What is the most important issue in the majority of our communities today? The answer to the questions is obvious to most that are paying attention. With unemployment and underemployment rates comparable to The Great Depression; we need more jobs to reboot our economy.

Yes it is that simple. While it doesn’t solve our national debt crisis; it provides us with the means to weather the storm. And when a community’s foundation is built from the entrepreneurship of its citizens; it can withstand the roughest waves because our character bonds our vessel. Every contribution is important and no task is too small. For a community’s success depends on the sum total of its individual efforts coming together as a whole. Thereby, we are strong when we are one.

Upson County is no different than any other community trying to grow without comprising its unique qualities and cherished values. But grow it must if we want to provide opportunities for our current and future generations in an extremely competitive global market. And Southern Crescent Technical College is an asset that can be used to prepare our work force for new industry along with nearby resources such as Gordon.

Right now our small businesses are the structural glue that holds our towns together. Every dollar spent at a local business supports small business owners and their employees. Without them our community’s chances of survival are slim at best, especially with our fragile economic environment. Large industries come and go, but small businesses sustain our communities. And that is why it is important that we all support our local small businesses.

Moreover when we are voting for local officials; we should ask “What are your plans for attracting new industry with livable wage jobs to our community? What are you specifically doing to assist local businesses in succeeding? And what have you done to encourage new entrepreneurs in opening new businesses in our city?” If our communities replace our local politicians who inhibit our growth and development with new responsible pro-business candidates, our communities can blossom into prosperous residential areas while maintaining our small town allure.

There is still tremendous potential for growth in Upson County. Investing in new small businesses, adding and repairing accessible walkways (pedestrian friendly), recruiting new industry, building a large amusement park, production facility, or even a zoo, expanding Southern Crescent’s programs, repairing our roads, and so forth. It doesn’t require a nuclear physicist to complete the puzzle; it takes leaders with a forward thinking vision for our community. And when we grow; we need to ensure our new developments do no harm to our local small businesses for they represent the integrity of our shared values.

More importantly, local newspapers like The Thomaston Times are essential in promoting our community’s resources. There is no greater return on investment (ROI) for a small business than advertising with their local newspaper. Every reader and anyone he or she comes into contact with is a potential customer or client. Thus, advertising in one’s local paper is the most cost effective measure for a small business owner or professional and at the same time we are supporting a vital small business in our community.

When we invest in our local businesses our support is reinvested through jobs and growth. Everything is reciprocal and each part works in unison to power our economic engine. And eventually our united efforts are rewarded as we grow and develop our communities responsibly.