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.
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Thursday, September 26, 2019
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Foothills Digest - Fox & Hound Article - Spring 2018
This is the 3rd Fox and Hound Article from the Foothills Digest. It is the second article in which I collaborated with Gabriel Sherwood. The topic is about Developing a "Vision" for our community. Creating a Vision is essentially the initial process in developing the objectives of an Economic Development plan.
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In Spring, hope springs eternal. There is a fresh optimism that the new growth around us will lead to abundance and prosperity. It seems we see a disconnect all around us, when we have so much to offer one another. Older people have wisdom that younger people need as they follow in the footsteps down life’s path. The younger folks bring the freshness and energy needed to continue building upon the structure of society. The goal of mankind should be to make this place better. We all have to work together to make that happen. We need to appreciate one another. We need to understand one another. We need to connect.
(The Hickory Hound: Thom Shell Intro)
My goal in discussing this Fox and Hound material is dedicated to a thread associated with Economic Growth. The initial discussion related to my thoughts about our area’s need for a comprehensive Economic Development plan. I talked about a plan defined by transparency, accountability, and establishing benchmarks that helps build trust with the citizens.
The next discussion, I addressed “Vision” for our area, trying to relate that we need to change how we view communities in the big picture. Our region, rural in nature, will succeed better by relating ourselves not as Smalltown Americana, but as several small to mid-sized communities interconnected through similar, mutual interests having a population of over a half a million people.
Now, I want to talk about aligning with the marketplace. In my opinion, there is somewhat of a disconnect between what currently defines the communities of our region and where communities with robust economic circumstances stand.
What constitutes the modern marketplace? 1) The Marketplace is the everyday world of trade and/or economic activity. 2) The Marketplace is where intangible values compete for acceptance; as in the marketplace of ideas. 3) The Marketplace is the interpreter of supply and demand equilibrium.
Marketplaces are constantly changing. The Modern Marketplace isn’t the formal infrastructure where people gather for trade, as it could be interpreted in days gone by. In fact the internet has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that concrete, mortar, and steel aren’t necessary. In the Modern Marketplace, you still must have human engagement, at some level, to have a market.
Whether it is an individual, company, or community, an economic participant cannot grow effectively and efficiently, if it isn’t fully connected and engaged with the marketplace. You must constantly engage your customers to understand their needs (demand). If those who you are looking to attract don’t perceive value in your product, then you will lose them to competent competitors.
Growth comes from customer demand. Demand is understood by discovering a customer’s unmet needs. Current purchases don’t necessarily reflect future opportunity. Recognizing your current position in the marketplace requires you to understand the frustrations, attitudes, and unmet needs in the market. Proactively, you must develop your organization, products, and priorities keying on customer engagement to meet customer needs and resolve frustrations.
As an example, I have been to various community meetings and events where public officials painted the rosiest of rosy scenarios about where their community stands economically, socially, and culturally; in other words, the community’s position in the marketplace. I get it, this comes part in parcel with leadership, status, and how one justifies their authority, but it does not necessarily correlate to economic reality. It does not necessarily correlate to economic success. Remember what I told you in my “Vision” article, “Economic growth correlates to quality of life.”
There is a disconnect between area leadership and their understanding of the younger generations in the community. Community leadership is mostly of the Baby Boom generation. We are told about all of the community activities we have to offer and I can’t disagree. We are also told that younger people (think Millennials) say there isn’t much to do and that is why they go to Charlotte, Asheville, Raleigh, etc. for excursions.
We look at the statistics and see the obvious loss (and lack of engagement) of the younger population in our community through this generation, while tellin’ everyone “nuthin’ could be fin-ah than this part of Carolina.” To me it’s obvious, if we want to attract younger folks, we’ve got to find out what they need and start addressing the problem.
(The Fox: Gabriel Sherwood Intro)
Agreed. There is a disconnect between the older population here and the younger generations, largely in conceptualization regarding the changing realities of our economy in relation to memories of a much different time. When you ask those neighbors of ours in that content age range and demographic, they are often less likely to support strong minimum wage mandates. I don’t assume folks didn’t work hard to gain their successes, I only ask the older generations to realize they may have been starting from a different spot. Not saying folks haven’t experienced hardships, but the cost of the education that fueled much of their success was substantially lower than our students face today. There is also the compensation non-college educated folks are getting now as compared to then, and that is a huge issue on this topic.
When I hear of the marketplace I think of buying power, and that leads me to consider wages. One thing that makes younger folks leave are wages and lack of opportunity for increases. I waited tables for years here, while at CVCC and making 2.13 per hour plus tips, and more than once have gone home with 20 bucks or less. Because I was a single parent, there were also nights a plenty when I paid to work. I served at one place where a chef who prepared meals for our wealthiest neighbors, while struggling with tooth pain and other issues due to no insurance, could barely support his family.
Had I not lived in Public Housing while getting an education it would not have been enough to maintain my family, and it certainly wasn’t enough to be upwardly mobile. I know at least five people that left because our service economy here didn’t pay enough to service their bills or maintain them while they tried to stay, all of them mid to late 20’s in age. If one reads the review sites and looks up Hickory we can taut a great lineup of corporate salaries with an average just above 41 thousand. Great tech and logistics companies, lots of manufacturing , and our medical industry that is quite developed for a city our size... but jobs for those younger folks don’t keep them around if they don’t pay living wages. I have multiple friends who weren’t college bound and wanted to work, and their options for hourly wages are better in the larger cities.
We do have some of the jobs to attract Hipsters, and a culture burgeoning to do so as well, and we are better for it. But, the average young person needs a market that is accessible. That’s both in a physical nature and about our lack of a strong public transportation system, and in the income disparities around us that keep some of us looking for ways out. Access is key to engagement. If we don’t give younger people jobs to pay their bills and ways to get them there without each person parking a car on the street, we aren’t offering the kind of access the average will stay for.
A strong push towards a living wage for our area would not only help those here, but show others that we are concerned not only with jobs, but that those jobs can lift our citizens access to all marketplaces. Of course, there are bills in the NC General Assembly that increase the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2021, but HB2 a couple years ago also had the effect of freezing local minimum wage increases. A push against that law may be required, because frankly...we don’t want to wait another three or four years to start offering a living wage, and that’s assuming either bill passes the NCGA for a governor to sign.
Thom Question and Gabriel response
Gabriel, besides raising the minimum wage and social issues, economically speaking, what can we do to wake our area more attractive to the younger folks?
Well, and I have mentioned this once before, we need young tradespeople ‘round here. I work with a growing plumbing company that wants to expand into total home services and the people just aren’t here to fill the jobs. CVCC is going to have a free hall soon, so why not try for plumbing, HVAC, and electrician training courses? Then internships with locals looking for young and trainable tradespeople. We can also make a statement if we focus on recruiting female tradespeople, because we have a lot of interest around here.
Also, how about entrepreneurial incentives and guaranteed startup loans at lower rates for entrepreneurs that stay here after graduating CVCC or LR? When folks have some ownership in an area, they stay and build things. Perhaps an organization dedicated to supporting not only new young business owners, but also a plan that could solve two problems at once. We could treat our empty buildings like the discount travel sites treat empty hotel rooms, and rather than have them sit there empty...allow legitimate businesses the opportunity to rent to own at a low rate. This could allow businesses on the verge of expansion the opportunity to grow with a bit of a financial safety net
There are a couple of warehouses around town that we would take and start using immediately if it were not for the process of purchasing and investing in upgrades, because we know many of them will need other investments. This is restrictive to companies that can afford to purchase, but not to invest, or the other way around. If businesses on the verge of growth could move in, and increase to a financed loan after a time, that would offer a grace period and get the buildings occupied. These ideas would take investment from established businesses and local government.. .but when we raise the water level, our pond gets bigger and more folks can fit in it.
What do you think about raising the investment expectation our business community should make in our citizenry? It won’t be easy, progress often isn't. but it’s one way to show we care about a lot of our younger folks around here who have seemingly been left behind by the success of precious generations.
(Thom response to Gabriel)
Yes Gabriel, there is a disconnect and lack of understanding about a lot of things these days. When it comes to these issues, I’m just not into the label thing and can’t keep up with all the categories. Economically speaking, I know I’ve heard many of the folks that have moved into our area talk about the low cost of living as a major reason why they moved here. It’s inexpensive compared to larger metropolitan areas. They’ll flat out tell you they also like the lack of hustle and bustle of those larger cities. But folks, hustle and bustle is the result of economic commerce.
There is a flip side to that equation that our older newcomers many times fail to recognize. That inexpensive cost of living many times comes at the expense of those trying to earn a living.
Truly, I understand your angst about wanting to have the minimum wage become a living wage. In my background profession (Restaurant/Hospitality), we employees many times aren’t getting fairly compensated for the skills we acquire. There isn’t much difference between the pay of an entry level restaurant employee and someone with decades of experience.
I just don’t think we get to better compensation levels with artificial wage constructs; higher minimum wage mandates lead to less help being hired, more workload for each worker, frazzled brains, frazzled nerves, mistakes, lower quality services and products, and burn out as you attempt to do more and more work with less and less help. Personally, I understand the need for a minimum wage, but at some point that minimum wage can rise to become more of a hindrance than a help. It can rise to the point where entry level workers don’t get hired and also keeps the experienced workers from getting the merit based pay raises they deserve.
What I think will help wages is a better business environment. More people able and willing to open businesses will lead to competition. Competition between businesses leads to innovation, when fulfilling the needs of the marketplace. Competition for labor will lead to higher wages. We had hustle and bustle, in this community in the 1990s, with the internet revolution spurring worldwide fiber-optic infrastructure layout. Our fiber-optic boom created the highest employment level in our community’s history and led to the highest wages and wage growth we’ve ever seen.
Yes, government can do things to better facilitate an economic growth environment, such as creating “Business Improvement Districts” and facilitating microfinance mechanisms. This helps those who don’t have the financial capability get innovative ideas/products/services off the ground. I just don’t think government will solve all the issues with the marketplace. People and their needs create the marketplace.
==========================================
In Spring, hope springs eternal. There is a fresh optimism that the new growth around us will lead to abundance and prosperity. It seems we see a disconnect all around us, when we have so much to offer one another. Older people have wisdom that younger people need as they follow in the footsteps down life’s path. The younger folks bring the freshness and energy needed to continue building upon the structure of society. The goal of mankind should be to make this place better. We all have to work together to make that happen. We need to appreciate one another. We need to understand one another. We need to connect.
(The Hickory Hound: Thom Shell Intro)
My goal in discussing this Fox and Hound material is dedicated to a thread associated with Economic Growth. The initial discussion related to my thoughts about our area’s need for a comprehensive Economic Development plan. I talked about a plan defined by transparency, accountability, and establishing benchmarks that helps build trust with the citizens.
The next discussion, I addressed “Vision” for our area, trying to relate that we need to change how we view communities in the big picture. Our region, rural in nature, will succeed better by relating ourselves not as Smalltown Americana, but as several small to mid-sized communities interconnected through similar, mutual interests having a population of over a half a million people.
Now, I want to talk about aligning with the marketplace. In my opinion, there is somewhat of a disconnect between what currently defines the communities of our region and where communities with robust economic circumstances stand.
What constitutes the modern marketplace? 1) The Marketplace is the everyday world of trade and/or economic activity. 2) The Marketplace is where intangible values compete for acceptance; as in the marketplace of ideas. 3) The Marketplace is the interpreter of supply and demand equilibrium.
Marketplaces are constantly changing. The Modern Marketplace isn’t the formal infrastructure where people gather for trade, as it could be interpreted in days gone by. In fact the internet has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that concrete, mortar, and steel aren’t necessary. In the Modern Marketplace, you still must have human engagement, at some level, to have a market.
Whether it is an individual, company, or community, an economic participant cannot grow effectively and efficiently, if it isn’t fully connected and engaged with the marketplace. You must constantly engage your customers to understand their needs (demand). If those who you are looking to attract don’t perceive value in your product, then you will lose them to competent competitors.
Growth comes from customer demand. Demand is understood by discovering a customer’s unmet needs. Current purchases don’t necessarily reflect future opportunity. Recognizing your current position in the marketplace requires you to understand the frustrations, attitudes, and unmet needs in the market. Proactively, you must develop your organization, products, and priorities keying on customer engagement to meet customer needs and resolve frustrations.
As an example, I have been to various community meetings and events where public officials painted the rosiest of rosy scenarios about where their community stands economically, socially, and culturally; in other words, the community’s position in the marketplace. I get it, this comes part in parcel with leadership, status, and how one justifies their authority, but it does not necessarily correlate to economic reality. It does not necessarily correlate to economic success. Remember what I told you in my “Vision” article, “Economic growth correlates to quality of life.”
