Foothills Digest - Fox & Hound Article - Summer 2018

The following is the 4th Fox and Hound Article from the Foothills Digest. It is the third article in which I collaborated with Gabriel Sherwood. The topic is about understanding our community's position in the marketplace. The marketplace is a 3D multilevel Chess Board. It is tangible and intangible. It is local, National, and International in scope. It is personal and interpersonal in nature. In the context of this discussion, we develop ideas related to the details of the big picture.

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Summer is here. It’s time for hot days and nights that never really cool down. Storms will always be around the corner to hopefully cool things off. Summer is that second part of life – young adulthood. You don’t want that party to end, but you know it has to. That is what the Millennials, by and large, are experiencing right now. The Millennial generation began around 1981 and is said to have ended around 2000, so they are 18 to 37 years old. Older folks might remember back then. You will see why these people, in the Summer of their lives, are the focus of this Fox and Hound article. Our community needs some more of that Summer perspective back in its DNA…

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(The Hickory Hound: Thom Shell Intro)
To set our region up for future economic success, we have to have plans, a Vision, and understand our position in the marketplace. If there is no difference in what you do, offer, or produce compared to competing interests, you will not succeed. If the target audience does not understand or recognize the value of your product, then you will lose out to more competent competitors.

Simply put, our goal should be to pinpoint our unique strengths and leverage them in every way we possibly can. Focus on the basics of these strengths. Don’t assume that others understand the value. Our target audience cannot be taken for granted. Success will come from matching our product with what they demand.

If sustainable growth comes from selling your unique assets and their value, then we need to take a look at what we are offering and understand, in 2018, what people want from the community they are going to reside in.

Looking at a recent survey by the Urban Land Institute, a worldwide non-profit organization dedicated to community sustainability and growth, with regards to Americans: 1) The vast majority say they are satisfied with their community’s quality of life, 2) 42% of people (mostly older) want to live in a rural area or small town 3) Millennials are the most dissatisfied generation relating to homes, housing options, and community quality of life -- 78% say they are likely to move in the next 5 years, 4) 75% of Americans want access to fresh, healthy food.

Previously, I’ve related the many educational and cultural amenities we have in our region. Appalachian State University lies directly in our footprint, five other UNC-system schools are an hour away, and we have several other excellent community colleges and private universities within our region. We also have many other inexpensive, self-educational resources that are easily accessible to the populace. Can we improve our community education capacity? Certainly, and we should, but there are plenty of resources here for individual empowerment.

Millennials have become what the Baby Boomers have been in our society. They are now the largest populace in the labor force and the largest customer demographic in the marketplace. One in three workers, in America, are Millennials. Another recent survey from the World Economic Forum looks at what Millennials desire from business. Over 40% of young people think sense of purpose/societal impact is one of the most important criteria when considering career opportunities. They want businesses to be a force for positive change.

In our community, we have basically lost a disproportionate amount of our young people at a time when they are having the most impact on the economics of American society – and that impact will continue to grow. What does that portend for our future, if not addressed? How do we reverse the trend and embrace the Millennials?

Let’s look at some of the above to make some suggestions: 1) By and large, Millennials don’t want to live in a rural area. We must learn to adapt, embracing change and growth. 2) We must interconnect and build relationships with the major cities in our immediate vicinity. 3) Business leaders are going to have to think community, not just their personal self-interests, when it comes to business. 4) We need to find a way to get Millennials into home ownership, which leads to community buy-in. 5) Let’s facilitate the creation of a socially conscious agriculture and food network in our region to address issues of health and nutritional vulnerability.

Many people tell me nothing’s gonna change. We don’t have a choice. Survival!

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America in 2015: A ULI Survey of Views on Housing, Transportation, and Community - http://uli.org/wp-content/uploads/ULI-Documents/America-in-2015.pdf

Here’s what millennials really want from business, and why – World Economic Forum – Shakir Akorede - September 12, 2017 - https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/09/heres-what-millennials-really-want-from-business/

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(The Fox: Gabriel Sherwood Intro)
Each little town and city in the United States is a country unto itself in some ways. Each has unique attributes and advantages, and though some are shared, each place adds a flair all its own. As our area continues redevelopment to improve the quality of life for our citizenry, we should always look to understand and take advantage of such opportunities. We have mentioned in previous conversations our clear advantages to draw on for growth, so this could be a long conversation.

Let’s continue to encourage growth in the healthcare, education, and manufacturing sectors by pursuing renovation and innovation. The cost of land and power is relatively low and we can continue lowering the latter with more investment in renewables. Marketing our available buildings at very competitive rates, aligned with modernization of the power system and the new investments already underway, will give us the advantage in recruitment and retention. We already have solar farms in the area to set us apart and that could expand given our open land and plentiful roofs. Why not plan for solar panels on every warehouse and building, and the teaching of solar installation along with other trade certifications at CVCC and local high schools?

Why not a cooperative push between public and private entities to be more energy independent, with investments intending to raise the funds necessary to lower our operating costs and raise our conveniences? The historic storm in Hickory in October left some of our neighbors without power for a week, and our business for several days. A solar panel on every roof would offer at least some juice in the morning. That efficiency and independence is valued by everyone, I think, and if we make investments together we will attract people across the board and help the businesses of multiple generations expand.

As we have discussed, the recent focus of National Geographic regarded Hickory as “the” destination for “Hipsters.” A solar powered region would be more of a draw for younger folks and industries, as well as access to diversity and a less processed lifestyle. We are well within driving distance of Charlotte, Boone, and Asheville. Our region already has hundreds of hiking trails and multiple lakes and that doesn’t hurt either. We have access to all the shopping one could need, cultural centers in our cities, and even chickens in the backyard too. That appeals to people, as do farmers markets and restaurants that serve more natural selections from local and organic farms.

