is positive for educational maintenance and educational improvement.

If the evidence is so profound that a balanced or modified calendar delivers better achievement, why are there so few school districts / schools choosing such a calendar? There are many arguments but two seem to be the most used: a non-traditional calendar interferes with sports, band, and other extracurricular activities, and a year-round calendar interferes with those students who have to or choose to work.

Given all the financial resources we expend to improve the educational achievement of our children, modifying the school calendar is very inexpensive. Consider the physical infrastructure of a school? It is idle or dormant 31% of the time. No business would invest capital in something they were only going to use two-thirds of the time. Why should we invest tax revenue just as inefficiently?

In this day when budgets are requiring school districts to resort to cutting instructional days, a modified calendar could allow learning maintenance to remain at a higher level and for actual learning improvement to occur across shorter breaks instead of the “traditional” summer months. I know that teachers and possibly their unions could be opposed to a modified, year-round calendar, but many I know personally actually endorse this approach.

Another area of reform needed is in the area of technical education. All students must be educated to standards that will enable them to succeed in any post-secondary institution. But all high school graduates will not go to a traditional four-year baccalaureate college. But employers argue that today’s jobs and especially those of tomorrow require education / training above the high school level.

We have tried all types of vocational school models and technical school models with most failing to deliver real talent for the workforce. Expediency wins out over effectiveness. A case in point – because we have a certified cosmetology teacher, and because many students think cosmetology is fun, we offer this curriculum above and beyond what the market can support. And then the problem is compounded when we ignore real needs of industry by not partnering with them in offering training for jobs that are in high demand.

In our local economy, there are urgent needs for training for industrial electricians and industrial mechanics. As Volkswagon and its suppliers ramp up production, those skilled in robotics will be needed. Welders are in constant demand. Consider that the sedan that Volkswagon will produce in Chattanooga will have over 3800 rivets, welders become very important.

Given the tremendous gains our local districts have delivered in educational attainment, and the fruit being produced by the new curriculum developed by the Georgia State Board of Education, we can catapult to nationally respected heights by breaking from the mold in the final two areas. Considering a year-round calendar and really instituting technical education that is market driven will set us apart from our fellow Georgia communities and those across the US.

We have important elections in the next few weeks that will allow for this dialogue to occur or not. Get to know the candidates seeking office and ask them the hard questions about education in our community. We have always been a leading community in entrepreneurial spirit. What could we accomplish if we embraced that same spirit in driving education reform?

The State of the Automobile Industry

2010-06-18T08:54:00.000-07:00

This week, Elyse Cochran and I attended the Southern Growth Policies Board Chairman’s Conference. The Southern Growth Policies Board is a Think Tank based at the Research Triangle in North Carolina and is comprised of thirteen southern states. Each year one of the thirteen Governors serves as the Chairman of the Board. Due to Kentucky’s Gov. Steven Breshear being this year’s Chairman, the conference was held in Lexington, KY. The Chairman also chooses the conference theme. This year’s theme was Driving the Next 20 Years: Creating the New Automotive Industry in the South.

Given that our community sits between two major investments of automobile manufacturers, it seemed prudent to participate in this conference. After investing two days at the conference, I can confidently report, the investment was very worthwhile. In addition to hearing from community leaders throughout the south who have automobile manufacturing operations located in their communities, we also heard from the leaders of the companies as well – Toyota, Ford, Daimler. We heard from and interacted with research leaders such as Robert Geolas, the Executive Director of the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research.

The topics included: An economic forecast by a leading economist from the Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank, a panel discussion on Seeding and Growing Automotive Plants, a panel discussion on Sustaining and Growing the South’s Supplier Base, a panel on Automotive Intelligence – The Southern Network for Research and Development, and a very interesting panel discussion that included Gov. Steven Breshear of Kentucky and West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin.

After looking at the US Auto Industry from a historical perspective, most of the industry insiders indicated that the effects of the recession have been more severe and more prolonged than any other time in the industry’s history. The industry literally hit a wall seeing sales drop from an annualized volume of 17 million vehicles per year to less than 10 million. Suppliers, who had enjoyed steady and predictable orders month after month and year after year, saw their orders drop in half almost overnight.

Although automobile sales are improving, the forecast for the next two-three years for annual sales remain between 11 and 12 million units. Manufacturers and suppliers have tremendous excess capacity for a number of years out. With KIA and Volkswagon coming online, any new major investments other than suppliers is not likely.

Throughout many of the presentations and panel discussions, the subject of “green” vehicles and “green” technology was plentiful. Electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles were commonplace in each and every session. Interestingly, the forecast / predictions on the level of market share these vehicle types would reach was all over the board. The most enamored industry representative for electric / hybrid vehicles claim that the US would see these vehicles reach 20% of all vehicles. The more skeptical industry representatives place the market share around 2% for these types of vehicles.

Even though consumer interest is high in the new technology, the high costs of batteries and the heaviness of batteries compounded with minimal availability of charging stations for plugging in will prevent widespread conversion to purely electric vehicles in the short-term. Hybrid drive trains and improved fuel economy for the latest improved combustible engines will grow faster than all electric vehicles.

Given the current sales forecast for vehicle sales is well below the industry high point of 2006, the industry has excess capacity from a manufacturing standpoint. And most would make the same argument for the suppliers of parts to the manufacturers. And the excess capacity exists without factoring the new Kia plant in West Point or the Volkswagon plant in Chattanooga. I would argue that this excess capacity is the reason more suppliers have not relocated or expanded into our region for supplying Volkswagon. As capacity is utilized, I believe new supplier activity will occur over time all around the 15 counties surrounding Chattanooga. We need to be ready for when that occurs.

One key takeaway from almost every presentation was the concern over workforce. Every executive from the industry discussed the continued struggle in having enough skilled employees. The discussion ranged from a lack of technical skill development to general work skills (punctuality, professionalism, dependability). Governor Manchin from West Virginia voiced great concern that in his state and most others, the collective investments in education were not producing adequate returns on investment.

And the industry leaders voiced that attracting suppliers and recruiting suppliers would continue to be a challenge due the availability of a trained or trainable workforce. More often than not the reference would be that a high school diploma was the minimal and that one or more years of training / education beyond high school was critical in an advanced manufacturing arena.

I have attended many conferences in my career. Some were more valuable than others. The investment of the last two days was very profitable. As we continue to prepare for economic expansion and investment related to the Volkswagon project, this conference provided invaluable insight into the automobile manufacturing industry.

Our Young People Have Spoken!

2010-06-18T08:53:00.000-07:00

One of the strategies of the Archway Partnership Executive Committee is to listen to our community in identifying needs, concerns, and opportunities. In order to listen, the committee has identified different segments of the community where formal focus group discussions will be conducted. One of the groups to have a conversation with is the youth of our community.

Over the past few weeks, Melissa Lu, our community’s Archway Professional, along with other key listeners have visited with many of our young people at many different schools. The answers to the questions posed to them might surprise you. This list is nowhere near exhaustive of all the responses received, but my intent is to tease you into learning more and getting involved in the conversation.

The first set of questions allowed the students to discuss what they liked about Dalton:
• The students think the leaders of this community are accessible, and they love the fact that there are ways to get involved in this close-knit community.
• The students love the parks and tourist attractions. However, they noted that many people don’t know about the best tourist attractions.
• The students think that this is a “decent-looking town.”
Next, we asked the students what they would like Dalton to look like in the future:
• The students would like Whitfield County to be a place where more youth are involved in youth organizations. The students see this as a way to prevent gangs and violence that they see all around them. They want the community to be gang-free.
• The students would like there to be more places for clean, cheap/free, safe entertainment. The students said that they do not need police patrolling every 5 minutes, but that they would like for there to be undercover cops/security officers to prevent the places from becoming “bad.” The students suggested that we create a “Teen Club” that has nightly themes. They suggested that the teen club be free, have a $2 -$5 admission fee, or run off of donations. A follow-up question prompted the suggestion for there to be some type of teen transportation.
• The students said that, in the future, they would like well-funded schools. They said that they want their government to think before they spend money. They said that they would like the city and county officials to consult with the superintendents before building permits are issued so that the school systems can be proactive rather than reactive.
• The students want their parents to be more involved with them. They said that their parents don’t know how to talk to them. They said that kids are getting into gangs because their parents don’t understand what is out there. They suggested that the community/school systems host game nights, parent-child partner competitions, and cheap/donations only spaghetti dinners. They suggested that some of these interactive activities need to be offered in the morning, at lunch, and on the weekends. They stated that they want their parents to recognize the positive things they are doing, not just the negative things.
• The students want a better economy.
• The students want a more recycling-friendly community. They want it to be free. And they want to find a way to incentivize recycling for people who might not otherwise do it.
• The students want street art like the bulldogs in Athens and suggested that we use Peacocks.
• The students want an easily accessible teen art showcase where parents and friends can see their work. They want something like they have at the Fair, but they want it to be open year-round. They want the opportunity to auction off their art.
• The students want a mural in town that they help create.
The idea of the Greater Dalton community considering the idea of becoming a Center of Research, Learning, and Innovation was discussed. The students made the following suggestions:
• We could make storage tubs/containers out of carpet, or string/yarn, or that we find a way to make carpet-powered cars.
• We could become a Center for Interior and Exterior Housing Design.
• The students very seriously discussed becoming the toilet paper capital of the world. The student who introduced this idea into the conversation said that it is her dream to become an entrepreneur. The students discussed how several of the old carpet buildings could be used to make the toilet paper because there are rollers, dye vats, etc. The students expanded this idea and said that we could make paper towels and baby wipes. Some of the students came from countries where there is not enough toilet paper, so they said they know there is a need for it around the world.
The students discussed what would bring them back to Whitfield County:
• Dalton has an old-school (traditional) look with good weather / no hurricanes.
• There are great schools in Dalton/Whitfield.
• Dalton/Whitfield is a good place to raise a family with many supportive organizations here.
• Dalton Whitfield is a close community / home.
In asking for comments that the students wanted their leaders to hear, the following was offered:
• They would like a more cohesive community for students/teens.
• The students stated that it would be great for the superintendents, our mayors and city councils, and other leaders to be involved with them. They said that they wished that their elected officials would talk to them and sit in on their classes / lunches. They want a place where teens can have a say in big decisions. They want the opportunity to tell their leaders how they feel in person.
• They stated that they would like less paving and more planned development.
• They want a student newspaper that gets circulated to everyone in the county. They want the schools to email their families with what is going on.
• They want to go to college and attend summer programs, but many of them can’t because they do not have social security numbers. The students talked at length about the absence of hope when they cannot proceed with their education and discussed how this can result in them joining gangs, etc.
• The students talked about the high school rivalries and suggested it would be good for students to do a school swap for a day.
The responses to these questions were refreshing for me. I was pleasantly surprised that our young people have valid concerns about the community that they live in and call home. They are more connected to the issues facing our community than I have given them credit for. These young leaders want what we all want: a community that is prosperous (jobs), a community that is well-planned, pretty, has public art, and is cared for, and a community where adults (parents and community leaders) listen to them and include them.
I am grateful for Melissa and all the time she put in capturing this wealth of information. And I am grateful to live in a community with young people who care about their community and want to be a part of making it an even better community. The learning and problem-solving possibilities that are available through the Archway visioning process are infinite. What an exciting time we live in!