There is a disconnect between area leadership and their understanding of the younger generations in the community. Community leadership is mostly of the Baby Boom generation. We are told about all of the community activities we have to offer and I can’t disagree. We are also told that younger people (think Millennials) say there isn’t much to do and that is why they go to Charlotte, Asheville, Raleigh, etc. for excursions.
We look at the statistics and see the obvious loss (and lack of engagement) of the younger population in our community through this generation, while tellin’ everyone “nuthin’ could be fin-ah than this part of Carolina.” To me it’s obvious, if we want to attract younger folks, we’ve got to find out what they need and start addressing the problem.
(The Fox: Gabriel Sherwood Intro)
Agreed. There is a disconnect between the older population here and the younger generations, largely in conceptualization regarding the changing realities of our economy in relation to memories of a much different time. When you ask those neighbors of ours in that content age range and demographic, they are often less likely to support strong minimum wage mandates. I don’t assume folks didn’t work hard to gain their successes, I only ask the older generations to realize they may have been starting from a different spot. Not saying folks haven’t experienced hardships, but the cost of the education that fueled much of their success was substantially lower than our students face today. There is also the compensation non-college educated folks are getting now as compared to then, and that is a huge issue on this topic.
When I hear of the marketplace I think of buying power, and that leads me to consider wages. One thing that makes younger folks leave are wages and lack of opportunity for increases. I waited tables for years here, while at CVCC and making 2.13 per hour plus tips, and more than once have gone home with 20 bucks or less. Because I was a single parent, there were also nights a plenty when I paid to work. I served at one place where a chef who prepared meals for our wealthiest neighbors, while struggling with tooth pain and other issues due to no insurance, could barely support his family.
Had I not lived in Public Housing while getting an education it would not have been enough to maintain my family, and it certainly wasn’t enough to be upwardly mobile. I know at least five people that left because our service economy here didn’t pay enough to service their bills or maintain them while they tried to stay, all of them mid to late 20’s in age. If one reads the review sites and looks up Hickory we can taut a great lineup of corporate salaries with an average just above 41 thousand. Great tech and logistics companies, lots of manufacturing , and our medical industry that is quite developed for a city our size... but jobs for those younger folks don’t keep them around if they don’t pay living wages. I have multiple friends who weren’t college bound and wanted to work, and their options for hourly wages are better in the larger cities.
We do have some of the jobs to attract Hipsters, and a culture burgeoning to do so as well, and we are better for it. But, the average young person needs a market that is accessible. That’s both in a physical nature and about our lack of a strong public transportation system, and in the income disparities around us that keep some of us looking for ways out. Access is key to engagement. If we don’t give younger people jobs to pay their bills and ways to get them there without each person parking a car on the street, we aren’t offering the kind of access the average will stay for.
A strong push towards a living wage for our area would not only help those here, but show others that we are concerned not only with jobs, but that those jobs can lift our citizens access to all marketplaces. Of course, there are bills in the NC General Assembly that increase the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2021, but HB2 a couple years ago also had the effect of freezing local minimum wage increases. A push against that law may be required, because frankly...we don’t want to wait another three or four years to start offering a living wage, and that’s assuming either bill passes the NCGA for a governor to sign.
Thom Question and Gabriel response
Gabriel, besides raising the minimum wage and social issues, economically speaking, what can we do to wake our area more attractive to the younger folks?
Well, and I have mentioned this once before, we need young tradespeople ‘round here. I work with a growing plumbing company that wants to expand into total home services and the people just aren’t here to fill the jobs. CVCC is going to have a free hall soon, so why not try for plumbing, HVAC, and electrician training courses? Then internships with locals looking for young and trainable tradespeople. We can also make a statement if we focus on recruiting female tradespeople, because we have a lot of interest around here.
Also, how about entrepreneurial incentives and guaranteed startup loans at lower rates for entrepreneurs that stay here after graduating CVCC or LR? When folks have some ownership in an area, they stay and build things. Perhaps an organization dedicated to supporting not only new young business owners, but also a plan that could solve two problems at once. We could treat our empty buildings like the discount travel sites treat empty hotel rooms, and rather than have them sit there empty...allow legitimate businesses the opportunity to rent to own at a low rate. This could allow businesses on the verge of expansion the opportunity to grow with a bit of a financial safety net
There are a couple of warehouses around town that we would take and start using immediately if it were not for the process of purchasing and investing in upgrades, because we know many of them will need other investments. This is restrictive to companies that can afford to purchase, but not to invest, or the other way around. If businesses on the verge of growth could move in, and increase to a financed loan after a time, that would offer a grace period and get the buildings occupied. These ideas would take investment from established businesses and local government.. .but when we raise the water level, our pond gets bigger and more folks can fit in it.
What do you think about raising the investment expectation our business community should make in our citizenry? It won’t be easy, progress often isn't. but it’s one way to show we care about a lot of our younger folks around here who have seemingly been left behind by the success of precious generations.
(Thom response to Gabriel)
Yes Gabriel, there is a disconnect and lack of understanding about a lot of things these days. When it comes to these issues, I’m just not into the label thing and can’t keep up with all the categories. Economically speaking, I know I’ve heard many of the folks that have moved into our area talk about the low cost of living as a major reason why they moved here. It’s inexpensive compared to larger metropolitan areas. They’ll flat out tell you they also like the lack of hustle and bustle of those larger cities. But folks, hustle and bustle is the result of economic commerce.
There is a flip side to that equation that our older newcomers many times fail to recognize. That inexpensive cost of living many times comes at the expense of those trying to earn a living.
Truly, I understand your angst about wanting to have the minimum wage become a living wage. In my background profession (Restaurant/Hospitality), we employees many times aren’t getting fairly compensated for the skills we acquire. There isn’t much difference between the pay of an entry level restaurant employee and someone with decades of experience.
I just don’t think we get to better compensation levels with artificial wage constructs; higher minimum wage mandates lead to less help being hired, more workload for each worker, frazzled brains, frazzled nerves, mistakes, lower quality services and products, and burn out as you attempt to do more and more work with less and less help. Personally, I understand the need for a minimum wage, but at some point that minimum wage can rise to become more of a hindrance than a help. It can rise to the point where entry level workers don’t get hired and also keeps the experienced workers from getting the merit based pay raises they deserve.
What I think will help wages is a better business environment. More people able and willing to open businesses will lead to competition. Competition between businesses leads to innovation, when fulfilling the needs of the marketplace. Competition for labor will lead to higher wages. We had hustle and bustle, in this community in the 1990s, with the internet revolution spurring worldwide fiber-optic infrastructure layout. Our fiber-optic boom created the highest employment level in our community’s history and led to the highest wages and wage growth we’ve ever seen.
Yes, government can do things to better facilitate an economic growth environment, such as creating “Business Improvement Districts” and facilitating microfinance mechanisms. This helps those who don’t have the financial capability get innovative ideas/products/services off the ground. I just don’t think government will solve all the issues with the marketplace. People and their needs create the marketplace.
Saturday, September 14, 2019
Foothills Digest - Fox & Hound Article - Winter 2018
The following is the beginning of a multi-part series in which the discussion involved Economic Development in our area. Cliff Moone stepped aside and Gabriel Sherwood took his place as the Fox. Gabriel has been heavily involved in the Democrat Party of Catawba County.
This is a six part series in which we discuss Developing a Vision for our community, aligning to the realities of the marketplace, leveraging our community's unique strengths, inspiring people to innovate and change, and articulating how we connect with and influence people to move here and do business in our area.
Essentially it is a series of discussions about how we look to develop a better, healthier ecosystem for our community.
=====================================
Article Intro
First of all, I would like to congratulate Carmen on winning the Edison Project for 2017. I, Thom Shell, was a part of the Future Economy Council group, created by Danny Hearn of the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce that spoke to the “Vision” of such a contest for start-ups and innovators in our community. We all must thank Garrett Hinshaw - President of Catawba Valley Community College, Bill Parrish - formerly of the Small Business and Technology Development Center, Sid Connor - formerly Director of the NC Center for Engineering Technologies, and Jeff Neuville and Tom Shea local Business Developing Entrepreneurs (and others) who all came together to establish, implement, and mentor this program.
These and other endeavors can help our area move forward. We should all take an interest in such initiatives and support them in whatever way we can. You may not realize that, just by reading this magazine, you are helping support several local entrepreneurs, innovators, and creative people in our community. I hope that you will spread the word about this interesting magazine. We need to support the true assets of our community.
The subject matter of this Fox and Hound opinion article is about “Vision” for our region. It is an open ended discussion and here are some ideas about our future.
------------------------------------------
(The Hickory Hound: Thom Shell Intro)
“Vision” for our community? … Something that I have elaborated on before on my site “The Hickory Hound.” What are our objectives? Where do we want to be in 5, 10, to 25 years as far as Economic, Cultural, and Social Development?
One - I truly believe the backbone of progress is based upon the necessity to engage and encourage the broadest possible dialogue with the largest number of people possible. Society is strongest when there is an active, informed citizenry. A small pool of participants tends to limit initiative and stagnate ideas, ultimately leading to a small closed circuit group acting in their own self interests with the public interest taking a backseat.
Two - Economic growth correlates to quality of life. Over the past several years, I have taken a trip down to the Eastern half of the State to visit family that live east of Fayetteville. This journey involves the most heavily travelled driving routes in this State and I have observed what is the reality of economic division in what is the ‘Tale of Two States’ in North Carolina.
The northern route I-40/I-85 corridor has been developed rapidly over the past 25 years. From Winston-Salem to Raleigh, it is hard to tell where one city ends and the next begins. Raleigh is the fastest growing metropolitan area in our State. The I-95 corridor from Raleigh to Fayetteville is growing by leaps and bounds. The southern route involves Charlotte, which has always done its own thing pretty well. Most of the other areas in North Carolina, including the Northwest Foothills, have been left behind by the narrow focus of the decision makers in the State and Federal governments.
Three – No investment equals no growth. Look at your personal life. You have to make investments to have personal growth. You have to buy food to live. You have to have shelter. You have to have health and hygiene. Of course, there are two types of investments – good and bad.
One thing is for sure, Charlotte’s population has nearly doubled over the past 25 years. Charlotte, with over 800,000 people, is now larger than Atlanta. Charlotte has been good at taking care of Charlotte and our area is going to have to get good at taking care of our interests. Generally speaking we have nine counties that have the same interests – Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Watauga, and Wilkes. We are a much more rural area than the City of Charlotte, but together this area has a population of over 500,000.
The bottom line is that our area deserves more attention. We have a great University in Appalachian State and we have access to several technical schools. What is important is that our area must become more interconnected.
What I envision is a Regional Economic Development Corporation that incorporates all of these Northwestern North Carolina counties. This entity would coordinate the overall economic interests of our entire area. The counties would no longer be competing amongst themselves for viable projects. They would begin working together to compete against larger markets, such as Charlotte and Raleigh. I would also like to see a consolidation of the various Chambers of Commerce in the region. In my opinion, we don’t need a separate Chamber of Commerce in every county. It just isn’t viable. Each county would have representatives and headquarters within these entities to ensure they are properly represented, but they would coordinate towards the big picture.
Of course there is more, but I believe these are good initial steps towards building a solid, constructive foundation for our future.
-----------------------------------------------------
(The Fox: Gabriel Sherwood Intro)
Economics
Though not technically in Northwestern North Carolina, Catawba County is a waystation between that region and the piedmont’s economic activity. Our economy is invariably linked to those regions we connect as neighbors and we should see our futures as intertwined. Withinvestment in the area by 21st century industries and infrastructure, and local governments advocating for citizen interests without reserve, the diversity of our young population will stay and expand the economic capacity.
There are ways we can capitalize on our neighboring county’s successes, we just need potential companies and our citizenry to find common ground here to build on. Economic opportunity must reach everyone, and the whole of our diverse population should be respected and supported in efforts of growth as well. Our public transportation systems are basic and limiting, which is a hindrance to both our citizenry and attracting more progressive industry. Among our goals should be public transportation options to allow mobility of our masses to meet the needs that are only a few miles away, and options for efficient travel to and from the Charlotte area.
With the completion of the 485 loop and the recent improvements to highway 16 the trip from Charlotte’s Douglas International Airport to the heart of Catawba County is quicker than ever, which makes us a prime target for corporate investment. Aline along the highway 16 route to connect to Charlotte’s Lynx Light Rail would open doors for commuters to live cheaper here and invest city salaries in our communities.We have inexpensive land that is connected to the Northwest region and the national roadways with I-40, we have inexpensive energy that includes some from renewables, we have a young and diverse population, we have varied recreation opportunities, and we have moderate weather. All we need are a few more options for industrial growth and an efficient means for our workforce to move around.
Because we are a forward looking area…potential companies, our communities, and our educational centers, are working on some of it already.
