Friday, May 27, 2011

Baby Steps


Economic Development in Stokes County, just like most every place else in not an exact science. It contains many twists and turns and occasionally things work out right.

I had the opportunity yesterday to see three small "right steps" These were not home runs, they were more like bunt singles that you had to leg out for hits. Lets face it, most of us can't hit is over the fence and we don't have to. With persistence and hard work, we can score and win. That is what yesterday was about. It is no secret that we have an insufficient supply of lodging to meet our needs and with the economy in its current state, no one is going to come rushing to our aid to build a hotel. Knowing this we have to take alternative action, last night and additional 28 spaces came closer to reality, in the form of two small tent camping locations and a small RV park.

I visited each of these with David Suddreth, our planning department director yesterday and each of them has much to offer including access to the river and or some really incredible views. I salute the entrepreneurs that are working to make these new opportunities a reality (there is still one hurdle to cross: a public hearing before our County Commissioners on June 7th, hopefully this will go well.) It is with their spirit and the cooperation of all involved that we hope to soon make a significant dent in the lodging needs of Stokes County. By playing small ball, we will get there 1,2,3,5,10 rooms at a time, leading to other opportunities, creating additional jobs and investment to one of the most beautiful locations in North Carolina.

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