Driving Decatur To The Future – Keys To Success: Industrial Recruitment

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So, did anyone like the entertaining-ish links?  If you did, leave a comment.  I think I’m just gonna stick with linking to Wikipedia pages and informative stuff like that.

So!  Industrial Recruitment (I’ll post the tourism section in a later post)

This is something that Decatur seems to do well on, but somehow we still see our city lagging behind in the expansion that we should be expecting.

Question: Why do I say expecting?

Answer: Because I believe Decatur has many attributes that other cities our size cannot begin to brag about:

1. Airport
2. River
3. Rail
4. Interstate
5. Low cost of business
6. Access to a highly educated work force
7. A city willing to help with funding
8. Large amounts of space
9. A lot of flat land
10. Lower presence of unions

Question Gorgonn is asking: What does this have to do with anything, how on earth does this give us an edge?

Answer: I thin we all know that the presence of ANY of these qualities weighs in a city’s favor when attracting industry.  HOWEVER, the average city like our’s in the USA with 45,000 to 75,000 people and a metro of 150,000 to 200,000 people can only usually offer 5 or 6 of these attributes.  A fortunate city would be able to brag about 7 of them.

You would think this gives us an enormous edge right?  Well, that is right, but it’s obviously not paying off.  The reason why is because Decatur is suffering from a feeling of small town identity.  Many citizens of our fair city believe us to be nothing more than a “bedroom community” of Huntsville which is entirely unfounded.

It’s a fact, we live in the shadow of Huntsville, but only because we allow ourselves to.  You’re probably wondering why I find this to be something that is optional.  The truth is, a city’s identity is only what its own citizens make it.  We can choose to live and thrive in our city, or we can choose to live in Decatur and thrive in Huntsville.  I’ll tell you now that the first option is much better.

Am I saying that our relationship with Huntsville is one that should be severed?  Not at all, I rather thing that it is something that should be encouraged and nurtured.  However, we cannot allow ourselves to lose our identity and switch our allegiances.  You want examples?  Here they are:

1. Fort Worth and Dallas – Do you consider Fort Worth to be a bedroom community of Dallas?  If you’re smart, you’d probably say no.  The relationship between Fort Worth is such that while these two cities are inseparably bound, they are not one cultural entity.  I promise you that if you ever ask someone (who happens to be from Fort Worth) where they are from, they’ll say Fort Worth, not Dallas.  This is the best example of what our relationship with Huntsville should be.  Like Fort Worth and Dallas, we should resist the urge to become a single cultural mass while also embracing our relationship in a way that can only improve both of our chances of attracting projects and development that enhance the quality of our communities.

1. Minneapolis / St. Paul – This example is not as good of one as the previous.  Why?  Because the city centers are almost literally right across the Mississippi River form each other.  While these two have not maintained the difference between their cultural identities in the way I would prefer us to, they have still successfully used their relationship to make stronger cases for new business and projects.
2. Greenville – Spartanburg – This is probably the second best example you can ask for after DFW.  These cities are separated by 20-30 miles of I-85 in South Carolina and have had EXTREME success in using their relationship and combined qualities to attract numerous industrial projects that have lead to an increased quality of life and tax base.  You have probably heard our city leaders talk about emulating Greenville, SC many times because Greenville is the same size.  While the CITY of Greenville is about the same size as Decatur, its metro area is home to about 3.5 times more people than Decatur’s.  However, there are still lessons to be learned from the relationship between Spartanburg (the Decatur in this relationship) and Greenville (the Huntsville in this relationship).

You’re probably wondering, why does all of this matter?  What does this have to do with bringing in new industry and business?  This has everything to do with it.  Here are some reasons why municipal relationships and pride matter to industry and business:

1. Let’s face it, Decatur is more blue collar, and that’s OK.  Huntsville is white collar, and that’s OK too.  The fact that we have to major cities within 20 miles of eachother that have large workforces of both blue and white collar workers is an asset.  It means we’re capable of attracting a multitude of different industries.  Anything from rocket manufacturers to the run of the mill steel mill.  Taking advantage of this relationship and asset is just another check in our column when an industry is considering our area.
2. How does pride matter?  Believe it or not, industries like to know that you care about your community.  They figure that if Gorgonn the screw driver operator doesn’t enjoy living in a town like Decatur, he/she obviously isn’t going to enjoy screwing screws and will thus screw screws rather poorly.  What does this result in?  A product that probably functions in the same manner that Gorgonn believes his/her community does… like crap.