Education
The Hickory, Morganton, Lenoir, area was recently rated as the 8th least educated in the nation. One reason we don’t attract such investment in modern economic activity is a need for skilled workers in varied fields. We have one of the most advanced centers for medical education in the simulated hospital at Catawba Valley Community College, which now sees 25% of its enrollment come from county high school students. The college’s recent investments in the expansion of their manufacturing and furniture programs can help us rebuild some of the ground lost to outsourcing. The center for modern manufacturing techniques will tune up those jobs in the region and the Furniture Academy will help solidify the presence of one of our oldest industries.
The Northwestern region also boasts great centers for higher learning, but their resort and tourist economies don’t support the graduates for the most part. Charlotte and other cities traditionally get the new blood, but we can change that by getting more of the most sought after industries to settle outside of city expenses. CVCC has had a Cyber Security program, its return should be lobbied for. In recent years, Cyber Security’s open positions are going unfilled nationally and there are 80-100k jobs begging for qualified candidates in Baltimore and some other cities. Let’s have Western NC become a home from Cyber Security Education and service, along with its national security investments, and bring a couple thousand professional positionsin the 40-80k range to air conditioned rooms across the NW and Foothills.
If we build it, they will come…both the companies looking for less expensive overhead and the graduates of CVCC, App. State, and UNCA.
Social
Though we expanded diversity and mixed the political ideologies a bit in recent elections, we saw less than 20% turnout. We will need to improve that if we really want everyone bought into a vision. How about demographic targeting with real incentives, like an expansion of our power systems to include solar on all store and warehouse roofs? If we want to get attention and make it easier for younger folks to invest in property and add to the community, bill North Western NC as the lowest energy in the state. Not to mention…keep things going the next time a tornado waltzes by.
We haveyoung African American communities, we have young Latino communities, we have young Asian communities, we have a strong LGBTQ communities, and plenty of Conservatives and Liberals who sit together and talk like people of good will do. Hickory hosts a Free Thinkers Convention each year welcoming Atheists from all over the world, surrounded by many churches of many faiths, so we have a great melting pot of ideas and cultures. I think we have the civic will and social tolerance to make these things happen.
That is a great strength of Catawba County, North Western North Carolina, and the state as a whole. Let’s be sure, that our little corner, no one gets left behind.
Gabriel Sherwood
-----------------------------------------------------------
Thom Shell questions for Gabriel
Gabriel, since I pretty much agreed with what you addressed in your open summary on “Vision”, please tell us what you think the younger generations are going to need to make our region a viable option for living and desirable quality of life issues? Please, as a Millenial, define our area’s present reality from your perspective/point of view…
--------------------------------------------------------
Gabriel Answers Thom's Questions
Yes, congratulations to Carmen for the recognition of her work and skill, to Foothills Digest for the acclaim. Thanks also to James for his insightful reporting and work for the area and our neighbors. To your question: Access is key to growth, and according to research from 2014 less than 25% of 16-year-old’s in the US had their licenses. That’s a 46% drop from 30 years earlier, and those in their 20’s were nearly 20% less likely to drive. Whether this is fuel cost issues, auto cost issues, licensure requirements, or whatever, the point is clear…younger people need transportation options. As may have been noted in your writings on Hickory Hound, the mass transit systems within the county are quite constricting.
After losing a business in Charlotte during the recession, my daughter and I spent a few years in public housing in Hickory. So, we relied on public transportation for a while, and had I not had friends with cars and the skills to get hired in specialty services we could still be there. The bus system really doesn’t cover much of our area’s housing, and though the lines cover main thoroughfares, lower income folks and young people lack access to much of the economic activity. Not to mention the hours of operation. Also, and sadly, during early voting days each year the voting place for the citizens of Maiden is the Newton Main Library. For those with no transportation, and no bus that connect the downtowns, many of those citizens can’t make it.
There are grants available for transportation expansion from both the federal government and the state, with millions available to an innovative approach, so let’s put folks to work getting other folks to work. How about contracts with transportation companies to subsidize fares for cabs, which can charge 10 bucks to go 5 miles in some cases, or perhaps the expansion and regulated use of services like Uber? This expands fleets and drivers, gets young people to work and school, and makes a statement about access and its impact when we see the resulting economic activity? This model is intended for Catawba County, and other counties in the NW NC region must work with their demographics and needs, but I think it could be an option for some.
In many ways, the young people of the area have been let down. Reeducation and training after the loss of industry wasn’t incentivized locally and access wasn’t prioritized, though it is now being worked on for certain citizens, many aren’t feeling it. As you have mentioned in regards to CVCC, and thanks for your efforts there too, investments have been made in the future. I would advocate a more open trade education, though. I am the Business Manager of a Plumbing Company, and I would love a few plumbing courses, or a certificate program in ours and other trades. But, that’s what we are here for, to observe and inform and advocate reasonable goals…would you advocate for that as well?
There are a lot of young people here who feel separated, and little ownership in our communities. I recently spoke to government classes at CVCC and noticed in one of them that most of the class was in the largest seat section to the left of me, while the five African American students sat to themselves on the right of me. Though I am a few years senior to a Millennial, these folks were right there in the age range and demographic to feel the impact of the decimation of the strong middle-class model in favor of “Voodoo Economics” and dog whistle politics. Other groups, like our Latino citizens, our LGBTQ community, and even some secular students in very religious parts of our area, are feeling a bit more directly targeted of late. This won’t engender a desire to stay, though many of us are trying to encourage the will to work towards change the old-fashioned way. With the patience, character, and the work ethic, of Western North Carolina.
How should we go about connecting the economic centers of Northwestern NC and Catawba County with Charlotte in order to bring companies to a future suburban area? Public transportation investment, or attracting private enterprise…preferably both? How about a Hyper-loop…It’s possible, if far fetched?
How should we most effectively engage our population and activate its diverse base? Public events management, educational outreach, outside recruiting…?
---------------------------------------------------------
Gabriel Sherwood questions for Thom.
1. How should we go about connecting the economic centers of Northwestern NC and Catawba County with Charlotte in order to bring companies to a future suburban area? Public transportation investment, or attracting private enterprise…preferably both? How about a Hyper-loop…It’s possible, if far fetched?
2. How should we most effectively engage our population and activate its diverse base? Public events management, educational outreach, outside recruiting…?
----------------------------------------------------------
Thom Answers Gabriel's Questions
Gabriel, I cannot disagree with anything you have proposed. 100%, I agree that we must interconnect ourselves with neighboring communities and the region at-large. Whether we like it or not, we are a part of Charlotte. As a person with direct connections to Charlotte, I appreciate the growth Charlotte has experienced over this generation. Charlotte has grown from a regional to a national and is becoming an international city right before our eyes.
With regards to your question/statement regarding direct transportation connectivity to Charlotte, I could not have said it better myself. On the Hickory Hound, I spoke of this direct light rail link into Charlotte - Light Rail to Charlotte: One Investment Worth Making – January 25, 2009.
That article also involved the connection of Amtrak high speed rail between Charlotte and Atlanta. The region we live in is a Megalopolis that stretches from Birmingham, Alabama and Memphis, Tennessee in the West to Raleigh in the East. As a whole, the Piedmont Atlantic Megaregion has a population of over 25 million people. It includes Interstates 40 and 85 and encompasses several major cities interconnected through a major backbone of transportation connectivity. We must engage our region.
I have also wanted to see passenger rail service reinstituted from Asheville to Salisbury with a stop in our area. Gabriel, we are not alone in wanting to see this happen. Locally, our State Representative Jay Adams promoted the idea of renovating the Caldwell County rail line. This would have gone a long way towards redeveloping the sub-corridor that runs from Hickory to Lenoir. If not renovated through rail, the line could be paved and a tram could be run along that path. It could also become associated as an artery for open greenspace pedestrian and bicycle travel.
As far as encouraging industry and people to become a part of our area, we must look at what we are presently and honestly accept the reality – no buzzwords, no catchphrases, no propaganda. I believe we have failed our young people in this community. Area leadership must be willing to open their minds to possibilities, accept people for who they are, be willing to engage and work well with others, and then decide where we want to be in 5, 10, 25 years… Then develop a plan accordingly with detailed steps, transparent processes, benchmarks, and accountability measures to move us towards our objectives.
--------------------------------------
This is a six part series in which we discuss Developing a Vision for our community, aligning to the realities of the marketplace, leveraging our community's unique strengths, inspiring people to innovate and change, and articulating how we connect with and influence people to move here and do business in our area.
Essentially it is a series of discussions about how we look to develop a better, healthier ecosystem for our community.
=====================================
Article Intro
First of all, I would like to congratulate Carmen on winning the Edison Project for 2017. I, Thom Shell, was a part of the Future Economy Council group, created by Danny Hearn of the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce that spoke to the “Vision” of such a contest for start-ups and innovators in our community. We all must thank Garrett Hinshaw - President of Catawba Valley Community College, Bill Parrish - formerly of the Small Business and Technology Development Center, Sid Connor - formerly Director of the NC Center for Engineering Technologies, and Jeff Neuville and Tom Shea local Business Developing Entrepreneurs (and others) who all came together to establish, implement, and mentor this program.
These and other endeavors can help our area move forward. We should all take an interest in such initiatives and support them in whatever way we can. You may not realize that, just by reading this magazine, you are helping support several local entrepreneurs, innovators, and creative people in our community. I hope that you will spread the word about this interesting magazine. We need to support the true assets of our community.
The subject matter of this Fox and Hound opinion article is about “Vision” for our region. It is an open ended discussion and here are some ideas about our future.
------------------------------------------
(The Hickory Hound: Thom Shell Intro)
“Vision” for our community? … Something that I have elaborated on before on my site “The Hickory Hound.” What are our objectives? Where do we want to be in 5, 10, to 25 years as far as Economic, Cultural, and Social Development?
One - I truly believe the backbone of progress is based upon the necessity to engage and encourage the broadest possible dialogue with the largest number of people possible. Society is strongest when there is an active, informed citizenry. A small pool of participants tends to limit initiative and stagnate ideas, ultimately leading to a small closed circuit group acting in their own self interests with the public interest taking a backseat.
Two - Economic growth correlates to quality of life. Over the past several years, I have taken a trip down to the Eastern half of the State to visit family that live east of Fayetteville. This journey involves the most heavily travelled driving routes in this State and I have observed what is the reality of economic division in what is the ‘Tale of Two States’ in North Carolina.
The northern route I-40/I-85 corridor has been developed rapidly over the past 25 years. From Winston-Salem to Raleigh, it is hard to tell where one city ends and the next begins. Raleigh is the fastest growing metropolitan area in our State. The I-95 corridor from Raleigh to Fayetteville is growing by leaps and bounds. The southern route involves Charlotte, which has always done its own thing pretty well. Most of the other areas in North Carolina, including the Northwest Foothills, have been left behind by the narrow focus of the decision makers in the State and Federal governments.
Three – No investment equals no growth. Look at your personal life. You have to make investments to have personal growth. You have to buy food to live. You have to have shelter. You have to have health and hygiene. Of course, there are two types of investments – good and bad.
One thing is for sure, Charlotte’s population has nearly doubled over the past 25 years. Charlotte, with over 800,000 people, is now larger than Atlanta. Charlotte has been good at taking care of Charlotte and our area is going to have to get good at taking care of our interests. Generally speaking we have nine counties that have the same interests – Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Watauga, and Wilkes. We are a much more rural area than the City of Charlotte, but together this area has a population of over 500,000.
The bottom line is that our area deserves more attention. We have a great University in Appalachian State and we have access to several technical schools. What is important is that our area must become more interconnected.
What I envision is a Regional Economic Development Corporation that incorporates all of these Northwestern North Carolina counties. This entity would coordinate the overall economic interests of our entire area. The counties would no longer be competing amongst themselves for viable projects. They would begin working together to compete against larger markets, such as Charlotte and Raleigh. I would also like to see a consolidation of the various Chambers of Commerce in the region. In my opinion, we don’t need a separate Chamber of Commerce in every county. It just isn’t viable. Each county would have representatives and headquarters within these entities to ensure they are properly represented, but they would coordinate towards the big picture.
Of course there is more, but I believe these are good initial steps towards building a solid, constructive foundation for our future.
-----------------------------------------------------
(The Fox: Gabriel Sherwood Intro)
Economics
Though not technically in Northwestern North Carolina, Catawba County is a waystation between that region and the piedmont’s economic activity. Our economy is invariably linked to those regions we connect as neighbors and we should see our futures as intertwined. Withinvestment in the area by 21st century industries and infrastructure, and local governments advocating for citizen interests without reserve, the diversity of our young population will stay and expand the economic capacity.