Leaders Lead

2010-06-18T08:52:00.000-07:00

The art of leadership is identifying what needs to be done, laying out a compelling vision, and then inspiring others to work toward executing that vision. Therefore I would argue that the reason that citizens are expressing displeasure in their elected officials is because they are failing in all three of the components of leadership.

You name any issue being debated today and those elected to serve fail in almost all three. And in some cases they have misidentified what needs to be done or at least that they have the authority to do something about the issue. For instance, the tenth amendment of the US Constitution states that powers not granted to the national government nor prohibited by the states are reserved to the state governments or the people of the states. Where does the US Government get the authority to provide funding to foreign nations? Where does the power to mandate healthcare coverage come from?

State government officials (I refuse to call the majority of them leaders) are just as guilty of failing my self-defined three components of leadership. Consider the issue of providing education to Georgia’s children. We have just closed a legislative session where education funding was once again obliterated. Rather than reducing funding as the only means to budget reconciliation, they could have moderated SPLOST rules to allow for funds to be used for operational needs in these times and not solely capital projects.

Consider the healthcare budget shortfall issue. The “leadership” did correctly identify the problem – they needed more money. But the solutions offered were not visionary and not inspirational in execution. They mandated through coercion and threats that the 1.6% bed tax would be agreed to by all or else. In other words, pass the buck to the paying citizens while claiming you did not raise taxes.

Need another example – consider transportation funding. We the State Representatives and State Senators will not raise taxes but we will ask you the citizens divided into twelve different regions to pass a referendum voluntarily taxing yourselves an additional 1% sales tax. Where is the vision? Where is the inspiration of those joining to insure that this great approach is executed?

And finally the issue of immigration…. there are no doubt hundreds of opinions about all that is covered under the term immigration and even more opinions about the approach to the problem the State of Arizona has taken. But under my suggestion that Leaders Lead and that leadership is in fact problem identification, the creation of a visionary approach to fixing the problem, and the inspiration of those necessary to execute the vision – the leadership of the state of Arizona pass all three components.

As the federal government turns a blind eye to the immigration debate, Arizona officials have determined that something needs to be done and are doing it. As a recent article in The Economist notes, the approach that Arizona is taking is not necessarily the right or best approach, but nonetheless their actions have finally created a needed national debate again.

The American citizen is tired of the politics as usual. They are tired of our federal officials putting their collective noses where don’t belong and not focusing on the things they should. And both parties are to blame. Neither has offered well thought out solutions to our problems, but continue to espouse party line clichés and sound bites.

Back to the issues facing Georgia … Are those running for statewide office communicating they understand the issues facing Georgia? Are they offering solutions? And are they able to inspire the rest of us to get on board to help lead us out of the mess we are in?

One of my favorite movies is The American President starring Michael Douglas. In the movie, President Andrew Sheppard says “America isn't easy. America is advanced citizenship. You've got to want it bad, because it's going to put up a fight.” Americans, Georgians, and all citizens of every state are starving for leadership. We want leaders working together to accurately identify our core issues. We want them to develop visionary solutions to solving those issues. And we want to be inspired to action.

Over the next few months, each of us have the opportunity to exercise a sacred right granted to us as Americans. The recent 9th Congressional district election indicated that we either don’t believe our votes matter or we were comfortable that any of those on the ballot represented the values or political positions of our community due to the abysmal voter turnout across the district and especially in Whitfield County.

Let me join Mayor Pennington and others in challenging Whitfield County to step up and vote for our next US Congressman in the June runoff. We need to send a leader to Washington who will fight for us and represent us, not the special interest groups. And then in July we need to exercise our right again in determining the right leaders that we feel can lead our nation, our state, our county government, and our county schools.

Our future will be determined by our actions today! We must mandate that leaders lead!

Leadership Development: 25 Years and Counting

2010-06-18T08:51:00.000-07:00

On behalf of the Executive Board and the staff of the Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce, I would like to extend our congratulations to this year’s graduates of Leadership Dalton-Whitfield. This year’s class of 35 students celebrated the commencement of the 25th Leadership Dalton-Whitfield class on May 13th at the Walnut Hill Farm Event Center. Even after twenty-five years it is appropriate to marvel at the success of this remarkable program and the impact it has made on the leadership of the Greater Dalton community.

The goal of the Leadership Dalton-Whitfield program is to develop informed, confident leaders by exposing participants to community resources, opportunities and issues. Each year, class members gain knowledge of our community through sessions that concentrate on local quality of life, education, economics, local government, the judicial system, state government, medical services, cultural diversity, volunteerism, and leadership skill.

The program is structured such that teamwork and cooperation play a fundamental role in the successful completion of the program. The ideas stimulated by common experiences create synergy that helps to mold the future of Greater Dalton.

Class members are chosen by a Leadership Advisory Committee based on their interest in the community and a sincere commitment to making Greater Dalton a better place to live and work. The Committee selects participants that reflect the occupational and demographic diversity of the community. Class members acquire specific leadership skills, gain a broad base exposure to the community, form relationships with peers in other fields, and learn how networking can benefit both professional and volunteer activities.

It is hard to believe but this year we celebrate our sixth year of the Advanced Leadership Academy. The purpose of the Academy is to motivate the class participants to find their passion so that they pursue service areas that will enable them to invest in change for our community in concert with their passion. Each graduate of this year’s Leadership Dalton-Whitfield class will have an accountability partner to help guide them in becoming more involved in our community.

With this year’s graduation the total number of Leadership Dalton-Whitfield alumni rises to 869. The members of this year’s class will have the opportunity to join the Alumni Association which was created to keep its members connected with local events and issues. Alumni also stay connected through networking opportunities with their peers in the Greater Dalton business community.

Leadership Dalton-Whitfield continues to provide our community well-trained leaders with a heightened awareness of civic stewardship. If you know someone who has completed this program, please show them your support by thanking them for their commitment to our community.
Our thanks also go to Tom Minor, IV, Program Chair, and Steve Pound, Program President, for their leadership and guidance of this year’s class.

Congratulations are also extended to a special group of individuals that participated in the second class of the Chamber’s new leadership initiative - the Emerging Leaders Institute. This program is a first step to identifying young leaders and preparing them for a lifetime of community leadership. On May 11th the Emerging Leaders class graduated 23 leaders that have been trained in leadership skills such as understanding leadership, group dynamics, managing conflict, effective communication, valuing community diversity, building communities through collaboration and leading community change. These new leaders are energetic and enthusiastic about learning more about the community and how they can become involved. Several of the graduates have applied and been invited to participate in next year’s Leadership Dalton-Whitfield program. A big thanks goes to Dan Clark, Shaw Industries, and Angela Gordy, Gordy & Tatum CPAs, who served as co-chairs for this effort.

Leadership Lives Here! is a signature model implemented by your Chamber of Commerce annually. Both leadership programs continue to be successful under the guidance of Phyllis Stephens, Sr. VP for the Chamber. My appreciation and gratitude is extended to all who played a part in another successful year of Leadership development!

The Importance of Social Capital

2010-06-18T08:50:00.001-07:00

A few years ago, David Aft, President of the Northwest Georgia Community Foundation, recommended a book for me to read that outlined what was occurring in the US around social Capital. The book, Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community, was written by Robert Putnam. In his bestselling book, Putnam presents an exhausting study of the benefits of social interaction and being plugged into our communities. He also states that our collective social capital increased throughout the first two-thirds of our country’s existence and then abruptly reversed that trend in the later third.

Not wanting this column to seem like a series of twitter blasts or tweets (if you do not know what a tweet is or twitter.com, ask a teenager); I will outline a few brief examples that will agree with Putnam that social capital is important. I will also argue that Dalton has immense social capital and it seems to be growing.

I, like many of you, attend many community events. In the last few weeks, it seems that I have attended something one to two times per week. And I have to confess, I reluctantly attended a few out of obligation not desire. In order to argue that Dalton has tremendous social capital, let me provide a few brief examples of recent events.

The recent Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame Banquet was a wonderful evening highlighting the tremendous efforts of the honorees: Dr. Don Thomas, Bob and Dixie Kinard, and the rising star honoree, Casey Carpenter. What a fantastic night held in honor of true servant leaders. Junior Achievement, in honoring the Hall of Fame Laureates, was equally deserving of being honored as well. Under the leadership of Judy Norris, the Northwest Georgia Chapter continues to reach and educate thousands of our children within our region. Congratulations to Dr. Don, Bob and Dixie, and Casey. And thank you Judy Norris and all who serve on the Junior Achievement Board.

As a Rotarian, first in the Carpet City Club and now in the Dalton Club, I would be remiss if I did not compliment the work both of these clubs provide for our community. Both were recently recognized at the annual Rotary District Conference with the Dalton Rotary Club being named the best club in the entire district. Under the Leadership of Nancy Kennedy and a very strong board, the noon Rotary was exemplary in all measured categories. Both Rotary clubs along with our Kiwanis Club, Civitan Club, Lions Club, and many more Civic Clubs give back to our community each and every day.

One of the Dalton Rotary Club’s projects is to participate in interviewing graduating seniors from Dalton High School. These interviews are to further prepare them as they leave High School for college or the workplace. Barbara Ward, a Rotarian and future retiree from DHS, organizes these interviews as a final learning opportunity for these students. Over the course of a few days, most of the graduating class is interviewed by Barbara and a fellow Rotarian. These interviews for me were powerful and encouraging. Our young people are leaving High School prepared for life. Thank you Barbara and all that assisted in these interviews.

Just this week, I along with a couple hundred others, had the privilege of playing in the Roman Open Golf Tournament. Even in these very difficult, unprecedented economic times, the tournament was wonderfully supported. The organizing committee and the leadership of the Roman Open deserve a collective community thank you. They put on a first class tournament and raised significant resources that will benefit many of our fellow citizens.

I could go on and on … but I simply wanted to make the case that our community’s social capital is abundant and seems to be increasing. If we want to continue making our community the best that it can be, increasing our social capital will be extremely important. Not only is social capital good in a collective sense, but the individual benefits are immeasurable.

