Keep the old: Established businesses' 'gold' is as valuable as the new 'silver'

It is kind of a no-brainer, but it is surprising how often leaders forget that often it is the businesses who have been a part of a community for years who do the most to stabilize its economic future.

It is like the old Girl Scout song -- "Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other's gold."

And our established businesses in Wayne County are, indeed, golden.

Keeping our local businesses healthy and thriving keeps jobs in this community.

And while the idea of a new business bringing hundreds of new jobs to Wayne County -- or North Carolina -- is intoxicating, we cannot forget that there are locally owned businesses and major companies who have already been here, and have contributed money to our tax base and jobs to our community.

So we should celebrate news of potential new business interests.

But at the same time, we need to remember that there are local businesses and others who deserve our support -- and a hand -- as they continue to thrive and grow.

That's how we stay strong, together.

Published in Editorials on July 11, 2012 11:05 AM