What do I think our leaders should do?

It’s simple really, they need to go after a more diverse group of industries.  I believe progress has been made in the establishment of the new industrial park in Hartselle along I-65 (Morgan Center Business Park).  HOWEVER, why don’t we hear of our leaders traveling to meet with leaders of companies that are looking to expand and could potentially do so in Decatur?  We’ve seen them travel to Greenville, SC to examine the progress they have made on their downtown, and while I believe that has been a productive trip, I think they need to start looking at business recruitment.

The fact is, we can provide any industrial project the right amount of space, utilities, and transportation networks that they need to be successful.  Unlike the Rust Belt, or infrastructure isn’t withering away and crashing under the pressure of being overcapacity.  Many leaders of successful cities travel and act as lobbyists for their towns, forming the relationships necessary to recruit industry.  We see them traveling to China, Germany, Korea, and other places with companies that have deep interests in expanding manufacturing and research into the Americas.  The Chinese in particular value the relationships that already have with American cities and states when deciding where to build a new plant.

In Bob Riley’s administration, there were numerous trips to various foreign countries for the purpose of economic development.  They’ve been very successful.  Our city needs to get involved in these trips, and have at least some representative among the delegation that at least lets corporate leadership in other countries know that our city exists.

Full Circle

This leads me back to near where I began.  Decatur and Huntsville have got to work together on this.  A win for one of us is a win for the other as well.  We’ve seen Birmingham and Tuscaloosa work together to land Mercedes and the same process needs to be replicated.  A company can set up shop in Huntsville, but we all know that every single employee won’t be living and/or shopping in Huntsville.  Some will live in Huntsville (most probably), and some will live in Madison, Athens, and Decatur.

Right now, we’re competing, and that needs to change.  In a usual competition, an entity wins something that the others didn’t, and that’s not the case here.  If Madison wins a project, the benefits bleed over into Huntsville, Decatur, and Athens.  You get the point.

Now, go email your councilmen or something…

Driving Decatur to the Future – Keys to Success: Transportation

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BTW, I’m trying something new.  I’ve included lots and lots of links to various pictures and pages that might help you to better understand these topics.  I hope you enjoy, and maybe laugh a little along the way.  Thanx!

Transportation

Transportation is absolutely ESSENTIAL to the vitality of our regions as we grow into the future.  As our population continues to grow, our industries continue to expand, and our tourism attributes continue to grow in popularity our infrastructure MUST be able to cope.  This is not one of those “I’d like to have it,” details, it’s a “MUST HAVE.”

Why Gorgonn Will Always Be Wrong About This

We all acknowledge the level of stupidity that Gorgonn possesses.  By the way, if you don’t know who “Gorgonn” is, please refer to the post I published on January 16th, 2011.  We constantly hear Gorgonn whining that transportation expansion only leads to pollution, traffic, and commutes.  I think we can all agree that in some ways, Gorgonn could be correct, after all someone had to come up with the tangled web of roads in suburban Atlanta…

Anyways, if done incorrectly and not planned properly, YES, roads can lead to even more congestion, pollution, and longer commutes.  This is all something that people hate about an expanding city.  The good thing is, there are ways to accomplish the improvement of our infrastructure with out causing massive Gorgonnathon in the form of congestion.

There are certain things that need to be accomplished, and I am certain will do nothing but improve traffic.  Here’s my list:

1. Designate US ALT 72/AL 20 controlled access on the Northside (the northern reaches of the city limits in Limestone County).
2. Begin to examine the construction of overpasses on Beltline Road.
3. Examine safety concerns along 6th Avenue.
4. Adopt a “Complete Streets” initiative.
5. Find ways to improve mass transit.