There are ways we can capitalize on our neighboring county’s successes, we just need potential companies and our citizenry to find common ground here to build on. Economic opportunity must reach everyone, and the whole of our diverse population should be respected and supported in efforts of growth as well. Our public transportation systems are basic and limiting, which is a hindrance to both our citizenry and attracting more progressive industry. Among our goals should be public transportation options to allow mobility of our masses to meet the needs that are only a few miles away, and options for efficient travel to and from the Charlotte area.
With the completion of the 485 loop and the recent improvements to highway 16 the trip from Charlotte’s Douglas International Airport to the heart of Catawba County is quicker than ever, which makes us a prime target for corporate investment. Aline along the highway 16 route to connect to Charlotte’s Lynx Light Rail would open doors for commuters to live cheaper here and invest city salaries in our communities.We have inexpensive land that is connected to the Northwest region and the national roadways with I-40, we have inexpensive energy that includes some from renewables, we have a young and diverse population, we have varied recreation opportunities, and we have moderate weather. All we need are a few more options for industrial growth and an efficient means for our workforce to move around.
Because we are a forward looking area…potential companies, our communities, and our educational centers, are working on some of it already.
Education
The Hickory, Morganton, Lenoir, area was recently rated as the 8th least educated in the nation. One reason we don’t attract such investment in modern economic activity is a need for skilled workers in varied fields. We have one of the most advanced centers for medical education in the simulated hospital at Catawba Valley Community College, which now sees 25% of its enrollment come from county high school students. The college’s recent investments in the expansion of their manufacturing and furniture programs can help us rebuild some of the ground lost to outsourcing. The center for modern manufacturing techniques will tune up those jobs in the region and the Furniture Academy will help solidify the presence of one of our oldest industries.
The Northwestern region also boasts great centers for higher learning, but their resort and tourist economies don’t support the graduates for the most part. Charlotte and other cities traditionally get the new blood, but we can change that by getting more of the most sought after industries to settle outside of city expenses. CVCC has had a Cyber Security program, its return should be lobbied for. In recent years, Cyber Security’s open positions are going unfilled nationally and there are 80-100k jobs begging for qualified candidates in Baltimore and some other cities. Let’s have Western NC become a home from Cyber Security Education and service, along with its national security investments, and bring a couple thousand professional positionsin the 40-80k range to air conditioned rooms across the NW and Foothills.
If we build it, they will come…both the companies looking for less expensive overhead and the graduates of CVCC, App. State, and UNCA.
Social
Though we expanded diversity and mixed the political ideologies a bit in recent elections, we saw less than 20% turnout. We will need to improve that if we really want everyone bought into a vision. How about demographic targeting with real incentives, like an expansion of our power systems to include solar on all store and warehouse roofs? If we want to get attention and make it easier for younger folks to invest in property and add to the community, bill North Western NC as the lowest energy in the state. Not to mention…keep things going the next time a tornado waltzes by.
We haveyoung African American communities, we have young Latino communities, we have young Asian communities, we have a strong LGBTQ communities, and plenty of Conservatives and Liberals who sit together and talk like people of good will do. Hickory hosts a Free Thinkers Convention each year welcoming Atheists from all over the world, surrounded by many churches of many faiths, so we have a great melting pot of ideas and cultures. I think we have the civic will and social tolerance to make these things happen.
That is a great strength of Catawba County, North Western North Carolina, and the state as a whole. Let’s be sure, that our little corner, no one gets left behind.
Gabriel Sherwood
-----------------------------------------------------------
Thom Shell questions for Gabriel
Gabriel, since I pretty much agreed with what you addressed in your open summary on “Vision”, please tell us what you think the younger generations are going to need to make our region a viable option for living and desirable quality of life issues? Please, as a Millenial, define our area’s present reality from your perspective/point of view…
--------------------------------------------------------
Gabriel Answers Thom's Questions
Yes, congratulations to Carmen for the recognition of her work and skill, to Foothills Digest for the acclaim. Thanks also to James for his insightful reporting and work for the area and our neighbors. To your question: Access is key to growth, and according to research from 2014 less than 25% of 16-year-old’s in the US had their licenses. That’s a 46% drop from 30 years earlier, and those in their 20’s were nearly 20% less likely to drive. Whether this is fuel cost issues, auto cost issues, licensure requirements, or whatever, the point is clear…younger people need transportation options. As may have been noted in your writings on Hickory Hound, the mass transit systems within the county are quite constricting.
After losing a business in Charlotte during the recession, my daughter and I spent a few years in public housing in Hickory. So, we relied on public transportation for a while, and had I not had friends with cars and the skills to get hired in specialty services we could still be there. The bus system really doesn’t cover much of our area’s housing, and though the lines cover main thoroughfares, lower income folks and young people lack access to much of the economic activity. Not to mention the hours of operation. Also, and sadly, during early voting days each year the voting place for the citizens of Maiden is the Newton Main Library. For those with no transportation, and no bus that connect the downtowns, many of those citizens can’t make it.
There are grants available for transportation expansion from both the federal government and the state, with millions available to an innovative approach, so let’s put folks to work getting other folks to work. How about contracts with transportation companies to subsidize fares for cabs, which can charge 10 bucks to go 5 miles in some cases, or perhaps the expansion and regulated use of services like Uber? This expands fleets and drivers, gets young people to work and school, and makes a statement about access and its impact when we see the resulting economic activity? This model is intended for Catawba County, and other counties in the NW NC region must work with their demographics and needs, but I think it could be an option for some.
In many ways, the young people of the area have been let down. Reeducation and training after the loss of industry wasn’t incentivized locally and access wasn’t prioritized, though it is now being worked on for certain citizens, many aren’t feeling it. As you have mentioned in regards to CVCC, and thanks for your efforts there too, investments have been made in the future. I would advocate a more open trade education, though. I am the Business Manager of a Plumbing Company, and I would love a few plumbing courses, or a certificate program in ours and other trades. But, that’s what we are here for, to observe and inform and advocate reasonable goals…would you advocate for that as well?
There are a lot of young people here who feel separated, and little ownership in our communities. I recently spoke to government classes at CVCC and noticed in one of them that most of the class was in the largest seat section to the left of me, while the five African American students sat to themselves on the right of me. Though I am a few years senior to a Millennial, these folks were right there in the age range and demographic to feel the impact of the decimation of the strong middle-class model in favor of “Voodoo Economics” and dog whistle politics. Other groups, like our Latino citizens, our LGBTQ community, and even some secular students in very religious parts of our area, are feeling a bit more directly targeted of late. This won’t engender a desire to stay, though many of us are trying to encourage the will to work towards change the old-fashioned way. With the patience, character, and the work ethic, of Western North Carolina.
How should we go about connecting the economic centers of Northwestern NC and Catawba County with Charlotte in order to bring companies to a future suburban area? Public transportation investment, or attracting private enterprise…preferably both? How about a Hyper-loop…It’s possible, if far fetched?
How should we most effectively engage our population and activate its diverse base? Public events management, educational outreach, outside recruiting…?
---------------------------------------------------------
Gabriel Sherwood questions for Thom.
1. How should we go about connecting the economic centers of Northwestern NC and Catawba County with Charlotte in order to bring companies to a future suburban area? Public transportation investment, or attracting private enterprise…preferably both? How about a Hyper-loop…It’s possible, if far fetched?
2. How should we most effectively engage our population and activate its diverse base? Public events management, educational outreach, outside recruiting…?
----------------------------------------------------------
Thom Answers Gabriel's Questions
Gabriel, I cannot disagree with anything you have proposed. 100%, I agree that we must interconnect ourselves with neighboring communities and the region at-large. Whether we like it or not, we are a part of Charlotte. As a person with direct connections to Charlotte, I appreciate the growth Charlotte has experienced over this generation. Charlotte has grown from a regional to a national and is becoming an international city right before our eyes.
With regards to your question/statement regarding direct transportation connectivity to Charlotte, I could not have said it better myself. On the Hickory Hound, I spoke of this direct light rail link into Charlotte - Light Rail to Charlotte: One Investment Worth Making – January 25, 2009.
That article also involved the connection of Amtrak high speed rail between Charlotte and Atlanta. The region we live in is a Megalopolis that stretches from Birmingham, Alabama and Memphis, Tennessee in the West to Raleigh in the East. As a whole, the Piedmont Atlantic Megaregion has a population of over 25 million people. It includes Interstates 40 and 85 and encompasses several major cities interconnected through a major backbone of transportation connectivity. We must engage our region.
I have also wanted to see passenger rail service reinstituted from Asheville to Salisbury with a stop in our area. Gabriel, we are not alone in wanting to see this happen. Locally, our State Representative Jay Adams promoted the idea of renovating the Caldwell County rail line. This would have gone a long way towards redeveloping the sub-corridor that runs from Hickory to Lenoir. If not renovated through rail, the line could be paved and a tram could be run along that path. It could also become associated as an artery for open greenspace pedestrian and bicycle travel.
As far as encouraging industry and people to become a part of our area, we must look at what we are presently and honestly accept the reality – no buzzwords, no catchphrases, no propaganda. I believe we have failed our young people in this community. Area leadership must be willing to open their minds to possibilities, accept people for who they are, be willing to engage and work well with others, and then decide where we want to be in 5, 10, 25 years… Then develop a plan accordingly with detailed steps, transparent processes, benchmarks, and accountability measures to move us towards our objectives.
--------------------------------------
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Foothills Digest - Fox & Hound Article - Fall 2017
I haven't posted on here in nearly two years. I had some self-reflective upheaval in my life a couple of years ago and something had to give with regards to time. The loss of a good friend in Richard Garrison made me take a good hard look at my life. He was one of many friends who I had lost in a period of two years that played a part in the content of this site. When you get in a rut, you don't have to keep diggin' the hole.
I haven't stopped writing or having opinions related to the issues we have discussed here. Carmen Eckard started a magazine along about the time I stopped posting here. When I stopped posting here, I had already submitted my first content to the Foothills Digest. I asked Carmen for permission to post those quarterly articles here and she encouraged me to do so. People have encouraged me to get back on this site and get things goin' again. I never intended to stop posting. It just happened. I can't promise to deliver the prolific content of the past, but I will do my best to start posting again.
If you haven't checked out Carmen's magazine you should. It is awesome and that isn't just my biased opinion. It is an award winner -- The Foothills Digest
========================================
In our initial Fox and Hound article, Cliff Moone and Thom Shell give their viewpoints on Economic Development in our region. The focus of the article is on Economic Regeneration and how it is necessary for us to creatively reinvent who we are as we move forward through the 21st Century. Hickory, the largest city in the Northwest Foothills, is in many ways the Economic Hub and gateway of the region. The various communities of our region face the same issues. The loss of so much of our manufacturing base, changes in how we are now defined socio-economically and culturally, and how do we evolve to remain relevant in an ever-changing landscape. Hickory provides the backdrop for the debate about how best to move forward...
---------------------------------------------
(The Hickory Hound: Thom Shell Intro)
Since 2000, our region, here in Northwestern North Carolina has faced a great many economic challenges. We haven’t grown very much in population and the economy has never fully recovered from the hits it took following the implementation of several International Trade agreements at the start of the new century and the great financial crisis of 2008.
Our region is experiencing many of the pains that similar U.S. Industrial/Manufacturing cities have gone through in the present generation. “Legacy Cities,” as these communities are defined, relied on industrial production to provide their economic base. Unfortunately, they have seen their manufacturing capacity diminish greatly. As a result of the economic flux, these communities have seen reduced real estate property demand lead to diminished property values and in some cases abandonment. This has presented many challenges to municipal governments (and their resources), constraining their ability to deal with burgeoning economic and social predicaments.
But what should be understood is our region, and its various communities, has many assets that can be catalysts for regeneration; including vital downtown areas, stable and historic neighborhoods, transportation networks, educational assets, medical centers, and rich artistic and cultural resources. In regenerating our area, we must capitalize on these assets and relate their value, while renovating our local economic engine.
What’s First? We have to have a real plan!
In our regional corridor (Megalopolis), a true success story is Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina. Upstate South Carolina has seen many successes over the past 25 years related to its recruitment of BMW to build an automotive plant in the area. This has led to the formation of an “Economic Cluster” of automotive-related businesses. This did not occur through happenstance. Upstate South Carolina interests began exploring BMW recruitment possibilities years before it happened.
Upstate South Carolina leaders did not bemoan the lack of trained/experienced workforce and by all accounts, BMW did not care either. When the plant opened in 1994, 60,000 people had applied for 1,000 jobs. Since then, BMW has invested about $10 billion and created 9,000 direct jobs — not counting the indirect jobs related to automotive manufacturing. BMW has also invested in the local technical college system to enhance the concept of pre-employment training of potential workforce. The “halo effect” and positive publicity related to the BMW experience is something money could not buy.