In this day of texting instead of talking and playing video games instead of team sports, having organizations that work together for the greater good are critical. Greater Dalton is blessed to have many such organizations and opportunities for people to plug in. For your individual happiness and for the betterment of our community JOIN IN!

MayorVote Promo 2 _Lg_Prog.wmv

2010-06-18T08:47:00.000-07:00

Adversity Builds Character

2010-05-05T11:17:00.000-07:00

By: Brian D. Anderson Sr.
President & CEO
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce

Helen Keller once said, “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” One doesn’t have to look too far to find news that is discouraging or sad. Events of daily living can be tragic in all walks of life. Consider recent headlines: Gulf Oil Spill, Teacher molestation trial, State Budget woes, etc. The daily adversity we all face does not discriminate. Each of us has struggles and adversity to some degree. If you don’t, count your blessings and prepare for the struggles that will come.

Some entities have a history of long term adversity: Job in the bible, Abraham Lincoln before becoming President and after, and even many sports teams. Consider the storied yet mediocre history of the New Orleans Saints. In 2005 Hurricane Katrina comes close to annihilating an entire city beyond repair, including the famed Superdome. Less than five years later, the Saints win the most coveted prize in American Sports – the Super Bowl.

If you read a little of the Saints history, Tom Benson, owner of the Saints, is more than just an NFL owner. He is a vested community leader in New Orleans. After Katrina, Mr. Benson and many others vowed that New Orleans would come back and he led the effort to do just that.

Did Katrina cause the Saints to win the Super Bowl after 25 years of competition? I would argue that Katrina put in motion the conditions and events that led to the Saints Super Bowl win. Keller said, “Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”

The last three years have certainly been trying for our community, our industry, our region, and our nation. But the adversity that has faced us has also strengthened us – at least locally. I would argue that the Greater Dalton Community has weathered the storms valiantly, and we are poised to get back in the win column.

Last week Dalton was listed as the 172nd on Forbes’ Best Small Place for Businesses and Careers. The ranking of #172 was computed based on three other rankings: #43 for cost of doing business, #177 for projected job growth, and #179 for education attainment. On this same list, eight other small Georgia communities ranked higher than we did: Athens (#26), Gainesville (#47), Warner-Robbins (#59), Valdosta (#79), Brunswick (#102), Hinesville (#122), Macon (#141), and Rome (#144). Albany ranked #179 just below us.

The cynic would view these rankings disappointingly. The optimist sees light at the end of the tunnel. We are at the bottom of a sustained and deep recessionary cycle (projected job growth). Our educational attainment is also at a low historical level that can only go up over time as more and more enter the workplace with higher educational credentials. Due to the efforts of our local government leaders, the cost of doing business is already low and is forecasted to remain so. Said differently, our community is one of the top 180 in the country and in the top 10 in Georgia.

The adversity that has faced us over the last three years has created the energy, the focus, and the ambition to recreate ourselves. We are poised to not only succeed in the short term, but the long term as well. Just as businesses are coming out of a terrible business recession, the pent up demand for new manufacturing facilities and our ability to accommodate them will be a recipe for success.

I am confident that we will see our place on the Forbes list improve year after year as we continue to work together and succeed together. Many have fought the good fight during these tough times. Remember the slogan “weebles wobble but they don’t fall down”? We are the weebles and we have wobbled, but we did not fall down! I continue to be bullish on Greater Dalton!

Kickoff of Political Season

2010-05-05T11:13:00.000-07:00

By: Brian D. Anderson Sr.
President & CEO
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce

Although many candidates for political office have already announced their intentions and have been campaigning for months, the official kick-off of this year’s political season begins this week with qualifying. At least through Monday’s announcement, those that were expected to qualify did so early and a couple of new candidates threw their hat into the ring and will be challenging current office holders.

Many sitting elected officials hope for an unopposed election due to the time and financial burden running a campaign takes. The voting electorate wins, however, when campaigns are waged vigorously and issues are presented and debated. Running for a local elected office doesn’t have to be expensive. A local candidate can inexpensively campaign at hundreds of local community events and through door-to-door campaigning.

It is usually those seeking state-wide office or even a congressional seat that have to resort to more media based campaigning in order to get their message out to a large and geographically dispersed electorate. Outside of face-to-face campaigning, local media can be very effective in helping a candidate get the name recognition increased. But even those seeking an office that represents a large geographic area must campaign face-to-face as much as possible in order to gain the trust of the voters they seek to represent.

This year’s elections should be hotly debated and vigorously fought. At every level much is at stake and electing the absolute best possible candidate is paramount. For Congress, the ninth district race is shaping up to be a very interesting race. There are a handful of seemingly good candidates that represent both those from the political mainstream and a few first timers seeking their first try at political office.

The diverse background of those running will be interesting to watch as they compete for a shot in a runoff. The east vs. west dynamic will also be interesting to watch. At the end of the day, however, each of us want someone who will best represent the needs and interests of those from North Georgia and the best interests of our country at large.

The state-wide races also have the potential to be extremely interesting to watch. Thankfully there are also a number of good, qualified candidates seeking to represent Georgia in a variety of statewide offices. Given that an incumbent Governor is not in the race, the Governor’s race has attracted many candidates representing a diverse set of experiences and resumes in seeking to lead the largest state east of the Mississippi. And given the struggles facing incumbents, a strong argument can be made that both parties are in the mix.

Those seeking federal and state offices will also face another challenge this year that was not as pronounced in recent years. Those needing to use expensive media platforms to get their message heard will find that raising the financial resources will be harder to come by. Most financial disclosures released at this point in the cycle already indicate much lower levels of financial resources being raised. The large number of candidates running in each race has also spread a smaller pool of available dollars across many candidates.

And last but not least, the local races seem to be shaping up to be worth watching as well. Although a candidate running unopposed is still possible, many races may have more than two candidates seeking the same office. Offices that have more than two candidates really challenge the candidates to get their message out and to quickly differentiate one from the other.

Many argue that citizen dissatisfaction is high and thus voter apathy will be low. In other words, more voters are expected to vote / participate in the democratic process given their dissatisfaction with their elected representatives. It will be interesting to see if that activism is engaged at all levels or just in the federal and state races.

One of the strategic pillars of the Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce is leadership development. First class opportunities are available through the Leadership Dalton-Whitfield program and the Emerging Leaders Institute that enable new talent to become aware of community issues and allow for opportunities to work toward solutions that will be benefit all. It is a credit to these programs when one who has graduated from one or both of these leadership programs decides to step up and seek political office.

The Chamber also holds regular campaign academies that can help potential office seekers and those who want to help on a campaign. The Chamber does not recruit candidates or pick candidates in a race. We are non-partisan and work for the process not a particular issue or candidate. An academy was recently conducted by the Chamber and a good number participated. The Chamber will continue to provide educational opportunities for those seeking to be active in the political process.

A few years ago, I attended a Chamber Campaign Academy. I learned more than I ever imagined and later put that learning to good use as I ran for elected office. I remember one of the panel participants offering the following advice, “run for a political office because you have a passion for doing something or a vision for the community. Do not run for office just because you are angry at something or somebody.”

Hoping not to sound preachy, let me say that governing is hard work. The issues that come before city council, the county commission, or a school board are usually very complex and in many cases emotions can be high. Candidates should be elected based on their ability to use good judgment and sound reasoning in reaching decisions. Once elected they should take advantage of educational opportunities offered by the state to assist a newly elected official in learning how to be a good productive member of a council, commission, or board. I applaud the state legislature for attempting to put in place minimum standards for school board members this year.

The more I remain connected to the political process the more it seems to be a year-round sport. But officially, the 2010 season kicks off this week. All of us need to educate ourselves about the offices that are open, who is seeking them, and what is each candidate is offering us as far as reasons to elect them for those offices. Become informed and get involved!

The Peril of Partisan Politics

2010-04-22T07:38:00.000-07:00

By: Brian D. Anderson Sr.
President & CEO
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce

All of us are graded from time to time. Students receive regular report cards, employees have performance evaluations, and even publicly traded companies are graded by their stockholders. Do we measure our government entities? If so, how? If not, why not? Many would argue we grade our elected officials through the democratic process. But if that is true, how does Congress continue to be incumbent led while also having steadily decreasing job approval ratings? We have serious issues facing our country and our state, and the status quo is not cutting it!

Let’s begin our introspection at the Federal level. Very quickly after getting healthcare reform passed, the President and his administration are recommending new measures for regulating the financial industry. Remember the analogy used during the healthcare debate that asked the question – do you want the federal government who struggles to run the Veteran’s Administration and the Post Office, providing healthcare in America. And now the proposition is for the Federal Government (the poster child for fiscal malpractice) to oversee and regulate the financial industry.

Given the Enron, AIG, and the latest Goldman Sachs scandals, a strong argument can be made that sound regulations must be in place to prevent corporate miscreants. But the US Government is hardly credible as the entity able to play in that sandbox. I would argue that our federal government and the elected officials who run it, clean up there fiscal minefield first.

This same administration and the majority in Congress are also considering a value-added tax. A VAT is a commonly used tax vehicle in many countries, especially throughout the European Union. Given an inability to accurately define a VAT in the space of this column, a simple definition is a VAT is a sales tax on steroids. I encourage you to Google the term value-added tax and become informed of this type of tax.

Good tax policy calls for taxation to be equitable and transparent. A VAT is neither. In reading the simple definition, I instantly had a vision of hyper creation of jobs in the accounting sector. This type of tax would require armies of CPAs to simply calculate what to charge, who to charge, and how to send the proceeds to Uncle Sam. Job creation is good unless one expansion of a job type directly or indirectly creates reductions in other job types. One statement in the material I found stated that a VAT is inefficient in that the revenues that the tax provides for the government coffers is adversely affected due by the loss of revenue due to decreasing sales because of the tax. All taxes artificially alter the normal operating principles of supply and demand.

The end does not justify the means. Just because there are a few corporate bad guys, the entire financial industry does not have to be over-hauled. The free market economy can regulate itself with minimal yet well thought out and targeted regulations. Companies that are managed poorly should be allowed to fail, and corporate leaders who participate in corporate fraud should be fired and possibly jailed.

Why consider any new tax must less a VAT? One reason argued is that Washington’s massive spending has created deficits that only a new source of revenue can fill. Current estimates forecast that a VAT would generate $700 billion in revenue for the Federal Government. But given that a VAT is an “inefficient” tax, the loss of revenue from other sources could more than likely offset some of that $700 billion. Just because the French are doing it is not reason enough to convince me that this direction is good for America.