Let’s embrace the attention and continue to move towards more of a community concept in our food supplies, including gardens at every school, so future generations will have the skills needed to be more healthy and independent. These things will be noticed, especially if we advertise them to folks from many walks of life who value local products and progress.

Our local economy has recovered slowly from the losses in many industries, and we are dealing with an acute opioid epidemic here. Let’s turn that unique challenge into an advantage as we heal our area with more health professionals and alter our legal outlook on the issue. Let’s focus on mental health, investment, and access to opportunity. This will help tremendously and improve the quality of life for everyone.

Escapism is a natural reaction to feelings of helplessness that come from economic collapse, poverty, and disconnection from normality. We can do something about that with investment in each other and shared opportunities. Though manufacturing jobs began to rise again during the last administration, and continue, there are still many who don’t feel that access.
What do you think?

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Thom question to Gabriel
Gabriel, I can relate to what you are saying in your commentary. As a middle aged Conservative, I have faced the evolution and flux in our economy over this past generation through my working career. Much of what I envisioned as a youngster simply vanished and I have had to adjust accordingly. They say, “Pain makes you stronger, Fear makes you braver, and Heartbreak makes you wiser.”

I like what you say about the Drug addiction in our community. It isn’t just an “Opioid Crisis” as some would like to simplify it as. It is about “Escapism.” Once again, we see the disconnect. We have many, who consider themselves Conservative, who look to solutions through fear, intolerance, and punishment and think that is going to solve this issue in short order. What are we going to do arrest everyone? Has that ever worked? Remember Prohibition?

It seems to me that you are talking about long term solutions and that is what I enjoy gaining perspective on. I like to think of myself as a person that doesn’t automatically dismiss things. You know I’m not here for debate as much as conversation. This isn’t a point-counterpoint discussion, to me, so please feel free to continue your thoughts about what you think we need to see for a successful evolution towards the future of our community…

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Gabriel response to Thom
We can certainly improve our educational capacity, as CVCC and Lenoir Rhyne are proving with their growth. I recently had a conversation with administrators from CVCC and they were very excited about the K-64 program. It offers opportunities for buy-in to our community for those who may not go off to university, but also don’t have the access they need here. These students in High School and College will have the opportunity to train for a trade, manufacturing, or service career, while also building a relationship with a local business in the industry, like a traditional apprenticeship. This will create a well-educated labor pool, with the skills needed for a modern economy.

Business and the market are a force for positive change, if we don’t allow fiduciary responsibility to kill a person because she got some acne, as happened to a woman with breast cancer who was denied coverage before good intentioned government enforced requirements for coverage. Good government promotes the general welfare and should defend an honorable level of existence for all citizens of our nation. We can do better in those regards, in the eyes of those millennials as well.

According to census estimates, as recently as July of 2017, Catawba County’s population was around 155k, and 22.6% are under 18, while the county has an estimated 15.9% poverty rate. That’s 35,000+ young people we can plan for soon, and that’s estimated to be over 5,500 children in poverty in our one county. These midrange jobs, and access to them as we both agree on, are vital to our movement out of our youth retention slump and the health of our nation in many ways.

Touching the subject of healthcare. If the young leaving is not addressed, we become a retirement community whose young are in the service industry or the manufacturing sector or in medical taking care of the older folks. Let’s also push hard to recruit young medical professionals and utilize CVCC’s teaching hospital and maximize our extensive medical infrastructure. Investment in our local public schools and institutions of higher learning are vital for educating those who will stay -- and we have unique opportunities for study to expand soon.

If we can get trade school education offered, we will see an influx of people come here to prepare for understaffed industries. Plumbing, Manufacturing, Medical, and soon Construction will be taught locally with a pathway from high schools. Education opens doors…even when it’s education in hanging doors.

Catawba County Census - https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/catawbacountynorthcarolina/PST045217

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Thom’s response to Gabriel
Yes Gabriel, each region of the U.S. has its own unique characteristics. There is a Russian Political Science Professor Igor Panarin who says that the U.S. will eventually Balkanize into separate regions because of our differences. A similar scenario is delved into in the trilogy of books “The Hunger Games”. Such dystopic visions are rooted in historical evidence. When differences aren’t properly managed and people aren’t accepting of realities, then troubles are sure to follow.

I’m on board with your summation about the drug crisis in our community. This is not a law enforcement issue. This is a health issue and should be treated as such. As I have gotten older, I’ve been a caregiver for my Grandmothers and now I have to assist my mother sometimes. I have taken them to the doctors. I have seen the people who attend Physical Therapy, Rehab, and pain clinics. This is a subject I haven’t seen politicians address.

There is an obesity epidemic in our community. So many people are in bad shape and seeking relief. It’s a lot easier to pop a pill or get a shot than to lose weight. People compound the issue by not moving and not eating properly. If you are in bad shape when you are younger, chances are it won’t get better as you age. The elderly and their prescription pill cocktails are a real problem in the community. The “Cops Episode” Trailer Park busts are nothing compared to the sad reality of what our older folks are experiencing… and honestly I don’t even think that most of them realize it.

I find it interesting that our opening statements both addressed an interest in food issues. It’s all related. We have “Food Deserts” in our community where people don’t have access to wholesome, nutritional foods. I like the idea of gardens at the local schools. Maybe students could participate a few days a year preparing food in the school cafeteria. We certainly need to teach kids about food preparation, nutrition, and health at a young age and get them on the right track headed into adulthood.

I’m also onboard on the alternative energy issue. I think we certainly need to build a bridge to energy independence as we evolve to modern realities. Conservative politicians have been much too dismissive of energy issues out of political convenience. Conservation (Conserve) is supposed to be part of Conservatism. The goal should be to make our lives better. Doing nothing does nothing.