In Hickory, $40 million in Bond Referendums were approved in 2014. The City Officials’ plan was pitched to businesses well before it was proposed to citizens. This plan had basically no input from Hickory’s citizenry. The subsequent years have lacked the energy displayed in the referendum election process and lacked the accomplishment of any meaningful transformative objectives.
We need input from the community’s people to develop a forward "Vision" and a strategy to implement it. The Vision’s goals need to be purposeful; not a rearranging of the status quo. An audit, assessing market realities, should be performed to develop a foundation for a rooted economic/financial plan that helps implement the Vision. The plan should take into account the area’s present residents and potential attracted newcomers. The plan should be creative, fundamentally sound, and have specific details about the elements that will lead to the expected outcome.
Plan objectives should be deliberated openly and honestly from all perspectives. Setting up transparency processes, accountability measures, and defined benchmarks ensure the plan is followed and builds trust. This leads to community buy-in and the support necessary to face difficult tasks head-on.
Like Greenville, plans and targeted investment are important; but much of what we need, money cannot buy. Our most important asset is our people.
-------------------------------------------------------
The Fox: Cliff Moone Intro
When you attend as many civic events as I do, you frequently hear presentations on economic development in the Hickory Metro Area. Eventually, you get the impression that the operating premise for economic development is “throw as many ideas as you can up against the wall and see what sticks.” I intentionally overstate, admitting I write not as an economist or economic development expert, but as an attentive citizen and dedicated promoter of the region for which Hickory is the hub. Still, from my perspective, the “throw it all against the wall and see what sticks or works” approach may be better than it sounds.
Clearly, any notion of economic development in all its facets is an exact science seems obviously flawed. Otherwise, most businesses wouldn’t fail within their first ten years; otherwise, we could predict precisely under what exact conditions recessions and expansions will occur; otherwise, successful economic development could be accomplished by formula. This is not to say that economic planners, economists, or even political leaders don’t have any knowledge or experience that applied appropriately won’t help spur successful economic growth.
Today, there’s an abundance of data regarding the conditions under which economic growth is most likely to occur. For example, we know tax policy can have a definite impact, so too, the regulations government places on businesses, whether to limit fraud or for consumer protection, so too, whether appropriate infrastructure is put in place. Additionally, incentives offered by state or local governments can influence economic development. But you don’t have to be an expert to know that no one of these or other “condition setters” is automatically determinative as an input to get the desired output of economic growth. Even something as nebulous as a positive, hopeful outlook versus a negative, “it can’t be done” outlook can make a difference.
Which brings me to the main point this non-expert, sixty-eight-year-old observer would like to suggest to the critics of the bond projects, the efforts of the area EDC, the Chamber of Commerce’s work in economic development, or the Hickory City Manager’s recently proposed vision to move our city and metro area forward from “recovery” to “prosperity”: When nobody has a “magic bullet,” a shotgun is a really good weapon of choice. When you need a multi-faceted, non-singular solution, no one aspect of any “plan” will bring you to the promised land. It takes a lot of ideas and a lot of folks trying many things to achieve success.
In the midst of the Great Depression, after over three years of waiting for recovery to just happen, a new President, FDR, initiated what he termed the “New Deal.” The operating principle of that New Deal was every idea is welcome and we’ll try anything and almost everything. We’ll keep what works and we’ll discard what doesn’t. It mostly worked, not everything, but despite what revisionist historians will assert, the New Deal approach lifted a country frozen in fear, defeat, and despondency back on its feet and on a path to economic recovery.
Most critics of the recent economic development proposals for the Hickory Metro Area I’ve encountered have argued something like “a City Walk or a River Walk won’t bring permanent, sustainable jobs.” Others have critiqued the 1764 Project as being too removed from Hickory or have critiqued some other specific piece of the plans being proposed. Others have suggested that the planning process itself has been out of order, diminishing the potential effectiveness for attracting new businesses.
These critiques have some merit. I suggest none I’ve heard are so crucially serious as to derail the potential success of what development professionals, business leaders, our political leaders, and the voters have envisioned and initiated. Admittedly, I’m an optimist, but notwithstanding that every plan, every vision has flaws, I remain excited and on board with our multi-faceted, “build it and they will come,” now is the time, better try something, and let’s see what sticks adventure toward a better economic future.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thom Shell questions for Cliff
Cliff, I agree that Economics is an inexact science. Your proposal, the shotgun approach, is valid if the ideas process comes through a group of diverse individuals from different social and cultural backgrounds, but coming from an individual (or small, closed-circuit group), it reminds me of what we call in the restaurant business, “Winging It,” which is what we do when we aren’t prepared and we improvise to get through a moment.
I would like to ask: 1) Even if we do follow the shotgun approach, shouldn’t we set benchmarks and metrics to define a program’s success or failure? 2) Given that the people of the community are putting their full faith and trust in Community Leadership in this endeavor, isn’t part of the leadership role to define the “Vision” and its objectives? As a member of Hickory’s Bond Commission, here is your opportunity to tell us specifically what we are doing in all of this to bring about more jobs and increased prosperity in our area?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cliff Moone response to Thom
Thom, I generally agree with your description of what happened here since 2000. That's a pretty well-established history. I also concur with you about our assets and much of what you have to say about a "vision" and "plan."
Where we diverge in our views is when you start asserting that we have had "no input from citizens" on the Bond projects. First, we had and continue to have some public hearings and discussions at City Council before putting the Bond Referendum to a vote. Then the citizens voted. Since then, the Bond Implementation Commission has met at least quarterly (and subcommittees even more often) all of which were open to the public. The Commission itself (and its individual members) is a conduit of and for citizen input on an ongoing basis. Members of the Commission also serve limited terms so new members are often being added.
So, my question is what is your evidence that citizen input has been or is lacking in this aspect of our economic development plan?
Second, your comment about the projects now in process "have lacked the energy displayed in the referendum..." reflects a concern I, as a Commission member has voiced on several occasions. Despite some small efforts to keep the public informed about the progress of the projects, not enough has been or is being done in this area in my view. However, those who are well acquainted with where things are in the implementation process are aware that we are right where we are supposed to be as we move toward our first "groundbreaking" in 2018.
What would you propose as ways to better keep the public attuned to the progress being made and to keep people "energized"?
I also agree that our "most important asset is our people." One aspect of economic development neither of us really addressed in our articles is the education of our citizenry for 21st-century jobs. According to the data from the Chamber of Commerce here, there are more than 3000 unfilled positions in our MSA, due primarily to the lack of appropriately trained workers.
What specifically do you suggest ought to be done educationally to enhance the preparation of our citizens for the present and future?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thom Shell response to Cliff
With respect to citizen input, my evidence comes from Hickory City Leadership three years ago, when they said, “they only wanted ‘positive people’ serving on the ‘Bond Commission’.” To me, the subsequent lack of energy after the voting process is because the vast majority of the people in the community don’t feel like they are a part of these projects. The evidence speaks for itself.
The critical thinking process nets the best results. They put the cart before the horse. It seems, city officials decided what they were going to do and created a process to implement it, instead of creating a process to decide what we needed to do to move our economy into modern realities.
Unfortunately, trust is not the default setting in our community, because of how we have been governed in the past. Where is the transparency website that we were promised (and the public paid for) right after this referendum was passed. Mayor Wright championed this and it should be done to honor him. Transparency processes, accountability measures, and defined benchmarks ensure plans are followed and builds trust.
With respect to the Chamber’s hypothetical jobs, that’s just the Chamber being the Chamber. Their job is to represent their shareholders, and that’s really local big businesses. Established big businesses want to say they aren’t hiring ‘because people aren’t qualified.’ If the demand were there, they would find a way to fill the positions. When BMW chose Greenville, neither they nor South Carolina officials said anything about workforce quality. They had 1,000 jobs, 60,000 people applied, and they filled ‘em.
How does it behoove us to constantly denigrate our workforce? Our History has shown the ability to train a workforce and have them be very productive. Over time, BMW has invested multi-millions of dollars in pre-employment training at Upstate South Carolina’s technical colleges. I know some local businesses are dabbling in that today, but if big business wants the rewards, then it is the responsibility of big business to make that investment. It is a company’s responsibility to train its workforce.
With regard to education, the responsibility of the public is to make sure that children have a solid foundation of fundamentals and to make sure adults can enhance themselves through libraries and public education and arts infrastructure. That’s one thing we’ve gotten right around here. Will we continue to make those investments? I certainly hope so.
I haven't stopped writing or having opinions related to the issues we have discussed here. Carmen Eckard started a magazine along about the time I stopped posting here. When I stopped posting here, I had already submitted my first content to the Foothills Digest. I asked Carmen for permission to post those quarterly articles here and she encouraged me to do so. People have encouraged me to get back on this site and get things goin' again. I never intended to stop posting. It just happened. I can't promise to deliver the prolific content of the past, but I will do my best to start posting again.
If you haven't checked out Carmen's magazine you should. It is awesome and that isn't just my biased opinion. It is an award winner -- The Foothills Digest
========================================
In our initial Fox and Hound article, Cliff Moone and Thom Shell give their viewpoints on Economic Development in our region. The focus of the article is on Economic Regeneration and how it is necessary for us to creatively reinvent who we are as we move forward through the 21st Century. Hickory, the largest city in the Northwest Foothills, is in many ways the Economic Hub and gateway of the region. The various communities of our region face the same issues. The loss of so much of our manufacturing base, changes in how we are now defined socio-economically and culturally, and how do we evolve to remain relevant in an ever-changing landscape. Hickory provides the backdrop for the debate about how best to move forward...
---------------------------------------------
(The Hickory Hound: Thom Shell Intro)
Since 2000, our region, here in Northwestern North Carolina has faced a great many economic challenges. We haven’t grown very much in population and the economy has never fully recovered from the hits it took following the implementation of several International Trade agreements at the start of the new century and the great financial crisis of 2008.
Our region is experiencing many of the pains that similar U.S. Industrial/Manufacturing cities have gone through in the present generation. “Legacy Cities,” as these communities are defined, relied on industrial production to provide their economic base. Unfortunately, they have seen their manufacturing capacity diminish greatly. As a result of the economic flux, these communities have seen reduced real estate property demand lead to diminished property values and in some cases abandonment. This has presented many challenges to municipal governments (and their resources), constraining their ability to deal with burgeoning economic and social predicaments.
But what should be understood is our region, and its various communities, has many assets that can be catalysts for regeneration; including vital downtown areas, stable and historic neighborhoods, transportation networks, educational assets, medical centers, and rich artistic and cultural resources. In regenerating our area, we must capitalize on these assets and relate their value, while renovating our local economic engine.
What’s First? We have to have a real plan!
In our regional corridor (Megalopolis), a true success story is Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina. Upstate South Carolina has seen many successes over the past 25 years related to its recruitment of BMW to build an automotive plant in the area. This has led to the formation of an “Economic Cluster” of automotive-related businesses. This did not occur through happenstance. Upstate South Carolina interests began exploring BMW recruitment possibilities years before it happened.
Upstate South Carolina leaders did not bemoan the lack of trained/experienced workforce and by all accounts, BMW did not care either. When the plant opened in 1994, 60,000 people had applied for 1,000 jobs. Since then, BMW has invested about $10 billion and created 9,000 direct jobs — not counting the indirect jobs related to automotive manufacturing. BMW has also invested in the local technical college system to enhance the concept of pre-employment training of potential workforce. The “halo effect” and positive publicity related to the BMW experience is something money could not buy.
In Hickory, $40 million in Bond Referendums were approved in 2014. The City Officials’ plan was pitched to businesses well before it was proposed to citizens. This plan had basically no input from Hickory’s citizenry. The subsequent years have lacked the energy displayed in the referendum election process and lacked the accomplishment of any meaningful transformative objectives.
We need input from the community’s people to develop a forward "Vision" and a strategy to implement it. The Vision’s goals need to be purposeful; not a rearranging of the status quo. An audit, assessing market realities, should be performed to develop a foundation for a rooted economic/financial plan that helps implement the Vision. The plan should take into account the area’s present residents and potential attracted newcomers. The plan should be creative, fundamentally sound, and have specific details about the elements that will lead to the expected outcome.
Plan objectives should be deliberated openly and honestly from all perspectives. Setting up transparency processes, accountability measures, and defined benchmarks ensure the plan is followed and builds trust. This leads to community buy-in and the support necessary to face difficult tasks head-on.
Like Greenville, plans and targeted investment are important; but much of what we need, money cannot buy. Our most important asset is our people.
-------------------------------------------------------
The Fox: Cliff Moone Intro
When you attend as many civic events as I do, you frequently hear presentations on economic development in the Hickory Metro Area. Eventually, you get the impression that the operating premise for economic development is “throw as many ideas as you can up against the wall and see what sticks.” I intentionally overstate, admitting I write not as an economist or economic development expert, but as an attentive citizen and dedicated promoter of the region for which Hickory is the hub. Still, from my perspective, the “throw it all against the wall and see what sticks or works” approach may be better than it sounds.