Moving down a notch, how would you rate Georgia and its elected leaders? In my twelve years as a Georgian, both parties have enjoyed being the majority party and had one of its own in the Governor’s mansion. Are you better off today? Is Georgia surviving the Great Recession as well as others? Will we come out of this down economic cycle better than others?

I would argue that Georgia is struggling. As Georgia has grown in population, the cost of providing services grew faster than state revenues. Recently some have argued that state government is too big and that proposed cuts will keep the size of government in check. Government does tend to grow even when it is not being fed. But I would argue that simply cutting taxes and cutting spending does not guarantee a prosperous future. Many types of government spending are investments not costs.

If you consider the budget proposals currently headed to a conference committee, Education (investment in our children) has been gouged. The arts (investment in quality of life) have been eliminated by one branch and severely cut by the other. And one other biggie – transportation funding – will once see another legislative session come and go without an answer. One important benchmark related to transportation ranks Georgia 49th in per capita spending for our transportation infrastructure.

As you consider the points presented, it may seem that I am just another doom and gloom pessimist. I am not. I present these two different perspectives concerning the performance of our elected officials so that I can make this point … Our way of life is seriously endangered by partisan politics. Over the last fifteen years both parties have enjoyed majorities and even total control at times. And yet, the issues facing our country and our state have worsened.

For us to tackle these tough complex issues, we have to have the brightest and best running for and being elected to office. And there primary allegiance must be to the public electorate at-large and not their party affiliation. Once elected, every official must work earnestly with their colleagues regardless of party.

America still has its best days ahead of it, if we will once again promote and respect freedom and liberty above all else. We can still be the envy of the world if we will allow all Americans to seek the America dream with a hand-up and not a handout. We still have all the basic tools to reach our destiny, but only if good, honorable, trustworthy, and servant leaders hold our elected offices.

Georgia can be the capitol of the South. But not without effective leadership that can rise above party lines, benchmark against the best, and provide legislation that produces solutions and not sound bites. I want those who represent me to lay out a vision for long-term success and the financial plan to support it. Hearing an elected official proclaim they took an oath to never raise taxes, does not a prosperous future make.

Next week is qualifying for elected office. This community has a wealth of talented and honorable citizens. Given that many offices will be up for election this fall, I encourage any and all who are impassioned about our community, our state, and our nation to step up and seek an elected office. Today, April 22, from 2-5pm, the Chamber will host a Campaign Academy for all that are interested in running for office or assisting others. Contact the Dalton-Whitfield Chamber for more information (706.278.7373).

The Right Leadership at the Right Time

2010-04-19T11:46:00.000-07:00

By: Brian D. Anderson Sr.
President & CEO
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce

About ten years ago, I was a District Manager for The Coca-Cola Company. My district covered most of South Georgia and part of northwestern South Carolina. That spring, a group of us were traveling to different markets for sales blitzes and one particular visit was to Gulfport, Mississippi. About ten of us were on a flight from Atlanta to Gulfport via a stopover in Dallas.

On the leg of the flight from Dallas to Gulfport, smoke began pouring out of the bulkhead in the rear of the plane. After the flight attendant panicked, the First Officer left the cockpit to review the situation upon which he yelled for the Captain to land immediately! But as the First officer walked to the rear of the plane, I saw the Chief Financial Officer for our group looking at me and she asked “are we OK?” Prior to this trip, I had no idea that she was scared of flying. I nonchalantly shrugged my shoulders and replied, “I don’t know”. Once the First Officer yelled to the pilot to land, the Captain quickly came on the intercom instructing us that we would be making an emergency landing and to assume the crash position.

Thirty minutes out of Dallas, the Captain descended from twenty thousand feet and landed the plane at a small landing strip in Mexia, Texas, in about two minutes. Upon landing we were instructed to exit the plane by using the inflatable slide and to “run” from the plane a minimum of one hundred yards. We landed and the smoke turned out to be electrical in nature and a fire never occurred. We sat in the small office of this very tiny airfield for over an hour before being bused back to Dallas for another flight.

I tell you this story to illustrate the importance of leadership and that acts of leadership can come at any time and in many different situations. This is an example of poor leadership exhibited by me. Monica, our group CFO, is a wonderful person and a very intelligent financial executive. But as I said earlier, she had a strong fear of flying. When she asked me if we were OK and I nonchalantly replied, “I don’t know”, she panicked. I did not know the effect my lackadaisical response would have on her. She was close to being catatonic after the excitement subsided.

Now in my defense, I was not that worried. Although the Flight Attendant panicked and the First Officer excitedly yelled for the Captain to land the plane immediately, I had confidence in the crew and in my faith. I forgot to mention this was about six o’clock in the afternoon and I was tired. Monica wanted reassurance and she looked to me to provide it.

Switching gears, an appropriate example of leadership occurred this past Sunday at my church. About 15 minutes into the service, an older member of our congregation became incoherent and sort of passed out. A commotion began with family and friends’ realizing something was wrong but not knowing what to do.
Thankfully, our senior pastor, the ushers, and at least three doctors quickly, but calmly went to the aid of our brother. The congregation remained calm but concerned. Everything just sort of stopped while the doctors and other leaders within our church handled the situation. They exercised the right kind of leadership at just the right time. Someone called 911 almost as soon as a problem was known and they responded quickly and appropriately (I never heard a siren).

I have to confess this episode was emotional yet comforting. Not only were we in the house of the great Physician, we were also surrounded by leaders (pastoral, medical, and servant) such that an alarming and disconcerting event remained calm and caring. I am grateful to all who responded to the needs of our brother. The professional response by all involved had a calm and reassuring effect on the remaining congregation as well. I think we all left church even more blessed than on most Sundays.

Each and every day responsive acts of leadership are called for. And I feel all of us are leaders more often than not. And you do not have to be in a leadership role to be a leader.

We live in difficult times! But are these times any different or any worse than for those that lived during other difficult times - the Civil War, the Holocaust, or The Great Depression? Throughout history we can find examples of extreme times. We can also find extraordinary examples of leadership that made the difficult manageable for all affected.

When the right leaders are in sync with the right times, great and even miraculous things happen. As the Allstate Insurance commercial asks – are we experiencing the Great Recession or will the recession make us great? These are challenging times – but they are times that good leadership can make the difference between survival and prosperity.

Let’s all do our individual and collective best tomorrow, next week, and the rest of the year in serving each other and our great community!

Thank You Chamber Team!

2010-04-07T06:45:00.001-07:00

By: Brian D. Anderson Sr.
President & CEO
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce

I cannot tell you how blessed I am to work with such a talented, giving, and thoughtful group of professionals! Your Chamber team is one of the finest I have ever worked with. If you don’t believe me just ask our member-investors. Just this morning I received a call from Kathy Burns of Details and Options Salon and Spa. Kathy called specifically to brag on the great team assembled at your Chamber of Commerce (Thanks Kathy)!

Kathy went out of her way to make sure she thanked me for the great work that our team does. She went on to say that she will always be a member-investor because of the effort the members of our team give in supporting her and her business. Although what we do is our job, it is a pleasure to work with such a great group who take the minimum and turn it into a passion.

Each and every member of our team comes to work every day with our member-investor organizations and those they employ on their mind. They plan and implement events that will enable our members to effectively network and get to know others in the community. Beth Morrison and Sonya Maney plan our member-mixers and other events as if there life depended on it. When our members call needing information or assistance, they give that individual their time and attention unselfishly and professionally. Beth cares about our member-investors like they are her own children. And Sonya is just as passionate and caring!

Beth and Sonya also produce the myriad marketing activity for the Chamber. Our award-winning Chamberlink magazine is produced by Beth and Sonya. This beautiful, informative, and well-read monthly keeps our members in touch with the work the Chamber is doing on behalf of the community.

A couple of Saturdays ago, the community celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the founding of the Leadership Dalton-Whitfield Program. Under the guidance of Phyllis Stephens, this community leadership program is considered one of the best in the state and continues to re-invent itself and improve year after year. Phyllis wanted to reach another level of promising leaders in our community. So a couple of years ago, she and a few hand-selected volunteers developed and implemented a new program called the Emerging Leaders Institute. This program is in its third year and already paying dividends to our community.

Phyllis also leads all legislative action activities for our team. She starts the process in December of each year working with select members and our elected delegation planning our positions on key issues and the talking points for our members to use when communicating with state elected officials. She then plans and executes a first-class legislative reception that is regarded as one of the best legislative events of the session. And finally she leads the work of the legislative action committee that meets weekly to deliberate the legislation as it moves through the session. All in all, our message and input is heard at the state capitol because of Phyllis Stephens.

Judy Sawyer has led the Chambers administrative and financial operations for a number of years. Because of Judy’s diligence and integrity, our financial affairs and human resources oversight are above reproach. Our Board of Directors is given the good, the bad, and the ugly (as appropriate) in order that they can provide the oversight they are responsible for.

Judy also oversees the internal operations of the organization such that everything is covered and the operation runs like clock-work. It is Judy that also assists all of us in special projects like maintaining the facilities, taking the money at events, or covering lunch when some are out. She is the glue that keeps us together.

Our newest member of the team is Elyse Cochran who leads our economic development efforts. You have heard a lot about Elyse in the last six months, and let me assure you it is all true. She is doing all that we hired her to do and more. She is a true economic development professional who is passionate about improving the economic future for all of us. You will continue to see the fruits of Elyse’ labor as she works to bring jobs and investment to our community.

Karina Cervantes works on our economic development team with Elyse. Karina assist Elyse in managing projects like submitting information about sites and the community to prospects. She works with realtors and site selection consultants in packaging information for clients (typically on a very tight timeline). Karina is multi-lingual, is close to finishing her college degree (while working full-time), and is a wonderful addition to the economic development team.

My purpose for today’s column was to: introduce the members of our team to those that may not know them, highlight the roles of our team members, and to praise them for all that they do. I am simply blessed to be on this amazing team. We have issues and challenges facing us like most organizations do. But because of the wonderful individuals that make up the Chamber team, we will continue meeting those challenges and we will succeed in community development, economic development, and leadership development efforts for our community!

Thank you for your investment in the Chamber of Commerce and therefore your investment in the Dalton-Whitfield community!

We Can + We Will = We Succeed!

2010-04-07T06:42:00.000-07:00

By: Brian D. Anderson Sr.
President & CEO
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce

Recently I attended the Basic Economic Development Course at Georgia Tech. Without meaning any disrespect to my friends who are Georgia alumni, I actually felt more intelligent walking around that campus. Given it was Spring Break and the students were not there, I can only imagine my perceived heightened intelligence if I had been able to walk around and interact with some of the brightest young people in the world.

Last year when I wrote a column for the special Progress Edition of the Daily Citizen, I spoke of what we could achieve if. I wrote about many of the strategies and goals we had to accomplish in order to be successful economically. At this time last year, it was tough … much like today. Our local economy has not improved and many would argue it may have worsened.