Each of these 5 points has the potential to improve traffic and reduce headaches.  Gorgonn will deny that any of these would work, I do not lie.

Designation of US ALT 72/AL 20 (Northside) as Controlled Access

This is something that the planning commission is currently considering.  I believe they will eventually adopt this and the long process of completely remaking the road network on the Northside will begin.

This is one of the more trans-formative initiatives.  With this, there is the potential for massive economic investment and population growth.   The fact that we haven’t yet seen some type of development on the Northside is something that still amazes me.  If Bass Pro eventually sets up shop over there, which they still seem intent on doing, I think you can count on a ridiculous amount of growth following it’s construction.

How does this help traffic?  I think we all know that.  Gorgonn would say that it doesn’t, but I seriously doubt that Gorgonn has sat through rush hour traffic on that route.  Declaring this route controlled access basically streamlines the process of getting to the bridges after work on weekdays.  Will it help you get through that darn traffic light once you cross the river?  No, but it will help you get there more quickly, which still means that you cut valuable time out of your commute.

Decatur Planning Commission has approved this plan, but the city council still has to approve it as an ordinance before it can have any effect.  I’m sure the council will approve it, not too worried.  But, this could take some time to implement.

Begin to examine the construction of overpasses on Beltline Road

I’m not talking about an all out Memorial Parkway-ing of the Beltline, no.  I’m speaking about adding overpasses and service roads (like the ones on Memorial Parkway) at certain points along the road where high traffic occurs.  So, basically one, two, maybe three intersections. 

Which intersections?  I say Danville Road, US ALT 72/AL 20, and Spring Avenue.  I leave out 6th Avenue because I think it would cost way too much due to all of the businesses and stuff that would have to be relocated to accomplish this.  Basically, it’d be a huge pain in the butt.  It’d be kinda like trying to build a massive world-class hotel in Pyongyang, North Korea… 

Examine Safety Concerns Along 6th Avenue

What do I mean by this?  Have you ever noticed that all too often the road itself it higher than the curb that is meant to contain it?  No the road didn’t decide it wanted to get bigger, nor did we just feed it too much and it got fat.  This has been caused by magnificent human ingenuity!

Anyways, what does this mean, this odd road level, relative to the curbs?  Well, it means basically that our sidewalks are functionally obsolete.  Why, we all know that Gorgonn is asking why does this matter?  Who needs sidewalks?  Well, in order to assure that our roads aren’t overrun with cars that are simply driving down the street to McDonalds or other small trips we need them.  Plus, has anyone noticed that the USA has an obesity problem?  Problem is, our city doesn’t facilitate pedestrian movement.

Really though, it all needs to be fixed.  This problem, as simple as it may be, causes problems ranging from sanitation, disease, drainage, safety, to functionality.

In addition, we need more crosswalks.  More crosswalks means more foot traffic for parks and businesses.  At the moment, it is truly dangerous to cross the road in Decatur.  There are only about 4 or 5 crosswalks with signals on 6th Avenue and that needs to change.

Adopt A “Complete Streets” Initiative

This is something that I doubt anyone who’s reading this has heard of.  You can see an adequate example of it along Modaus Road between the Beltline and Danville Road.

Complete Streets insures that all forms of traffic (at least those using feet and tires) are able to utilize a street.  This includes sidewalks, bike lanes, and the usual street features.  This isn’t something that is done in one sweeping project, but rather something that is phased in.  Each time a road is repaved, or maybe repainted, it is redone with Complete Streets in mind.  Usually a city will start out just phasing in the bike lanes and get to the sidewalks later since they’re so much more expensive.

This initiative reduces the need for cars and also increases that foot traffic that I was talking about earlier.

What about Gorgonn?!  Right now, Gorgonn is grumbling in his/her lair about how we don’t need sidewalks or bike lanes, because no one will use them!  The fact is that no one uses the ones we have because we don’t have any!  The ones we do have are inadequate and don’t connect to a larger network that allows them to be functional. A part of these kinds of problems is that people do not connect the dots.  It’s just like your internet, (think of your feet as a wifi receiver on your laptop and sidewalks as the internet), it doesn’t matter if you have a wifi receiver if there’s no internet to connect to.