Clearly, any notion of economic development in all its facets is an exact science seems obviously flawed. Otherwise, most businesses wouldn’t fail within their first ten years; otherwise, we could predict precisely under what exact conditions recessions and expansions will occur; otherwise, successful economic development could be accomplished by formula. This is not to say that economic planners, economists, or even political leaders don’t have any knowledge or experience that applied appropriately won’t help spur successful economic growth.
Today, there’s an abundance of data regarding the conditions under which economic growth is most likely to occur. For example, we know tax policy can have a definite impact, so too, the regulations government places on businesses, whether to limit fraud or for consumer protection, so too, whether appropriate infrastructure is put in place. Additionally, incentives offered by state or local governments can influence economic development. But you don’t have to be an expert to know that no one of these or other “condition setters” is automatically determinative as an input to get the desired output of economic growth. Even something as nebulous as a positive, hopeful outlook versus a negative, “it can’t be done” outlook can make a difference.
Which brings me to the main point this non-expert, sixty-eight-year-old observer would like to suggest to the critics of the bond projects, the efforts of the area EDC, the Chamber of Commerce’s work in economic development, or the Hickory City Manager’s recently proposed vision to move our city and metro area forward from “recovery” to “prosperity”: When nobody has a “magic bullet,” a shotgun is a really good weapon of choice. When you need a multi-faceted, non-singular solution, no one aspect of any “plan” will bring you to the promised land. It takes a lot of ideas and a lot of folks trying many things to achieve success.
In the midst of the Great Depression, after over three years of waiting for recovery to just happen, a new President, FDR, initiated what he termed the “New Deal.” The operating principle of that New Deal was every idea is welcome and we’ll try anything and almost everything. We’ll keep what works and we’ll discard what doesn’t. It mostly worked, not everything, but despite what revisionist historians will assert, the New Deal approach lifted a country frozen in fear, defeat, and despondency back on its feet and on a path to economic recovery.
Most critics of the recent economic development proposals for the Hickory Metro Area I’ve encountered have argued something like “a City Walk or a River Walk won’t bring permanent, sustainable jobs.” Others have critiqued the 1764 Project as being too removed from Hickory or have critiqued some other specific piece of the plans being proposed. Others have suggested that the planning process itself has been out of order, diminishing the potential effectiveness for attracting new businesses.
These critiques have some merit. I suggest none I’ve heard are so crucially serious as to derail the potential success of what development professionals, business leaders, our political leaders, and the voters have envisioned and initiated. Admittedly, I’m an optimist, but notwithstanding that every plan, every vision has flaws, I remain excited and on board with our multi-faceted, “build it and they will come,” now is the time, better try something, and let’s see what sticks adventure toward a better economic future.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thom Shell questions for Cliff
Cliff, I agree that Economics is an inexact science. Your proposal, the shotgun approach, is valid if the ideas process comes through a group of diverse individuals from different social and cultural backgrounds, but coming from an individual (or small, closed-circuit group), it reminds me of what we call in the restaurant business, “Winging It,” which is what we do when we aren’t prepared and we improvise to get through a moment.
I would like to ask: 1) Even if we do follow the shotgun approach, shouldn’t we set benchmarks and metrics to define a program’s success or failure? 2) Given that the people of the community are putting their full faith and trust in Community Leadership in this endeavor, isn’t part of the leadership role to define the “Vision” and its objectives? As a member of Hickory’s Bond Commission, here is your opportunity to tell us specifically what we are doing in all of this to bring about more jobs and increased prosperity in our area?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cliff Moone response to Thom
Thom, I generally agree with your description of what happened here since 2000. That's a pretty well-established history. I also concur with you about our assets and much of what you have to say about a "vision" and "plan."
Where we diverge in our views is when you start asserting that we have had "no input from citizens" on the Bond projects. First, we had and continue to have some public hearings and discussions at City Council before putting the Bond Referendum to a vote. Then the citizens voted. Since then, the Bond Implementation Commission has met at least quarterly (and subcommittees even more often) all of which were open to the public. The Commission itself (and its individual members) is a conduit of and for citizen input on an ongoing basis. Members of the Commission also serve limited terms so new members are often being added.
So, my question is what is your evidence that citizen input has been or is lacking in this aspect of our economic development plan?
Second, your comment about the projects now in process "have lacked the energy displayed in the referendum..." reflects a concern I, as a Commission member has voiced on several occasions. Despite some small efforts to keep the public informed about the progress of the projects, not enough has been or is being done in this area in my view. However, those who are well acquainted with where things are in the implementation process are aware that we are right where we are supposed to be as we move toward our first "groundbreaking" in 2018.
What would you propose as ways to better keep the public attuned to the progress being made and to keep people "energized"?
I also agree that our "most important asset is our people." One aspect of economic development neither of us really addressed in our articles is the education of our citizenry for 21st-century jobs. According to the data from the Chamber of Commerce here, there are more than 3000 unfilled positions in our MSA, due primarily to the lack of appropriately trained workers.
What specifically do you suggest ought to be done educationally to enhance the preparation of our citizens for the present and future?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thom Shell response to Cliff
With respect to citizen input, my evidence comes from Hickory City Leadership three years ago, when they said, “they only wanted ‘positive people’ serving on the ‘Bond Commission’.” To me, the subsequent lack of energy after the voting process is because the vast majority of the people in the community don’t feel like they are a part of these projects. The evidence speaks for itself.
The critical thinking process nets the best results. They put the cart before the horse. It seems, city officials decided what they were going to do and created a process to implement it, instead of creating a process to decide what we needed to do to move our economy into modern realities.
Unfortunately, trust is not the default setting in our community, because of how we have been governed in the past. Where is the transparency website that we were promised (and the public paid for) right after this referendum was passed. Mayor Wright championed this and it should be done to honor him. Transparency processes, accountability measures, and defined benchmarks ensure plans are followed and builds trust.
With respect to the Chamber’s hypothetical jobs, that’s just the Chamber being the Chamber. Their job is to represent their shareholders, and that’s really local big businesses. Established big businesses want to say they aren’t hiring ‘because people aren’t qualified.’ If the demand were there, they would find a way to fill the positions. When BMW chose Greenville, neither they nor South Carolina officials said anything about workforce quality. They had 1,000 jobs, 60,000 people applied, and they filled ‘em.
How does it behoove us to constantly denigrate our workforce? Our History has shown the ability to train a workforce and have them be very productive. Over time, BMW has invested multi-millions of dollars in pre-employment training at Upstate South Carolina’s technical colleges. I know some local businesses are dabbling in that today, but if big business wants the rewards, then it is the responsibility of big business to make that investment. It is a company’s responsibility to train its workforce.
With regard to education, the responsibility of the public is to make sure that children have a solid foundation of fundamentals and to make sure adults can enhance themselves through libraries and public education and arts infrastructure. That’s one thing we’ve gotten right around here. Will we continue to make those investments? I certainly hope so.
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Hickory Metro's 2017 Economy versus Similar MSAs
Previously:
Hickory Metro's 2017 Economy versus North Carolina MSAs
Hickory, a Legacy Community
Hickory, Creativity, and the Killa C's of Economic Regeneration
HDR Letter to the Editor: 'Time to come together on economic development'
Letter to the Editor: We've been selling. People aren't buying.
Sorry I have fallen behind in getting this series out. I will hopefully speed up the process going forward through completion.
In this, the second part of the series, we compare similar Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) that rank closest to our own (Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton MSA) in terms of population. As I showed in the previous article comparing Hickory's MSA to other Metropolitan area's within our State, we rank number 147 statistically in the country. Here I have included in this analysis, the 5 markets larger and 5 markets smaller than our own.
In terms of rank, we look at the nation's 142nd largest statistical market Montgomery, Alabama and then, Trenton, New Jersey, Eugene, Oregon, Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, Florida, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, North Carolina, Huntington-Ashland, West Virginia-Kentucky-Ohio, Ocala, Florida, Fort Collins, Colorado, Rockford, Illinois, and finally the nation's 152nd largest market Kalamazoo-Portage, Michigan.
When we look at these similar metropolitan areas, the populations range from a high end of (Montgomery, Alabama) 374,536 to a low end of (Kalamazoo, Michigan) 326,589. With a population of 365,497, even though we are the median population within this group, we are far closer to the largest population than the smallest, we are 2.5% smaller than Montgomery, Alabama and 11.9% larger than Kalamazoo, Michigan.
The population growth, since 2010, of these similar cities range from a high of (Naples, Florida) 13.65% to a low of (Rockford, IL) -2.88%. Out of these 10 cities, eight had higher population growth rates than Hickory -- two worse. Two of these communities (Naples and Fort Collins, Colorado) had growth rates above 10% and three (Ann Arbor, Michigan; Ocala, Florida; Eugene, Oregon) had growth rates above 5%.
When looking at MSA ranks, Hickory fell 4 positions in ranking. The communities that fell the most were Montgomery, Alabama and Rockford, Illinois, which fell 5 spots from the 137th largest MSA to the 142nd largest and 146 to 151 respectively. Hickory was next worst falling 4. Huntington-Ashland, West Virginia-Kentucky-Ohio lost 3 spots. Trenton, New Jersey and Kalamazoo, Michigan fell 2 spots. Ocala, Florida remained in the same position. Eugene, Oregon gained a spot. Ann Arbor, Michigan gained 2 spots. Naples, Florida gained 6 spots. And Fort Collins Colorado climbed the most (9 spots).
The United States population has grown 4.6% since 2010. Of the 11 communities looked at in this article, 5 of these communities grew more than that and 6 grew by less than that. 4 of these communities had negative growth rates (Montgomery, Hickory, Huntington, and Rockford).
I have also included data, in the statistics below, from the Milken Institute. Again, this is a factor that Richard Florida used to determine his creativity index that I alluded to in the previous articles Hickory -- A Lack of Creativity?. "The Milken Institute/Greenstreet Real Estate Partners Best Performing Cities Index ranks U.S. metropolitan areas by how well they are creating and sustaining jobs and economic growth. The components include job, wage and salary, and technology growth. The full report can be downloaded here."
The cities within our correlated size rank as high as Fort Collins, CO's 8th and Naples, FL's 17th down to Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH's 196th out of 200. Hickory's MSA is ranked next to last within this group at 167 out of 200.
When looking at U-3 unemployment, Fort Collins, CO has an unemployment rate of 2.9% as a low for the group and Rockford, IL has a high of 11.1%. Hickory ranks right at the median for the group with an Unemployment rate of 5.2%. This number fluctuates more than any of the other statistics, because it is produced monthly and constantly revised.
When looking at the Well-Being statistic, once again we see Naples and Fort Collins receiving high marks, #1 and #11 respectively. Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is next to last in the Gallup Sharecare Well-Being study of 189 MSAs. Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH is the third worst in the nation. Fort Smith, Arkansas ranks as the worst of the Well-Being studied communities. We will see them later in this series.
In terms of income, the Hickory area ranks next to last amongst these studied communities. Naples, FL ranks #1 in this category with a median income of $78,473 -- by far the largest in this category. The next largest income is Trenton, New Jersey's at $51, 803. Hickory's income level ($35,406) is currently 45% of Naples. In terms of income growth, Hickory's growth is sixth out of the eleven cities in this category, but at 15.48%, it is closer to the high of Fort Collin's 19.2% than the low of Trenton's 2.33%. If we factor the two statistics together, one would be most impressed with Ann Arbor Michigan ($51,400 and 14.36% growth)and Fort Collins, Colorado ($45,318 and 19.2% growth).
When we look at the characteristics of these communities, we see that two of these communities are State Capitals (Montgomery and Trenton) and only one community has a largest city, Hickory, that is not the community's county seat.
Overall in looking at the economic quality of these communities, Naples, Fort Collins, and Ann Arbor are doing very well. Naples is a coastal retirement community. During the time I have been working on this summary, we have seen Naples hit by Hurrican Irma. Irma's after effects will have a multi-billion dollar effect on that community. Naples will always be vulnerable to such possible natural disasters. Fort Collins and Ann Arbor are the home to two major universities (Colorado State University and the Univesity of Michigan), which have helped in the modernization of both cities economies. There are many major technical companies that have located to those areas to take advantage of the research nature of both of those campuses.
It seems that through the study of the first to segments of this series that we are seeing that income level is directly correlated to the economic and health quality of communities. One can make chicken and egg arguments, but that is pretty much irrelevant, because if you have such a scenario, then you are going to have to work from both ends to fix it. Clearly, we see Hickory and Huntington (WV) ranking in the bottom quartile in both Milken and Gallup-Sharecare (Healthway statistics). Montgomery (AL) is also in the bottom quartile with the second worst income growth and in the bottom half of incomes, which shows a stagnating economy. Rockford (IL) is in much the same boat, with a negative population growth, income in the bottom half of this group, and industrial job losses.