At the course at Tech, Dalton was mentioned three different times as an example of what not to be or as one of the worst economically distressed communities in the country. One speaker told us (without knowing someone from Dalton was in the class) that he had written a white paper on Dalton, and Elkhart, Indiana in 2006. In his paper, he illustrated Dalton and Elkhart as two of the places to watch as examples of local economies bound to fail. Both were perfect examples of one-horse towns with their horses being very mature industries that were near the end of their life cycles.

He went on to say that Elkhart knew they were headed for trouble as the hub of recreational vehicle manufacturing. Dalton, as he described, still did not get that they were in trouble and had not prepared for what was to come. Elkhart and its workforce were good at manufacturing and assembly but its industry was based on building large gas-guzzling RVs. They had recently, however, decided to transition a strength and a threat into an opportunity. Elkhart was proactively taking steps to become the electric car manufacturing center of the world.

This well-respected economic development professional went on to say that Dalton still had not taken the steps to transition its economy from a one-horse industry into a more diversified economy. The second instructor who chose to use our community to make a point stated, “Dalton is in a death-spiral.” Although the Dalton economy had been hurt because of external issues (housing industry collapse and the collapse of the nation’s financial system), Dalton knew this day would come and had not prepared. He remarked that he had spoken to the Dalton Rotary Club in 1993 and forecasted such a time would come.

The third instructor also referred to Dalton as an example of a local economy in serious trouble and one that had to diversify to survive. But he also stated that from all reports he followed, Dalton had begun to take the necessary steps to be proactive in positively influencing its economic future. According to Peter Drucker, “the most common cause of executive failure is inability or unwillingness to change with the demands of a new position. The executive who keeps on doing what he has done successfully before is almost bound to fail.”

We can + we will = Success is a winning formula and a formula not founded in business as usual. It is a formula that can enable us to do things differently. We can simply means that we have or are beginning to have the tools necessary to succeed. Over the last four years the work of the Dalton-Whitfield County Joint Development Authority has been to lay the foundation for doing proactive economic development work. At this time last year, we had a foundation but were lacking three primary elements needed to succeed.

We were without an experienced and proven economic development professional to lead our efforts. Although the process took much longer than I wanted or expected, we succeeded in recruiting Elyse Cochran back home to Georgia from North Carolina. Elyse has the resume, the contacts and network, and the personality to lead our efforts. In her first six months, she has worked tirelessly to understand the issues facing us, getting to know the community stakeholders, all while working with a number of prospects looking to invest in the greater Dalton community.

We said a year ago we had to have product - shovel-ready land ready for development. The process for obtaining land for development could have been public in nature or a public-private enterprise. Currently we have under development two developments that will enable us to have developed / shovel-ready land for prospects in two different, yet ideal areas for industrial and commercial development.

The third area of concern was our lack of sufficient financial resources to be able to compete with other communities regionally, nationally, and globally. With great appreciation to the Chamber of Commerce Board members who supported the creation of and implementation of the Grow Greater Dalton Campaign, the Grow Greater Dalton Leadership team, and most importantly the GGD Investors, we have successfully completed our campaign with over $6 million dollars pledged for executing clearly defined economic development strategies. Many communities our size and larger had been executing these types of campaigns for years with wonderful community development successes to show for it. We will now have the resources needed for proactive economic development. All three components of the right leadership, the right land / product, and the financial resources make-up the - we can variable of the formula.

The we will variable of the formula is possible and more than likely probable. But, it is not certain. Just as the formula illustrates, half of the probability of success is based on the we will variable. Having all of the components of the we can variable is not enough. We have to do something in order to succeed. Elkhart, Indiana, is doing something and becoming the community it desires to be. We are just as capable of a similar transition.

Manufacturing in the US has been declining and according to most exports, it will continue to decline as measured by the number of jobs it creates. Our home-grown carpet industry is a prime example. When the economy turns positive again, most are forecasting that the volume of carpet produced in 2005 will be able to be produced with significantly less labor. We must proactively plan for, recruit, and transition our skilled workforce for new opportunities. And if we are going to recruit new industry, why not emulate Elkhart and find those companies / industries that will improve our standards of living and our quality of place. The Joint Development Authority has targeted plastics, chemicals, advanced manufacturing, and automobile assembly as the most appropriate targets for us to focus on.

According to the Progressive Policy Institute the new economy is “a knowledge and idea-based economy where the keys to wealth and job creation are the extent to which ideas, innovation, and technology are embedded in all sectors of the economy.” Given this definition, we must remain vigilant in educating our workforce. The current state budget situation is deplorable and our state leaders have abdicated a critical responsibility in not protecting our “investments” in education. How can we succeed long-term in a knowledge and idea-based economy without well-educated and trained workforce? The we will variable requires that we influence successfully the improvement of all resources necessary, including investments in education.

We can + We will = We Succeed! I continue to be excited about the future of the Greater Dalton Area. Our community made up of Cohutta, Dalton, Tunnel Hill, Varnell, and all of Whitfield County can and will succeed if we plan, collaborate, and execute. Let’s all pull together for a better tomorrow as we transition into all that we want to be!

Spring at Last, Spring at Last!

2010-04-07T06:40:00.000-07:00

By: Brian D. Anderson Sr.
President & CEO
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce

Although it snowed briefly this week and the temperature was in the 30s on Monday, spring is in the air. If my ten spring seasons have taught me anything about Dalton, it is that when the buttercups and Cherry Trees bloom, spring is here. I absolutely love traveling on College drive and seeing the beautiful little yellow blooms along the front of Dalton State College. I also love it when the time changes and it stays daylight longer. Those walking, running, and pushing baby strollers are motivating for all of us who have neglected exercise longer than we should have.

I also feel we are entering a “spring” season economically. Mother Nature has dealt us a cold, wet, dreary winter. Our economic winter has been just as cold and dreary. And, we still have a long way to go. But I firmly believe recent positive reports on our economy are the Cherry tree blossoms and buttercups blooms that we so desperately seek. It isn’t eighty degrees and the flowers are not in full bloom yet. But our economy is like my Zoysia lawn, I am beginning to see the emerging green shoots beneath the old brown blades.

And as we all begin to make preparation for the coming outbreak of blooms and greening, we spread pre-emergence and weed killer on our lawns. We fertilize our plants. And we put out new pine straw or mulch. In short we get outside and prepare our “outside” living / work areas that beautify our homes and businesses. We improve that which has been dormant during the cold and wet winter.

Your economic development team is also preparing for our economic spring. We are researching those growth companies within our targeted industries that we feel could be a good fit for investing in our community and who are poised for expansion. We will package a marketing campaign to “sell” them on the reasons they should consider investing here. We are researching areas needing redevelopment and the tools that are at our disposal for implementing good value added redevelopment at these sites. We are working in a variety of areas to acknowledge and understand the vision that our local leaders have painted for us.

Economic development is like a garden, it has many varieties of fruitful and productive plants that add to its vitality and beauty. Our local economy also possesses many varieties of productive and fruitful entities. Our garden blooms from carpet manufacturers, automobile parts manufacturers, and chemical companies. Our economy is equally nourished by the hundreds or thousands of small businesses – realtors, law firms, banks, retailers, florists, car dealers, doctors and dentists, etc. Your economic development team has to be knowledgeable about all of these. Armed with this knowledge, we can better prepare plans and programs to enable these economic entities to flourish.

I consider myself blessed to be on such a diverse and talented economic team. Your Chamber of Commerce works intricately with the Dalton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Downtown Dalton Development Authority, the Dalton-Whitfield County Joint Development Authority, the Northwest Georgia Convention and Trade Center, the cities of Dalton, Tunnel Hill, and Varnell, and Whitfield County. When you add the staff of all these entities and the volunteer board members and supporters, you quickly realize our economic development team is large, energized, passionate, and most of all talented.

In spite of the long economic winter that we have endured, and in spite of the many obstacles still facing us, I see our community as that bed of tulips planted last fall – soon we will enjoy the beauty and joy that the blooms will give due the vibrant growth that good soil, water, and sunshine bring about. Our economic garden is ready to bloom because of the preparation and hard work given by so many and for so long.

Thank you for welcoming me and my family to this awesome community. You have no idea how blessed we feel to be a part of this community. Dalton has blessed us in ways we could not have imagined. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of the extraordinary Chamber team and the community’s economic development team. It is truly humbling to think each of us can be a part of our community’s next economic revival.

As we head toward Easter enjoying the beauty this season of resurrection brings us, be mindful how blessed we are. Recommit to giving what you can to the resurgence we all desire for our community. We have all benefitted from the sacrifices of those that have gone before us, and it is now our time to do our part!

God bless each and all - Happy Easter!

Congratulations Drug Court

2010-04-07T06:39:00.000-07:00

By: Brian D. Anderson Sr.
President & CEO
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce

Have you ever heard of a drug court? Did you know we have one? Thanks to Judge Jack Partain, Coordinator George Shirilla, Sheriff Scott Chitwood, the Whitfield County Board of Commissioners, the District Attorney’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office, and many others, we have the Conasauga Drug Court right here in our community. It was created in 2002 and due to its success, many other drug courts have been created in Georgia, and throughout the nation.

What is a drug court? In layman’s terms, it is simply a judicial program that attempts to save lives through dealing with drug addiction and giving drug offenders a pathway back to productive citizenship. Those accepted into the program agree to a long (minimum two years) and very structured program that deals with their addiction within the judicial process. Participants that have been arrested have the option of applying for participation in the program versus the typical judicial process.

Participants who are accepted into the program must plead guilty to the offenses they are charged with. They are sentenced to probation. Part of their probation is served through participation in the drug court program. Those that are eligible for first offender status and who complete the program, will not have a felony conviction on their record. The Drug Court program is a unique opportunity and privilege in the judicial process.

Last week, I attended the 40th graduation ceremony of the Conasauga Drug Court. Congratulations to John, Stephanie, Andrew, and Blake. These four graduates have successfully completed the rigorous program. These individuals are to be commended for their diligence and commitment to fighting their addiction and overcoming the damage that drug addiction can render on them, their families, and our community.

For those who have never attended a session in which Judge Partain reviews the status of the participants, rewards or sanctions participants, or awards diplomas for graduating; you have missed a real eye-opening (and in most cases tear-inducing) experience. The review sessions where rewards or sanctions are issued based on the participants progress, are not for the faint of heart. Imagine being in the program and failing a drug test or missing an appointment with the treatment team, and then having to face the Judge, who then sanctions you to a day or two in jail. I have witnessed these sessions. No matter how hard core one may be about drug use, watching someone be sent to jail is tough.

