Economic Development of Middle Tennessee

As Tennessee struggles with 7.2% unemployment, politicians promise job growth plans. In Tennessee, the growth industry has become government jobs as highlighted in an earlier post.

There is certainly an impact on businesses and hence employment from government policies and the work of our elected officials. It can be positive or negative. It can strangle business development or help it to flourish.

The current crop of Congressional leaders has made promises to stick it to the man, to force Employers to spend more on each employee, while the President-elect promises 2.5 Million new jobs across the Nation. Though I'm sure we've all experienced an Employer we could not respect, an overbearing boss we didn't like, we must consider the realities.

That which effects our Employers effects how many employees they can and will hire or lay off. When we "stick it to the man," we are sticking it to our businesses and hence the employees of those businesses. We are shooting our selves in the foot when we support the slogans of politicians that undermine our businesses.

But, let's look at what we can do: Buy local whenever possible. When you make your purchases in the town square, it supports local business. It builds business in your town. As business grows, they add employees. And those business owners are your neighbors. As their business expands, they too increase their purchases, building other local business and employment.

But buying locally also increases the finances of our local government. A portion of the sales tax goes to our local governments. The more it brings in from the sales tax, the less it will have to pay for services with increased property taxes.

Buying local is a cycle that will improve your life by increasing employment near your home while decreasing your cost in gasoline to both shop and to work. It keeps our money close to home and increases the opportunity for you to take that step into business ownership.

But what can I do to help improve our economies and employment? I too can buy local and I do.

Though I am a common citizen as are you, I have to look forward to how I can positively effect employment and business, if elected. There are a lot of ifs in between me and that but it is prudent to begin the process. As such, I have sent an invitation to open a dialogue with our Chambers of Commerce. Not only do they have their finger on the pulse of the issues effecting our local businesses, but they are a key part of attracting new employers to our area.

The growth of industry and employment in Alabama is a demonstration of how elected officials can have a positive effect on economic development.

In Middle Tennessee, we have all of the right components to attract top notch employers and businesses. Our Chambers of Commerce continue to work towards the economic success of our citizens and businesses. We have hard-workers with good ethics. We have a strategic location.

Neither I, nor any politician, can realistically promise job growth of a specific number in a certain number of years. Economists may be able to predict job growth but politicians cannot guarantee it. Elected Officials can do much to encourage economic development, or to implement policies that stifle it.

It will be my policy to consult with those effected and experienced in their specialities when developing positions and legislation rather than ignoring those that have been performing in that arena for their entire life. That means consulting with the leaders of local business on things that effect the ability of our small businesses to grow. It means working with our local Chambers of Commerce when they are working to bring jobs to our area.

Government must be responsive to the governed. Representatives should be responsible to their constituents, not their Washington contributors.

TNTaylor©2008, Tennessee Taylor, all rights reserved.

An example of a time when our elected officials should be lending a hand to our Chambers of Commerce: http://www.t-g.com/story/1480400.html