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!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Kickoff of Political Season
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!
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!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
The Peril of Partisan Politics
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).
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).
Monday, April 19, 2010
The Right Leadership at the Right Time
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!
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!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Thank You Chamber Team!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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