Speaking of Judge Jack Partain, let me just say that we are blessed to have him in our community. His work as a Superior Court Judge is remarkable enough. But he volunteers to oversee the Consauga Drug Court in addition to his regular Superior Court case load. The best way to for me to describe Judge Partain is to say he is tough but fair. He really cares about those accepted into the program and is committed to helping them succeed. The other team members share that commitment and compassion.

Some of you may be saying to yourself, who cares? These people broke the law and got caught. Why should we spend the extra resources to help criminals who knew better? I know someone reading this is saying something to that effect. I know this because I have had at some point or other felt this way. I have never taken illegal drugs nor do I plan to. But I do have addictions. I have struggled for years with biting my fingernails. I also eat sweets to my detriment. Mentioning these two insignificant addictions compared with drug addiction is not to belittle the struggles of those addicted to drugs. It is mentioned to make the point that addiction is addiction. It is extremely difficult to overcome the psychological and the physiological attachment to anything we become addicted to.

Drug court provides an environment that enables the participants to deal with the addiction while also working through the other necessary steps to becoming self-sufficient and productive. These participants need a supportive and stable platform to grow from. They need compassion, caring, and expertise of a variety of team members with specific skill sets. The Conasauga Drug Court Team provides this enabling platform for these individuals.

The other side of the question “who cares?” is this; this program is cost effective versus incarceration. Or put another way, drug court offers a return on investment for all stakeholders. This return comes in a variety of ways. The most important is that outside of times of sanctions, participants are not incarcerated at a cost of $40-$55 per day. They can (and usually do) work providing for themselves and their families. The support team works in the drug court program in addition to their normal duties. Judge Partain, the assigned Asst. District Attorney, the Public Defender, and all other specialists volunteer to work on the team. They are paid for and do their regular full-time job while also working voluntarily on the drug court team. The incremental cost to the community is for the program coordinator and a few administrative costs.

In order to fully put into perspective what a program like this means to a community, let me highlight a few of the statistics pertinent to the program’s success:
• There are 46 current participants (a savings of $1840 per day that they are not incarcerated).
• Treatment attendance, Drug Test results, Drug Court appearance, and attendance in the 12-Step program all are at the 99% success rate.
• 94% of participants are employed.
• 77% of participants are retained and the program has a low 14% attrition rate, and an equally low recidivism rate of 9%.
• Participants have given 19,557 community service hours.
• 66 participants have received their GED with 7 more in progress.
• Participants have paid over $256,000 in fees.
• Costs savings from not incarcerating the participants is over $759,000.
These statistics paint a very compelling story of the success our community has enjoyed in dealing with a devastating society issue. I am thankful our community has the Conasauga Drug Court. The entire team and those in the program are to be encouraged and commended.

An afternoon with Mayor Peeples and Charlie Company

2010-04-07T06:38:00.000-07:00

By: Brian D. Anderson Sr.
President & CEO
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce

An afternoon with Mayor Peeples and Charlie Company!

Let me start this week by saying how much I appreciate the many kind words many of you have shared about my columns. Although I have never pretended to be a writer or journalist, I do try to deliver interesting columns each week. I am truly grateful for your words of encouragement. Although there are always many issues that a column could speak to, I am always open to ideas. If you have an idea about something interesting, let me know and I will research it and report on it.

One such idea came to me via email even as I was preparing for today’s column. It came from Bethany Richmond of the Carpet and Rug Institute. Bethany sent an article from a Texas newspaper outlining a local approach to economic stimulus. A Texas businessman in Whitehouse, Texas, outlined an ingenious approach to stimulating the local economy.

Basically, Mr. Max Anderson proposed that money spent in the local area could be passed on to stimulate other local businesses. For instance, if a consumer came in to purchase carpet from Mr. Anderson and the sales tax came to $300, he would issue a check for $300 (equivalent to the sales taxes) to another local business of the customer’s choosing. In other words, the consumer could choose a local appliance business to receive a local stimulus. The same consumer then takes the “stimulus check” to the appliance store and uses it to purchase appliances from them.

Based on the passing it on principle, Mr. Anderson appropriately called his idea the “Pass it On” campaign. So far, Mr. Anderson has passed on over $20,000 in local stimulus. This sounds ingenious to me and would love to hear from our local businesses that might have an interest in a similar campaign. If so, your Chamber of Commerce will work to develop the framework for creating such an opportunity in the Dalton-Whitfield community.

On another note, on Monday of this week I had the pleasure of spending a couple of hours with Mayor Dan peoples of Varnell. Mayor Peeples is an exciting, energetic, focused, and impassioned young leader. He has a great vision for the City Varnell and the North end of Whitfield County. We looked at and discussed their infrastructure improvement plans / needs, there growth plans, and basically discussed the thorough plan that the Mayor and Council are working to implement.

Given the growth in employment slated to occur north of us in Bradley County and Hamilton County, the leaders of Varnell are to commended for looking at the opportunities available to Varnell for growth in new residents who may work in Dalton, Cleveland, or Chattanooga. Working with Dalton Utilities, the Whitfield County Board of Commissioners, and the Whitfield County School System public sewer availability will be extremely beneficial going forward.

Given that we have a need for real estate offerings in the $175-$225K price range, two subdivisions in the Varnell area could be re-designed to offer homes in this price point. The Rockingham subdivision and possibly even a new phase in the Highland Point subdivision could be developed with these price points in mind. In addition to the appropriate price points, such subdivisions need to offer a swimming pools, tennis courts / basketball courts, and playgrounds.

If we are going to keep and attract young professional families, we have to have real estate offerings that are comparable to our surrounding / competing communities. If we are not able to provide this range of price points within the two subdivisions suggested, we will have to work with developers, real estate firms, and possibly regional builders who could create a development in this price range with the recommended amenities. New homes will be built again in the future, we should prepare for when that will occur by knowing what we need and then building it.

As I left Varnell to return to my office, I stopped at the new Dalton Village Shopping Center. What an interesting and aesthetically pleasing new retail development. Although the center is new and only has a couple of tenants, this center is one to watch. It is beautiful, unique, and will offer its tenants a terrific place to conduct business and provide goods and services to consumers in our community. If they are successful in attracting the right kind of retail offerings, we might even be successful in keeping some of the retail leakage that goes to Cleveland and Chattanooga.

The anchor tenant of the center is Value fresh Supermarket. I had the pleasure of visiting with John Burton, the General Manager of the supermarket. This new retail edition to the grocery segment will provide additional grocery shopping north of the bypass. Those living up and down Cleveland Highway can shop in our community without feeling like they need to travel north into Cleveland. I look forward to meeting with John in a few months and discovering that their success has been even better than they expected.

Let me close this week with just a snapshot of yesterday’s welcome home tribute to Charlie Company. The hundreds of well-wishers / greeters came to Harmon Field to celebrate the safe return of our community’s citizen-soldiers. They are not soldier-citizens. These are local people who answer the call when called on by their country or state. A little over one year ago, Captain Lewis promised to bring back all 90 members of Charlie Troop. Yesterday he could proudly state that he kept his promise.

This ceremony was spectacular! Special kudos to: the Dalton HS ROTC Color Guard, Mayor David Pennington, Captain Jason Lewis (Troop Commander), First Sergeant Ronnie Perryman (Troop First Sergeant), SFC Eric Rochelle, Rev. Mickey Shealy, and Maj. (ret.) Raymond McCranney. An extra special THANK YOU goes to Rick Brown who worked tirelessly during the deployment to insure these soldiers were prayed for, cared for, and provided for!

Mayor Pennington in thanking these troopers for all that they had done for us, also pledged that our community now stands ready for them. Let me echo that sentiment! For all of us who are grateful for your service, we are here for you. Let us know what we can do for you! God bless each of you and your families!

From State Capitol to our Nation's Capitol

2010-04-07T06:36:00.000-07:00

By: Brian D. Anderson Sr.
President & CEO
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce

From our State Capitol to our Nation’s Capitol

Last week I had the honor and pleasure of visiting our Nation’s Capitol along with representatives of the Carpet Industry and the Carpet and Rug Institute. I represented your Chamber of Commerce. The trip was organized by Jennifer Mendez from CRI. Her efforts along with those of the staff for Congressman Nathan Deal provided for a very productive and organized visit. A big Thank you to Jennifer!

Before getting into the meat of our visit, let me share that something was different this year. Although I have been to our nation’s capitol a few times, I really paid attention to the atmosphere in Washington. Our nation’s capitol is built to last. The architecture utilized building materials that are as close to permanent as you can get. As I took in the aesthetics of this great city, I had a sense of pride that I have not felt before. When you add up all that is Washington DC, it is hard not to appreciate what was once described as ‘the greatest home field advantage in the world.”

Imagine if our policies and principles were as sound as the buildings and architecture of this great city. The current spend, spend, spend policies of Congress and our past and current President is equivalent to building our nation’s capitol out of cardboard instead of stone. The investments in monuments and cathedrals and the impressive size and number of government buildings represented investments meant to last many generations.

Given the focus today on spending versus investing, will our nation be as strong 100 years from now as it is today? Instead of investing in education, infrastructure, and policies that are sustainable, our elected officials of both parties are spending on the temporary. Even in these times, the growth of the federal government goes on and on unchecked.

It wasn’t surprising that the same issues that faced our industry a year ago are being pushed again this year; Cap and Trade (or better described cap and tax), EFCA (the employee free choice act), and healthcare reform. Two new concerns this year included extended producer responsibility legislation and the EPA’s consideration of labeling Coal Fly Ash as a hazardous material.

Overall the industry would be adversely affected by most of these policies. Given that producing carpet requires the use of a lot of electricity, proposed cap and trade legislation would drive up the cost of electricity and therefore carpet prices. We need good energy policies for our country. I would even argue that emissions must continue to be monitored for the effects they could have on our environment. But to simply tax our industries much more stringently than other competing nations will simply drive more jobs from the US. The position of CRI, their member companies, and your Chamber who represents these same companies is opposed to Cap and Trade legislation.

The EFCA legislation being proposed would allow more influence of labor unions in calling for elections and winning union representation for employees. If labor unions were the way to go, why has the membership decreased for years, and why are the places that unions were so prevalent quickly becoming ghost towns. Big Labor does not create or protect jobs. They simply handicap the free market system and create more bureaucracy within companies trying to compete in a very competitive global economy. The delegation was also opposed to EFCA legislation.

Enough has been said by many, including me, on the healthcare reform debate. Suffice it to say that the current proposed legislation is expensive and unpaid for, will not positively affect the issues facing us related to healthcare, and does nothing to slow down increasing costs.