Find Ways To Improve Mass Transit

This is a biggie.  Many people don’t like transit, and there are valid reasons, but I tend to believe that benefits outweigh costs.

Now, I’m typically someone who doesn’t agree with government providing freebies or running programs that in turn run deficits, but I’m a fan of mass transit.  Why?  Not only because Gorgonn detests mass transit but because it increases mobility, allowing people to get into town and spend money that they normally wouldn’t.  Also, it brings more people into downtown areas, increasing the likelihood that these redevelopments will succeed.  MT also encourages a city to be a regional center for commerce, bringing in people from surrounding areas.

An even more important part of mass transit is the regional aspect.  I’m not talking of Hartselle to Decatur, or Priceville to Decatur, but the larger region.  I’m speaking of connecting the larger regional centers of the Tennessee Valley.  I suggested the idea of creating inter-city bus routes between Decatur and Huntsville once to a city councilman and he simply couldn’t believe that I would support the idea of a program that would encourage Decatur citizens to leave the city and spend all of their cash in Huntsville.  Please…

Has anyone ever heard of the city of Fort Worth?  They face this same issue with Dallas…  yet… they have miles and miles of rail and bus routes connecting the two cities.  I think it’s safe to say that the leaders in Fort Worth are more worried about the relationship and interconnection that the two cities of Dallas and Fort Worth have than immature sales tax jealousy.  BTW, it wasn’t a city councilman that is currently in office.

What I’m trying to say is that citizens in Fort Worth are going to go to Dallas no matter what if Fort Worth doesn’t have what they want.  The same goes for Decatur and Huntsville…  Decatur citizens are going to head to Huntsville no matter what if Decatur doesn’t have what they need.  The question is, are we going to take advantage of this relationship and build on it?  Or are we going to continue pretending that the 20 miles that separate our downtowns might as well be the distance of the Pacific Ocean?

Next Topic: Industrial Recruitment and Tourism

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Driving Decatur to the Future – The Keys to Success

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Yes, I know, it’s been FOREVER since I posted on this thing. I’m going to have a lot more free time this semester, so I’m hoping I can revive this thing. I know I’ve said this many times, but maybe I can get it done this time.

Keys to Success
I think we can agree that most of us look at our city and wonder why it isn’t succeeding like we know it can. Also, I’m sure we all can agree that some of the things that need to be done/fixed are pretty obvious, and don’t take much imagination to think of.

Let’s start with the obvious.

Self Worth

I’ve noticed that most citizens and officials in Decatur have a low sense of pride in their town. I mean, I agree that Decatur isn’t exactly the most exciting city on the planet, but it’s not like we don’t have anything to be proud of. I’m not going to go through the long list of things that we have to be proud of, because honestly, people should do that on their own and they would probably be surprised at what all we have to offer.

Anyways, we all know “that person” that is constantly calling Decatur a boring town, hick town, lame town, or a dump… We’ll call that person… Gorgonn, King of Stupidity… we all dislike Gorgonn when he/she opens their mouth, cause usually it’s just utter stupidity that spews from it. Hopefully, Gorgonn will hate this blog post.

I really feel like something needs to be done to boost Decatur’s “rep.” Basically, we need to get something going that creates a sense of pride in the community. Unless the city is proud of itself, we will never prosper.

Young People

We need young people, not the kind that are trampling all over grandpa’s lawn while he’s trying to watch wheel of fortune, but the kind that are educated and are looking to start professional careers in or around the city. These kinds of people not only make a greater amount of money over their lifetime, but they bring a certain “vibe” to the city that just can’t be fabricated.

I’ll say that the city is moving closer to attracting more of these young’ns, but more needs to be done. The monthly downtown funtime that occurs on the Friday is a good step, it brings people downtown, and though I haven’t yet visited one of these things, I can only assume that they’re fun.. ish. Like I said, more needs to be done. What can be done to attract more young people?

Young Professionals and their Social Lives

If I’m not mistaken, there is already an organization in town that brings young professionals together. If there is, good, if there isn’t, it needs to be created. I know Huntsville has one, and they’re pretty good things that bring young professionals together to meet, greet, gather, and socialize. They’re great ways to meet new people in a town that’s pretty spread out and sub-urbanized.