Stats below:
5-Year Job Growth - Metropolitan area job growth relative to the United States average between 2002 and 2007. U.S. average = 100.0
5-Year Wages & Salaries Growth - Salary and Wage disbursements growth relative to the United States average between 2001 and 2006. U.S. average = 100.0
5-Year Relative High Tech GDP Growth - High tech sector output growth relative to the United States average between 2002 and 2007. U.S. average = 100.0
vs 2010 MSA rank: -5
Pop: 2010 (374,536) - 2016 (373, 922) = -.16%
Milken 2009: (102) - 2013: (182) - 2017: (166)
U3 Unemployment (January): 2009: (10.0) - 2017: (6.0)
Gallup Healthway - 2013: (119) - 2016: (180)
Per Capita personal income 2008: ($xxx) to 2015: ($xxx) = xxx
5-yr Job Growth (10-15) Score: 93.67 Rank: 187
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth (09-14) Score:: 87.71 Rank: 193
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (09-14) Score: 108.97 Rank: 31
Largest City – Montgomery, Alabama, Pop. 201,568, as of 2016, is the Capital of Alabama and county seat of Montgomery county.
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth (09-14) Score:: 87.71 Rank: 193
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (09-14) Score: 108.97 Rank: 31
Largest City – Montgomery, Alabama, Pop. 201,568, as of 2016, is the Capital of Alabama and county seat of Montgomery county.
Higher Education – public universities Alabama State University, Troy University (Montgomery campus), and Auburn University-Montgomery, private colleges/universities Faulkner University, Huntingdon College, and ABA-accredited law school Thomas Goode Jones School of Law
Economy and Employers
Montgomery's central location in Alabama's Black Belt has long made it a processing hub for commodity crops such as cotton, peanuts, and soybeans. Due to its location along the Alabama River and extensive rail connections, Montgomery has and continues to be a regional distribution hub for a wide range of industries. Since the late 20th century, it has diversified its economy, achieving increased employment in sectors such as healthcare, business, government, and manufacturing. Today, the city's Gross Metropolitan Product is $12.15 billion, representing 8.7% of the gross state product of Alabama.[56]
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data from October 2008, the largest sectors of non-agricultural employment were: Government, 24.3%; Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, 17.3% (including 11.0% in retail trade); Professional and Business Services, 11.9%; Manufacturing, 10.9%; Education and Health Services, 10.0% (including 8.5% in Health Care & Social Assistance); Leisure and Hospitality, 9.2%; Financial Activities, 6.0%, Natural Resources, Mining and Construction, 5.1%; Information, 1.4%; and Other services 4.0%. Unemployment for the same period was 5.7%, 2.5% higher than October 2007.[57] The city also draws in workers from the surrounding area; Montgomery's daytime population rises 17.4% to 239,101.
Montgomery serves as a hub for healthcare in the central Alabama and Black Belt region. Hospitals located in the city include Baptist Medical Center South on South East Boulevard, Baptist Medical Center East next to the campus of Auburn University Montgomery on Taylor Road, and Jackson Hospital, which is located next to Oak Park off interstate 85. Montgomery is also home to two medical school campuses: Baptist Medical Center South (run by University of Alabama at Birmingham) and Jackson Hospital (run by Alabama Medical Education Consortium).
Largest Employers - Maxwell Gunter Air Force Base (12,280), State of Alabama (11,639), Montgomery Public Schools (4,524), Baptist Health (4,300), Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (3,100), ALFA Insurance Companies (2,568), City of Montgomery (2,500), MOBIS Alabama (1,400), Jackson Hospital & Clinic (1,300), Koch Foods (1,250), Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Wetumpka (1,200), Rheem Water Heaters (1,147), GKN Aerospace (1,000), Baptist Medical Center South (980), Regions Bank (977), U.S. Postal Service (900), Creek Casino Montgomery (850), Glovis Alabama (832), Alabama State University (792), Montgomery County Commission (700), Alabama Power Company (660), Alorica (660)
Largest City: Montgomery (Pop. 200,022) is the Capital of Alabama and the county seat of Montgomery county.
143 Trenton, NJ Metropolitan Statistical Area
vs 2010 MSA rank: -2
Pop: 2010 (366,513) - 2016 (371,023) = +1.23%
Milken 2009:(46) - 2013:(18) - 2016:(72)
U3 Unemployment (January): 2009: (6.9) - 2017:(4.1)
Gallup Healthway - 2013: (127) - 2016: (80)
Per Capita personal income 2008: ($xxx) to 2015: ($xxx) = xxx
5-yr Job Growth (10-15) Score: 99.66 Rank: 89
5-yr Wages & Salaries (09-14) Growth Score: 99.97 Rank: 57
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (09-14) Score: 98.81 Rank: 88
Population Growth since 2010: +1.23%
Largest City – Trenton, NJ, Pop. 84,056, as of 2016, is the Capital of New Jersey and county seat of Mercer county.
Higher Education - Princeton University, Institute for Advanced Study, Rider University, The College of New Jersey, Thomas Edison State College and Mercer County Community College
Economy and Employers
The state of New Jersey
Public Transportation - Mercer county (Trenton-Ewing, NJ) hosts several New Jersey Transit stations, including Trenton, Hamilton, and Princeton Junction on the Northeast Corridor Line, and Princeton on the Princeton Branch.[57] SEPTA provides rail service to Center City Philadelphia from Trenton and West Trenton. Long-distance transportation is provided by Amtrak train service along the Northeast Corridor through the Trenton Transit Center… NJTransit's River Line connects Trenton to Camden, with three stations in the county, all within Trenton city limits, at Cass Street, Hamilton Avenue and at the Trenton Transit Center.[58]… Mercer County's only commercial airport, and one of three in the state, is Trenton-Mercer Airport in Ewing Township, which is served by Frontier Airlines, offering nonstop service to and from points nationwide.[59]… Public transportation within the city and to/from its nearby suburbs is provided in the form of local bus routes run by New Jersey Transit. SEPTA also provides bus service to adjacent Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
vs 2010 MSA rank: +1
Pop: 2010 (351,715) - 2016 (369,519) = +5.06%
Milken 2009: (81) - 2013: (195) - 2016: (90)
U3 Unemployment (January): 2009: (12.3) - 2017: (4.6)
Gallup Healthway - 2013: (72) - 2016: (99)
Per Capita personal income 2008: ($xxx) to 2015: ($xxx) = xxx
5-yr Job Growth (10-15) Score: 98.67 Rank: 111
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth (09-14) Score: 96.17 Rank: 126
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (09-14) Score: 84.73 Rank: 167
Largest City – Eugene, Oregon, Pop.166,575, as of 2016, is the county seat of Lane County.
Higher Education – Eugene is home to the University of Oregon. Other institutions of higher learning include Northwest Christian University, Lane Community College, New Hope Christian College, Gutenberg College, and Pacific University's Eugene campus.
Economy and Employers
The US Forest Service manages 48% of the lands within the county boundaries. The federal land, which can not be taxed, previously generated hundreds of millions of dollars in logging-derived support for government, but that support was sharply reduced when various environmental regulations curtailed logging by approximately 78%.[Wikipedia - 25]
(Top Employers) - PeaceHealth Medical Group (5,500), University of Oregon (5,406), U.S. Government (1,575), City of Eugene (1,369), Springfield School District (1,283), Lane County (1,279), State of Oregon (1,229), Eugene School District 4J (1,163), Lane Community College (1,009), McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center (895)
Public Transportation - Lane Transit District (LTD), a public transportation agency formed in 1970, covers 240 square miles (620 km2) of Lane County, including Creswell, Cottage Grove, Junction City, Veneta, and Blue River. Operating more than 90 buses during peak hours, LTD carries riders on 3.7 million trips every year. LTD also operates a bus rapid transit line that runs between Eugene and Springfield—Emerald Express (EmX)—much of which runs in its own lane. LTD's main terminus in Eugene is at the Eugene Station. LTD also offers paratransit.
vs 2010 MSA rank: +6
Pop: 2010 (321,520) - 2016 (365,136) = +13.65%
Milken 2009: (155) - 2013: (83) - 2016: (17)
U3 Unemployment (January): 2009: (9.6) - 2017: (5.2)
Gallup Healthway - 2013: (7) - 2016: (1)
Per Capita personal income 2008: ($xxx) to 2015: ($xxx) = xxx
5-yr Job Growth (10-15) Score: 111.66 Rank: 6
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth (09-14) Score: 101.88 Rank: 14
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (09-14) Score: 109.64 Rank: 299
Largest City – Naples, FL, Pop. 21,845, as of 2016, is the county seat of Collier county.
Economy and Employers –
The economy of Naples is based largely on tourism and was historically based on real estate development and agriculture. Companies based in Naples include Alavista Solutions, Beasley Broadcast Group and ASG Software Solutions, in addition to numerous small businesses. Due to the wealth present in Collier County, Naples is also home to many small non-profit organizations. The surrounding Naples metro area is home to major private employers. Fortune 1000 company Health Management Associates, technology company NewsBank.
The economy of Naples is based largely on tourism and was historically based on real estate development and agriculture. Companies based in Naples include Alavista Solutions, Beasley Broadcast Group and ASG Software Solutions, in addition to numerous small businesses. Due to the wealth present in Collier County, Naples is also home to many small non-profit organizations. The surrounding Naples metro area is home to major private employers. Fortune 1000 company Health Management Associates, technology company NewsBank.
LARGEST EMPLOYERS
Naples Community Hospital (4,000), Ritz-Carlton-Naples (1,110), Garquilo Inc. (1,110), Arthrex Inc. (1,056), Collier County’s Sheriff’s office (1,029), Home Team Inspection Svc. (900), Publix Super Markets (800), Marriott (700), Naples Grande Beach Resort (700), Downing Frye Realty (550)
Public Transportation - Naples boasts a new public transportation system that is part of Collier Area Transit (CAT). The buses run five scheduled services Monday through Saturday from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm. Buses do not run on Sundays, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Public Transportation - Naples boasts a new public transportation system that is part of Collier Area Transit (CAT). The buses run five scheduled services Monday through Saturday from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm. Buses do not run on Sundays, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
vs 2010 MSA rank: +2
Pop: 2010 (344,791) - 2016 (364,709) = +5.78%
Milken 2009: (191) - 2013: (87) - 2016: (58)
U3 Unemployment (January): 2009: (6.8) - 2017: (3.1)
Gallup Healthway - 2013: (8) - 2016: (27)
Per Capita personal income 2008: ($xxx) to 2015: ($xxx) = xxx
5-yr Job Growth (10-15) Score: 99.72 Rank: 87
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth (09-14) Score: 98.11 Rank: 84
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (09-14) Score: 106.61 Rank: 43
Largest City - Ann Arbor, MI, Pop.120,782, as of 2016, is the county seat of Washtenaw County.
Higher Education
University of Michigan, Concordia University - Ann Arbor, a campus of the University of Phoenix, and Cleary University, Washtenaw Community College , Eastern Michigan University. Ave Maria School of Law
Economy and Employers
The University of Michigan shapes Ann Arbor's economy significantly. It employs about 30,000 workers, including about 12,000 in the medical center.[59] Other employers are drawn to the area by the university's research and development money, and by its graduates. High tech, health services and biotechnology are other major components of the city's economy; numerous medical offices, laboratories, and associated companies are located in the city. Automobile manufacturers, such as General Motors and Visteon, also employ residents.[59]
Top Employers
University of Michigan (30,835), Trinity Health (7,169), General Motors Milford Proving Grounds (3,750), Ann Arbor Public Schools (1,907), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System (2,459), Faurecia North America (1,850), Eastern Michigan University (1,617), Integrated Health Associates (IHA) (1,268), Washtenaw County Government (1,260), Thomson Reuters (1,200)
Public Transportation - The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (AAATA), which brands itself as "TheRide," is the public transit system serving the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, Michigan, area.
Public Transportation - The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (AAATA), which brands itself as "TheRide," is the public transit system serving the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, Michigan, area.
vs 2010 MSA rank: 0
Pop: 2010 (365,497) - 2016 (364,187) = -.36%
Milken 2009:(185) - 2013:(190) - 2016: (167)
U3 Unemployment (January): 2009: (13.4) - 2017: (5.2)
Gallup Healthway - 2013:(185) - 2016:(188)
Per Capita personal income 2008: ($xxx) to 2015: ($xxx) = xxx
5-yr Job Growth (10-15) Score: 94.61 Rank: 180
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth (09-14) Score: 94.28 Rank: 158
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (09-14) Score: 112.25 Rank: 23
Largest City – Hickory, NC, Pop. 40,567, as of 2016, is in Catawba County.