Extended producer responsibility legislation is new on the horizon and began at the state level such as California. Simply put, the producer or manufacturer of any product would be responsible for that product from creation to disposal. Imagine the costs associated with shipping all post-consumer carpet back to the production center. The delegation asked that if this approach to managing products that have completed their life-cycle is warranted, that a federal standard be created instead of the industry having to operate according to fifty different sets of rules.

Due to the recent Coal Fly Ash spill in Decatur Tennessee, the use of and management of this by-product has come under scrutiny. Coal Fly Ash that has been refined to a glass-like substance is used in latex backing for carpet. Not only does it eliminate the need for calcium carbonate, it aids in the application of latex. The EPA is considering labeling this by-product as a hazardous material even though the science does not substantiate this claim. We asked our elected officials to assist us if this classification becomes a reality.

Let me conclude this column by saying I am proud to be an American. This visit reinforced that pride. But the answers we need right now to guide our country do not seem available from our federal government. I found it interesting that the discussion of job creation was almost silent. Although our federal officials are talking about jobs bills and creating jobs, they do not know how. Only the free market can create jobs. Hopefully investors, and entrepreneurs will continue to be bullish on America, and we will once again stand for all that is true and right in a free world.

2010-02-25T06:13:00.001-08:00

By: Brian D. Anderson Sr.
President & CEO
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce

A Day at the Capitol

Last week the Leadership Dalton-Whitfield Class of 2010 visited the Capitol for its legislative session. Through the hard work of Steve Pound (VP – Human Resources, Hamilton Medical Center) and Phyllis Stephens (VP – Leadership Development, Dalton-Whitfield Chamber), a very productive and informative day was enjoyed by all. And due to the efforts of our hosts, Senator Don Thomas, Rep. Roger Williams, and Tom Dickson who all contributed in making this special visit to the Capitol possible.

Soon after arriving at the Capitol, our local delegation had arranged for briefings from Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, Speaker of the House David Ralston, Senator Jeff Mullis (Chairman, Senate Transportation Committee), and many others. These briefings included individual insight into what each elected official expected the legislature to focus on during the session among other topics. Each allowed the group to ask questions and attempted to answer them candidly and with adequate detail.

Interestingly what captured my attention after hearing from three or four different elected officials was not the legislative topic or issue; it was the tone and tenor of the discord. I am happy to report that the in previous visits under different leadership, you could visibly see the rancor or the divisiveness that permeated the three different branches of state government. Although I am hesitant to laud too much credit on the new speaker, he is the only thing that has changed since the last session. After hearing the Speaker discuss so openly about the goals of the House for this session and his plans for working collaboratively with the Senate and Governor, I came away encouraged that much can be accomplished.

This year’s visit was extra special in that we had a very special guest with us. Carlos Anliker from El Salvador, an exchange student studying at North Georgia College and University and a participant of the Georgia Rotary Student Program, joined the Leadership Dalton-Whitfield delegation. The Dalton Rotary Club sponsors Carlos. After discovering that he has political aspirations in his home country, it seemed appropriate to invite him to join us for such a wonderful VIP visit to our State’s Capitol.

I want to thank this year’s LDW class and the LDW Leadership for allowing Carlos to join us and for welcoming him so graciously. We were even able to get his picture taken with many of our State’s leaders.

I must tell you that it was refreshing to visit this year with someone who was innocent of cynicism and approached the visit with such respect for the process and the freedom that our system represents. As one who visits the Capitol often and gets frustrated by the partisanship, the political gamesmanship, and the basic inability of our elected officials to solve our problems, it was truly refreshing to be with someone who appreciated so much what many of us take for granted. After such a good day at our State’s Capitol, it would not surprise me to one day learn of Carlos’ entry into the political process in El Salvador.

As write this column, our Legislature is on recess working for two solid weeks on the 2010-2011 budget. I do not envy the daunting task before our state elected representatives. Every month, since the beginning of the current fiscal year, has seen a decline in state revenues. At the end of January the state had collected $1.6 billion less this year vs last year. The FY10A budget only assumes a $1.35 billion shortfall. Unless revenue collections grow throughout the balance of the remaining months in the 2010 budget year, the state will end the year with a $235 million deficit.

Given that Medicaid spending and Education drive so much of the state’s budget, the task before our elected officials is extremely difficult. And given that the current budget and the 2010-2011 budget includes Stimulus funding, balancing the state’s budget once those resources are gone will be even more difficult.

One member of the LDW delegation asked Senator Chip Rogers about the possibility of eliminating the corporate income tax (Ohio recently did just that). Surprisingly Sen. Rogers answered that Georgia received very little actual revenues from the Corporate Income Tax in 2009-2010, he was still hesitant to consider that option as a valid possibility for spurring economic development / recruitment of new business for Georgia. It would seem that if revenues are minimal during these times, the elimination of this tax could be the right tool for recruiting new corporate investment in Georgia.

All in all, we had a good “Day at the Capitol.” Once again, Phyllis and her volunteer leaders organized and executed a productive day for this year’s class. Having Carlos from El Salvador certainly added a bonus for me and our group. Again, a big THANK YOU to Sen. Thomas, Rep. Williams, and Rep. Dickson for all of their efforts in coordinating this visit. We wish all of our elected state officials all the best as they work hard for the betterment of Georgia.

The "Sick" Tax

2010-02-11T06:23:00.000-08:00

By: Brian D. Anderson Sr.
President & CEO
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce

The “Sick” Tax

Your Chamber’s Legislative Action Committee kicked off its weekly deliberations this past week. For those of you who have not previously participated in this process, we will have 25-35 people from our member-investors meet every Wednesday from now throughout the legislative session to review legislation, vote on a position to support or not to support the legislation, and to forward our official positions to our legislative delegation. We will also have a conference call with our legislative delegation every other Wednesday.

The session has started with a flurry of activity. Part of the reason for so many pending pieces of legislation so early in the process is due to this being year two of a two year session. So all legislation not acted on last year is automatically eligible for consideration this year. An overview of current legislation under consideration was recently sent to me by the Mathews and Maxwell Agency. According to this legislative summary, there are 61 bills under consideration that are healthcare related.

These 61 bills are divided between four groups: General Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Public Health, and Trauma Care. Given limited knowledge of all 61, and limited space to make a few points in this column, I will focus on two primary areas of concern. These two include the Hospital Bed Tax or “Sick” Tax, and the various bills targeted at providing funding for Trauma care.

Governor Perdue included in his 2010-2011 budget a Hospital Bed Tax or “Sick” Tax. The Governor’s proposed tax is to help fill the gap in Medicaid funding that is estimated to be over $500 million. The Governor has offered an alternative to the 1.6% tax on total revenues from the state’s hospitals – a 16% reduction in Medicaid reimbursements from the state.

To my knowledge this recommendation from the Governor has only been through his submission of his budget and an actual bill calling for the tax has not been introduced. Our committee will study the bill (as we do all important legislation) once it is introduced. We will then formally communicate our position once approved by the committee. But suffice it to say, I will be shocked if we do not oppose this type of legislation.

It is easily understood the difficult position that the Governor and the Legislators are in. They have a tough job every year but especially this year given the devastatingly declining revenue trends. The State’s revenue is woefully below projected needs. Medicaid / healthcare costs are skyrocketing and consistently absorb more and more of the state budget. It seems obvious to target raising the revenue from within the budget area needing the money.

But once a 1.6% tax is applied to hospital revenue this year, what will prevent the legislature from increasing this tax to 5% next year. And if this is the most appropriate way to raise the needed revenue, why would the structure of the legislation create winners and losers within the state’s hospitals. For instance, current projections forecast that this legislation will provide a multi-million dollar windfall to Grady Hospital in Atlanta while our local Hamilton Medical and Murray Medical would lose approximately $3 million annually. Good legislation should provide mutually-beneficial results for all affected, not create winners and losers.

And at the end of the day, who pays the hospital bill anyway? We do. The hospitals will simply pass on the tax in increased fees. And those with private insurance will simply pay more through higher charges and insurance premium increases. Isn’t it odd that a republican Governor and a Republican controlled legislature seems to think that indirect taxes like the “sick” tax and those approved through a public referendum such as a transportation sales tax are not tax increases?

The other area of concern in the healthcare arena is funding for trauma care. Let’s just say Georgia is not known for having adequate levels of trauma care. And to increase trauma care in any meaningful way will cost money. This issue received much fanfare last year and will more than likely receive ample attention again this year. The Chamber Legislative Action committee will also be watching this issue as it is debated in the session. Good recommendations are being and have been introduced that will insure Georgians have access to good regional trauma care options. This is a matter of life and death and our state elected officials need to lead by implementing good legislation regarding trauma care.

Although Healthcare reform seems stalled at the federal level, and Georgia officials have much to consider, healthcare will continue to costs a tremendous percentage of all discretionary revenue. Our officials must work together in presenting, debating, and approving the best of all ideas.

Your Chamber of Commerce takes our legislative advocacy mission very seriously. We are grateful that our member-investors participate so enthusiastically in reviewing legislation and making our positions known. If you would like to participate, please contact me or Phyllis Stephens at the Chamber.

Who can we trust?

2010-02-05T13:42:00.000-08:00

By: Brian D. Anderson Sr.
President & CEO
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce

Who can we trust?

A couple of nights ago, I happened to be home in time to watch the NBC Nightly news. I will admit I rarely watch network news anymore. Unfortunately the national media is no longer trustworthy to present, as Sgt. Joe Friday of Dragnet used to say, “just the facts”. I firmly believe all of the national news media now report with a bias toward one party or the other. It doesn’t matter which political party you support, you will have a media outlet reporting in a way that courts you. So it is obvious that trusting the media is risky at best.

But I digress; the “news story” was actually explaining that President Obama, Secretary of Defense Gates, and the top leadership of the US Air Force had tried to cancel future orders for the Air Force cargo plane – the C-17. Although this is a widely used and wonderfully performing cargo plane, the administration and the Air Force brass in evaluating the needs of the Air Force found that additional purchases were not needed.

Who then is forcing the purchase of planes we do not need. If you guessed Congress, ding … ding … ding… you win. At least according to NBC News, Congress is the cheerleader of this once-again wasteful spending. You are probably asking, why Congress is overriding the military experts, the civilian appointed and Senate approved Secretary of Defense, and the President.

Did you know that all the parts that are put together that ultimately make the C-17 airplane are produced in over 35 states? And to stop producing this plane, would put a lot of people in many of the state represented by our esteemed members of Congress out of a job. Now, as an economic development professional, I know full well the ramifications of closing plants. And it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that the last thing our economy needs right now is more plant closings and unemployment.

