 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
|
Executive Director Message
Poised to Rise Above the Unknown
Recovery from a calamity of immense magnitude is an exercise in patience, perseverance and fortitude. More times than not, overcoming adversity is a long and winding road riddled with a host of barriers and momentary set backs.
During the second half of 2009, sporadic signs of life began to surface indicating the start of an economic revival. Yet as the decade came to a close, many questions remained unanswered. The list of unknowns included such issues as health-care reform, energy policy, state budgetary shortfalls, and political party control.
Despite the uncertainties in 2010 the business community in Holmes County continued to rebound from the damage suffered during the downturn. Fortunately, the Holmes County Economic Development Council (HCEDC) found itself in the position to contribute to the restoration and growth of several local enterprises. While the progress these ventures made was encouraging, on a whole business owners were quick to exercise caution, waiting for the dust to settle in order to provide some rationale and confidence in their decisions to move forward.
Today the patience of even the most tolerant wears thin. With less-than-definitive answers and a host of new and equally complicated issues emerging on the horizon, many Holmes County businesses will ultimately decide it necessary to take the risk and forge ahead in 2011.
In responding to the calls for help HCEDC’s role shall remain unchanged: to support and service the Holmes County business community. Utilizing its influence and connections, the organization will continue in its active pursuit of those resources prompting business growth and investment. Most noteably HCEDC will assist local industry in securing needed financing, tax incentives and training.
Moreover, striving for continuous improvement, HCEDC will seek to expand its portfolio of services while also taking a leadership position in a number of initiatives aimed at further strengthening the county’s assets and creating economic opportunities for local establishments and residents.
HCEDC is prepared to do its part to reduce the burden of business owners and provide some reassurance amidst the unknown. Confronted with the prospect of missed opportunity and falling behind the competition, the stage is set, the wait is over, the time to act has arrived.
In a unique county, home to a business community that seemingly defies the odds time and again, let’s be confident, we will prevail.
Sincerely,
Tom Wilke
|