Higher Education – Lenoir-Rhyne University, Appalachian State – Hickory, Catawba Valley Community College, Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, Western Piedmont Community College
Economy and Employers - The furniture industry in Hickory is not as strong as in the decades previous, but still a primary component in the area economy. Currently the area is home to many leading manufacturers of furniture, fiber optic cable, and pressure-sensitive tape.
Public Transportation - Greenway Public Transportation offers bus service to the cities of Conover, Hickory, and Newton.
vs 2010 MSA rank: -4
Pop: 2010 (364,908) - 2016 (359,588) = -1.46%
Milken 2009: (149) - 2013: (189) - 2016: (196)
U3 Unemployment (January): 2009: (6.8) - 2017: (6.8)
Gallup Healthway - 2013: (189) - 2016: (187)
Per Capita personal income 2008: ($xxx) to 2015: ($xxx) = xxx
5-yr Job Growth (10-15) Score: 91.39 Rank: 194
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth (09-14) Score:: 91.88 Rank: 181
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (09-14) Score: 80.08 Rank: 184
Population Growth since 2010: -1.46%
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth (09-14) Score:: 91.88 Rank: 181
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (09-14) Score: 80.08 Rank: 184
Population Growth since 2010: -1.46%
Largest City - Huntington Pop 48,113, as of 2016, is a city in Cabell County in the U.S. state of West Virginia. It is the county seat of Cabell County, and largest city in the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Metropolitan Statistical Area, sometimes referred to as the Tri-State Area.
Higher Education
Ashland Community and Technical College, Collins Career Center, Huntington Junior College, Marshall University, Morehead State University at Ashland, Mountwest Community and Technical College, Ohio University Southern Campus
Economy and Employers
The MSA is nestled along the banks of the Ohio River within the Appalachian Plateau region. The area is most often referred to locally as the Tri-State region.
Higher Education
Ashland Community and Technical College, Collins Career Center, Huntington Junior College, Marshall University, Morehead State University at Ashland, Mountwest Community and Technical College, Ohio University Southern Campus
Economy and Employers
The MSA is nestled along the banks of the Ohio River within the Appalachian Plateau region. The area is most often referred to locally as the Tri-State region.
Largest Employers - Marshall University, St. Mary's Hospital, Marathon Ashland Petroleum, Cabell-Huntington Hospital, AK Steel, Applied Card Systems, CSX Huntington, U.S. Corps of Engineers, Alcon Surgical, Client Logic, Cabell Co., Board of Education, GC Services, VA Medical Center, Special Metals, Walmart, DirecTV, Steel of West Virginia, Heiner's Bakery, JH Fletcher & Co, Pritchard Electric Company
Public Transportation –
TTA is the Tri-State Transit Authority, which provides bus service in the Huntington, West Virginia and Ironton,Ohio urban area. Ashland, Kentucky, which is served by the Ashland Bus System (ABS), has limited TTA service to and from Ironton, Ohio.
149 Ocala, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area
Public Transportation –
TTA is the Tri-State Transit Authority, which provides bus service in the Huntington, West Virginia and Ironton,Ohio urban area. Ashland, Kentucky, which is served by the Ashland Bus System (ABS), has limited TTA service to and from Ironton, Ohio.
149 Ocala, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area
vs 2010 MSA rank: 0
Pop: 2010 (331,298) - 2016 (349,020) = +5.35%
Milken rank: 166 Pop. 373,922
Milken 2009: (104) - 2013: (161) - 2016: (130)
U3 Unemployment (January): 2009:(12.1) - 2017:(6.4)
Gallup Healthway - 2013: (127) - 2016: 138
Per Capita personal income 2008: ($xxx) to 2015: ($xxx) = xxx
Milken rank: 130 Unemp = 13.4% Pop. 349,020
5-yr Job Growth (10-15) Score: 99.23 Rank: 98
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth (09-14) Score: 92.51 Rank: 175
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (09-14) Score: 97.00 Rank: 102
5-yr Job Growth (10-15) Score: 99.23 Rank: 98
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth (09-14) Score: 92.51 Rank: 175
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (09-14) Score: 97.00 Rank: 102
Largest City - Ocala Pop. 57,468, as of 2016, is the county seat of Marion County.
Higher Education
College of Central Florida, Rasmussen College, Webster College
Economy and Employers – Ocala is the headquarters of Emergency One, a worldwide designer and manufacturer of fire rescue vehicles. Today, Marion County is a major world thoroughbred center with over 1200 horse farms, including about 900 thoroughbred farms, totaling some 77,000 acres (310 km2). Ocala is well known as a "horse capital of the world."[wiki 10] Ocala is one of only five cities (four in the US and one in France) permitted under Chamber of Commerce guidelines to use this title, based on annual revenue produced by the horse industry. 44,000 jobs are sustained by breeding, training, and related support of the equine industry, which generates over $2.2 billion in annual revenue.
Top Employers
Marion County Public Schools (6,070), Munroe Regional Medical Center (2,648), State of Florida (2,600), Walmart (2,370), Ocala Regional Medical Center & West Marion Community Hospital (2,200), Publix (1,488), Marion County Government (1,368), AT&T (1,000), City of Ocala (989), Lockheed Martin (981)
Public Transportation
SunTran - Bus Transit system
vs 2010 MSA rank: +9
Pop: 2010 (299,630) - 2016 (339.993) = +13.47%
Milken 2009: (22) - 2013: (20) - 2017: (8)
U3 Unemployment (January): 2009:(5.8) - 2017:(2.9)
Gallup Healthway rank - 2013:(3) - 2016:(11)
Per Capita personal income 2008: ($xxx) to 2015: ($xxx) = xxx
Milken rank -192 Unemp = 9.1% Pop. 339,993
5-yr Job Growth (10-15) Score: 106.59 Rank: 21
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth (09-14) Score:: 106.01 Rank: 19
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (09-14) Score:: 93.70 Rank: 123
Population Growth since 2010: +13.47%
Largest City - Fort Collins Pop. 164,207, as of 2016, is the county seat of Larimer County.
5-yr Job Growth (10-15) Score: 106.59 Rank: 21
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth (09-14) Score:: 106.01 Rank: 19
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (09-14) Score:: 93.70 Rank: 123
Population Growth since 2010: +13.47%
Largest City - Fort Collins Pop. 164,207, as of 2016, is the county seat of Larimer County.
Higher Education
Economy and Employers –
Fort Collins' economy has a mix of manufacturing and service-related businesses. Fort Collins manufacturing includes Woodward Governor, Anheuser-Busch, and Otterbox. Many high-tech companies have relocated to Fort Collins because of the resources of Colorado State University and its research facilities. Hewlett Packard, Intel, AMD, Avago, Beckman Coulter, National Semiconductor, LSI, Rubicon Water and Pelco all have offices in Fort Collins. Other industries include clean energy, bioscience, and agri-tech businesses.
Top Employers
http://www.coloradoan.com/story/money/2015/12/18/fort-collins-largest-primary-employers/77496904/
Advanced Energy Industries ( 300-400), Advanced Micro Devices (125), Anheuser-Busch(525), Avago Technologies (1,300), Brinkman Partners (106), CA Technologies (221), CACI International (---), CBW (110), Connell Resources (215), Forney Industries (200), HP, Inc. and HP Enterprises (1,200-1,500), In-Situ (130), Intel (350), Martin Marietta Materials (100), Neenan Co. (125), New Belgium Brewing Co. (406), Odell Brewing Co. (101), Otter Products (600), Phase 2 Co. (---), Qualfon Data Services Group (720), Schneider Electric (---), Tolmar (608), Water Pik (150), Wolf Robotics (120), Woodward (1,200)
Colorado State University (6,948 employees), Poudre Valley Health System (3,020), Poudre School District (3,014), City of Fort Collins, CO (1,864), Larimer County (1,467), Columbine Health Systems (1,200), McKee Medical Center (950)
Public Transportation -
Transfort (Fort Collins Public Bus System) - Fort Collins has an excellent public bus system and CSU students, faculty and staff get to ride it for free! The student ID you receive when you arrive at CSU is also your bus pass. The Transfort hours vary but the buses usually run Monday through Saturday from 6:30am-10:30pm. Check out the new MAX bus rapid transit system and the campus shuttle, Around the Horn.
Zipcar - Whether you need a car for a few hours to run errands or the whole day, you can use Zipcar. They're parked right on campus. With Zipcar, you never have to worry about car payments, maintenance, gas or insurance.
151 Rockford, IL Metropolitan Statistical Area Milken rank -142 Unemp = 8.7% Pop. 339,376
vs 2010 MSA rank: -5
Pop: 2010 (349,431) - 2016 (339,376) = -2.88%
Milken 2009: (174) - 2013: (145) - 2016: (125)
U3 Unemployment (January): 2009: (13.8) - 2017: (11.1)
Gallup Healthway - 2013:(177) - 2016:(178)
Per Capita personal income 2008: ($xxx) to 2015: ($xxx) = xxx
5-yr Job Growth(10-15) Score: 97.02 Rank: 139
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth (09-14) Score:: 96.50 Rank: 116
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (09-14) Score: 99.81 Rank: 79
Population Growth since 2010: -2.88%
Largest City – Rockford, IL, Pop. 147,651, as of 2016, is the county seat of Winnebago county.
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth (09-14) Score:: 96.50 Rank: 116
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (09-14) Score: 99.81 Rank: 79
Population Growth since 2010: -2.88%
Largest City – Rockford, IL, Pop. 147,651, as of 2016, is the county seat of Winnebago county.
Higher Education
Rockford Business College, Rockford College, Rock Valley College, and St. Anthony College of Nursing. In addition, it hosts several satellite branches of other schools, including Judson College (based in Elgin), Northern Illinois University (based in DeKalb), Rasmussen College[3], and the University of Illinois College of Medicine (based in Chicago).
Economy and Employers –
The Rockford economy has suffered since the decline of the manufacturing industry in the late 1980s. In February 2009, The Wall Street Journal published a series of stories on Rockford and its mayor focusing on various challenges faced by the city, including higher unemployment and lower education levels of workers compared to some cities. The airport is home to United Parcel Service's second largest air-hub. The Chicago Rockford International Airport is presently ranked as the twenty-second largest cargo airport in the nation when measured by landed weight.
Top Employers
Rockford Public School District (4,800), Chrysler (Belvidere Assembly Plant - 4,700), Swedish American Hospital (2,600), Rockford Health System (2,500), UTC Aerospace Systems (2,200), OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center (2,000), United Parcel Service (2,000), County of Winnebago (1,602), Woodward (1,200), City of Rockford (1,135)
152 Kalamazoo-Portage, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area
152 Kalamazoo-Portage, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area
vs 2010 MSA rank: -2
Pop: 2010 (326,589) - 2016 (336,877) = +3.15%
Milken 2009: (189) - 2013: (184) - 2016: (102)
U3 Unemployment (January): 2009: (8.4) - 2017: (4.4)
Gallup Healthway - 2013:(108) - 2016:(119)
Per Capita personal income 2008: ($xxx) to 2015: ($xxx) = xxx
Milken rank: 52 Unemp = 9.2% Pop. 336,877
5-yr Job Growth (10-15) Score: 96.65 Rank: 144
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth (09-14) Score: 96.34 Rank: 122
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (09-14) Score:: 87.1 Rank: 157
Population Growth since 2010: +3.15%
Largest City - Kalamazoo Pop. 164,207, as of 2016, is the county seat of Kalamazoo County.
5-yr Job Growth (10-15) Score: 96.65 Rank: 144
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth (09-14) Score: 96.34 Rank: 122
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (09-14) Score:: 87.1 Rank: 157
Population Growth since 2010: +3.15%
Largest City - Kalamazoo Pop. 164,207, as of 2016, is the county seat of Kalamazoo County.
Higher Education
Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo is home to Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Davenport University, and Kalamazoo Area Mathematics and Science Center (KAMSC). Construction of the new Kalamazoo Valley Community College Culinary and Allied Health campus.
Economy and Employers
In 2007, Kalamazoo was named to Fast Company (magazine)'s 'Fast 50: Most Innovative Companies 2007',[33] in recognition of the city's Community Capitalism approach to revitalize the economy. In 2012 Kiplinger's Personal Finance ranked Kalamazoo fourth of the Ten Best Cities for Cheapskates.[34] The city was named in NerdWallet.com's 2014 'Top 10 Best Cities for Work-Life Balance'.[35][36]
Largest Employer
Pfizer (6,100), Bronson Hospital (3,000), National City Bank (2,922), Western Michigan University (2,887), Borgess Health Alliance (2,410), Meijer, Inc. (2,400), Kalamazoo Public Schools (2,300), Portage Public Schools (2,300), Stryker Corporation (hospital equipment - 1,400), Kalamazoo Valley Community College (1,100)
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