But what happens to a market economy that is “monkeyed” with for political gain. If keeping people employed is so important regardless of the jobs being needed, why shouldn’t the US Government order new carpet for every home and business in the US? We could put thousands of people back to work and actually make a product that is needed by many and would be useful. The President also stated that Congress’ insistence on purchasing these planes would adversely affect our military men and women. Because Congress wants to buy planes that are not needed, other equipment and critical needs by our service men and women could become scarce.

I have already written a column bemoaning the current healthcare reform legislation. Not because healthcare doesn’t need reforms, but because those that are writing the rules cannot be trusted. Not only are they not debating all the issues or seeking qualified input from all parties / sides of the problem, they are cutting deals for votes. Some would even argue legal bribery is at play that may be criminal or at least unconstitutional.

Recent elections and failures by the majority party (regardless of which party was in control) have created anger from many American citizens. Most are simply tired of the back room deal making, the buried pork and special earmarks, and other shenanigans demonstrated by the members of our Congress.

The most effective government is the one closest to the people. And although it could be argued that even state government is too far from the checks and balances afforded by the ballot box, it is certainly more influential than the protective barrier afforded our incumbent members of Congress. Unfortunately we have allowed such usurpation of power by the members of our Congress, I am not sure we can easily shift the balance of power back to state governments.

One recent example of someone at the state level understanding the plight we are in is the chastisement Gov. Schwarzenegger of California gave his State legislature. He challenged the California Legislature to ask their federal representatives and senators from California when their state would get a sweetheart deal like Nebraska and Louisiana. All states that did not receive a sweetheart Medicaid package in exchange for their vote on Healthcare reform should seriously challenge the integrity and honor of those who did receive them.

So, who can we trust? Although we know there are honest hard-working elected officials in Washington, the culture is plagued with dishonesty, and is generally dysfunctional. How can we change the culture to one of civility, humility, and doing what is right for all Americans? One answer could be to shift the majority of the power back to the states where the elected officials are closer to the voter. Another is campaign finance reform. Why does a state elected office campaign o cost hundreds of thousands of dollars for someone to seek that office?

And finally another possible answer is wholesale change. By sending new blood to Congress, allegiances to special interest groups and past favors given by them could be diminished. Those with new ideas might be more willing to work with those with different opinions and not hardened by deep partisan politics. And maybe with a wholesale turnover, the seniority system that gives us a Speaker Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Reid could actually produce someone from the middle and not the extreme. Maybe we could actually have leadership that could get the work of the American people done.

Who can we trust?

2010?

2010-01-28T06:24:00.000-08:00

By: Brian D. Anderson Sr.
President & CEO
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce

2010?

At a recent meeting, one of the speakers discussed the latest thinking around New Year’s resolutions. The main themes of resolutions can be as simple as eating less and exercising more, or saving more money than the year before. The main takeaway I heard from the discussion of resolutions is that most people that do establish them are not any better off than those who don’t. In true candor, I have in the past created a few resolutions. This year, however, I chose not to.

Without a few good goals to pursue (or guilt inducers to worry over), how can I enter 2010 confidently and focused? After surviving 2008 and 2009, I decided that 2010 has to be better. My efforts must be entirely focused on making 2010 much better. Most of us have been tremendously blessed. As we witness the devastating effects of the earthquake in Haiti, we would be wise to count our blessings in spite of tough economic times.

It is with these thoughts that I enter the new year. I have no misperceptions that 2010 will be a return to boom times. But I also do not enter it with feelings of discouragement or worry. I begin this new year cautiously and mindful that we can make it better than the last two. My feelings of caution could quickly turn to optimism with just a hint of progress. I have said it before, the Dalton-Whitfield community is a resilient community and I am bullish on our community going into 2010.

Why would any of us be cautiously optimistic? Let me share a few of the reasons that might provide for a much improved 2010. Over the last 18 months, during the longest economic slowdown in our community’s post-depression era, your Chamber (working collaboratively with many) developed and implemented the Grow Greater Dalton campaign. This effort was created solely to enable our community to have an accelerated level of resources for economic development. After a year of presenting the goals developed by a large number of stakeholders, investors ranging from individuals, small business owners, large industry leaders, and local government leaders have pledged over $6 million for creating a stronger economic future for our community.

The Dalton-Whitfield County Joint Economic Development Authority now has the resources it needs to fully enable us to compete locally, regionally and globally. Our community’s economic development team will have the resources to market us and be able to recruit companies within targeted industries that are looking for communities to invest in as they expand. Our economic development team, working with regional partners in Chattanooga and Cleveland, will be able to make the most of the huge investments being made by Volkswagon and Wacker Chemical. It is a real bonus that we are surrounded by aggressive and visionary leaders.

After being selected as an Archway Partnership community and having one of the largest listening sessions in Archway’s history, the executive committee has been created and is busy prioritizing the feedback presented by the community. Under the leadership of our Archway Executive, Melissa Lu, the Archway team will be delivering results for our community similar to the successes experienced by the other seven Archway communities in Georgia.

Our local governments are working diligently to position us strategically. They are investing in infrastructure, reinventing the role of government, and maintaining low tax rates and/or reducing taxes. They are researching and debating the merits of consolidating services in order to better utilize crucial yet limited tax revenues.

Although I worry about the things that others do, I also try to look for the positives in most situations. And given the circumstances of many, I continue to see the upside available to our community. Recently Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond spoke to the Dalton Rotary Club. During his speech, he complimented our community for pulling together and proactively developing and implementing plans and programs that would generate positive returns for us. While it may seem easy to sit back and sing the blues while waiting for someone to take care of us - that is not in our DNA. Our heritage pushes us to work for a better tomorrow.

Regardless of how we all feel going into 2010, there is good scientific data that can provide some insight into what the new year could have in store for us. Although some would argue that listening to economists is like betting the farm on the local weatherman, I would argue that those in the economic forecasting field and the meteorological field are right most of the time. On Tuesday, January 26th, Dean Robert Sumichrast, Dean of the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia will be the Keynote speaker for the next Wake-Up Whitfield. The session will be at the Dalton Golf and Country Club from 8:00am-9:00am. Dean Sumichrast will provide his best insight into the 2010 economy.

The Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce works hard for our member-investors. We understand your passion for this community and we feel the same. We will work tirelessly throughout 2010 creating a better tomorrow built on the heritage of those that came before us. Let us be mindful of our blessings while we work hard to develop our opportunities!

Economy will see a Sustained Recovery

2010-01-28T06:11:00.000-08:00

By: Brian D. Anderson Sr.
President & CEO
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce

Economy will see a Sustained Recovery

As mentioned in my column last week, we received the economic forecast for the national economy, our Georgia economy, and our local economy. Dean Robert Sumichrast of the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia spoke at yesterday’s “Wake-Up Whitfield”. The headline according to Dean Sumichrast is - our economy will experience a sustained recovery in 2010.

A sustained recovery was as positive as he could put it. And although a sustained recovery is not a bed of roses or means that everything is back to normal, it is better than “we are still heading for a cliff.” After experiencing the “Great Recession”, as many are calling it, what is normal? Some have even coined a new term called the new normal. Regardless of what we call the economic period that we are in, it seems the worst is behind us. Although deep recessions are usually followed by explosive growth, this recession will be followed by very slow growth.

Dr. Sumichrast cautioned that although we will see positive economic indicators throughout 2010 with significant improvement in 2011, this recovery will not feel like recovery for a long time. Job losses and high unemployment will continue to weigh down consumer confidence and the overall economic climate throughout 2010. Georgia’s employment will decline from 3.9 million jobs in 2000 to 3.8 million in 2010. All of the jobs created over the last decade plus some will be lost by the middle of 2010.

Job losses and unemployment is a national issue, a Georgia issue, and a local community issue. Unemployment in Georgia will top out around 11% by mid-summer. Nationally we have lost 5% of all jobs in the “Great Recession.” Dalton will have lost over 16%. Due to the issues surrounding the housing crisis, we have been hit much harder in Georgia and Dalton than the rest of the country. All the issues that have contributed to our economic plight have also hurt Georgia’s banks much more adversely than any other state. By August 2009, the Dalton MSA had the highest unemployment rate in Georgia at 12.8% with a loss of over 6,000 jobs.

There are positives coming out of the “Great Recession.” People are saving more with saving rates increasing from 1% in 2006 to over 4% in 2009. As jobs do begin to come back in the 2nd quarter of 2010, spending will increase. And as consumer spending increases, it will ignite business spending that will fuel the sustained recovery.

Imports and exports will begin to accelerate with exports outpacing imports nationally. Georgia will benefit more than most because of the positive impact of imports on our state economy. Because of our ports and the infrastructure associated with imports, Georgia will be positively impacted by the imbalance of imports versus exports.

And because Georgia is still very pro-business, enjoys a low to moderate tax rate, and is an attractive place for business to invest, we will see better than average investment coming into Georgia as businesses expand and relocate. The “Great Recession” has only heightened Georgia’s attractiveness for business investment. The Georgia Department of Economic Development had 327 projects come to Georgia in 2009. That is a significant increase over 2008. The department is forecasting positive trends for investment in 2010. And many of the recent big announcements (KIA, NCR, and IVC) are just beginning to come online or will do so in 2010.

Although foreclosures have been devastating in Georgia and locally, the trends seem to be improving. Dr. Sumichrast and his team do not forecast a second wave of foreclosures. In fact, as people go back to work or begin to get overtime due to businesses not hiring in the short-term, foreclosure exposure should diminish.

The positive news in the housing arena is that existing home pricing has stabilized. Home prices in 2010 should see growth in 2010. In 2010, housing will accelerate Georgia’s economy for the first time since 2005. Although Georgia saw a decrease of -12% in home prices, prices in the Dalton MSA only experienced a decrease of -6%. Homes in Georgia may actually be under-valued currently.

The residential sector will begin to see growth in 2010. The growth will be double-digit but against very low numbers from 2009. The non-residential sector will be devastatingly dismal. It will more than likely erase the gains from the residential sector.

As Dr. Sumichrast said during his presentation, now is the time to invest, to look for a job or a better job, to start a business, or to look for other economic opportunities. The sustained recovery will not be glamorous or fun but improving nonetheless. Given the actions and posture of our local elected officials, we have the tools necessary to be successful. Our City of Dalton leaders have cut spending and lowered taxes. Whitfield County’s leaders have maintained very low taxes while investing in a new Commerce Park. Our other municipalities offer good service delivery at minimal costs with minimal if any property taxes.

I am grateful to Dr. Sumichrast and the entire Terry College of Business who have put together a first-class economic forecast. His presentation yesterday enabled a large turnout for the Chamber’s first Wake-Up Whitfield event for 2010 to be a huge success. Working together, we will continue to be successful in 2010!