Not only do these bring people together to socialize, but they also do great things for the community. Typically, they do volunteer work like cleanups, tutoring, and other things.

Not only do these organizations bring together and maintain young professional populations that increase quality of life, and grow tax bases, they aid in attracting new industries and businesses, typically the ones that employ educated people.

Education

How many times have you talked to Gorgonn and heard the stupid King mention that Decatur is dumb, and has education problems. Being a product of the Decatur City School system, I can tell you that the resources are available for kids to succeed. When I arrived at the University of Alabama, I was prepared, and I wasn’t the kid that was sitting on their bed the night before an exam wondering why he couldn’t understand everything.

What I’m getting at is that Decatur doesn’t have an educator problem, it has an educated problem. What I mean is that the kids that are being taught are where we’re going wrong. Before you call me Gorgonn and say that I’m calling our kids stupid, I’m not, I promise. What I mean to say is that we have a problem with our kids not being inspired to learn, having a lack of aspirations, and just plain not wanting to learn.

There’s a big problem with kids not feeling like they’ll amount to anything, at all. Basically, we’re turning them into more Gorgonns… that isn’t what we want. We need to create a way to inspire our children, get them to be excited about their future, and helping them understand what they’re doing so they’ll want to learn.

I was a kid not too long ago, so I feel I know pretty well what it takes to get kids interested. As adults know, in college, classes get easier as you get into the ones that are more specific to your major, you know, the ones that you’re really interested in. Why can’t we find a way to connect the interest they have in various subjects to the subjects they’re being taught in class?

The problem that most kids don’t know what they wanna be when they get done with school. It doesn’t matter if it’s simply to be a hairdresser, or being a nuclear engineer, we need kids to want to be something so that they’ll know they need to get through school to get there. Even the simplest of jobs takes some kind of education.

I know that we went through career stuff in middle school, but it’s something that need to be injected into their minds early in elementary school. If a kid wants to be an astronaut when they’re in 1st grade, who cares? I wanted to be a veterinarian when I was that age, and what am I in school for now? Geography. Kids’ aspirations change, it’s inevitable.  But, to not inform them about their possible job prospects (even the unlikely ones) at a young age, simply because they’re gonna change what they want to do as they get older or they don’t understand how hard it is to get to these careers, is utterly Gorgonn-like. The fact is, the kids will eventually realize what their capabilities are as they age, and their aspirations will become more and more attainable. Another fact is, we aren’t doing enough to foster the kind of “career imagination” that we should be. The best part about doing this stuff is that it doesn’t have to cost money.  Start this at a younger age and I guarantee you increase the likelihood of their desire to be educated.

Corporate Involvement

Decatur City Schools has a very good relationship with area business and industry, this much is a fact. I remember receiving many benefits and visits from industry representatives in the Decatur area while I was going through school. This needs to be maintained, and expanded. Yes, these are rough economic times for the economy, but they are improving. Besides, an investment in an industry, or business’s, community is also an investment in that industry or business’s vitality and success. This is something that needs to be spread around. Happy and successful children equals happy and more productive parents (who are also employees of these companies).

Higher Education

I think this is an area that all of us know needs to be improved.  Morgan County will not have a single institute of higher education until the North Alabama Center for the Arts open in a few years.  While this is a great development for both downtown and the areas education, we still need to do more.  The nearest legitimate 4 year college is UAHuntsville, which is a good distance from Decatur.  We have education opportunities, but they aren’t convenient.

I’ll say, this is one field that I don’t know much about.  Higher ed politics are very complex and confusing, and rather costly.  Something should be done.  We see branches of Troy University in Dothan, Montgomery, and even Panama City, FL, why can’t we have something similar in Decatur?  Wallace State also has various branches of its school in the state.  I believe this is something that our city leaders need to look into and act upon.  We need someone to meet with leaders of Troy, Wallace State, Alabama, and maybe even UNA to examine the possibilities of opening a campus in Decatur.

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Transportation:  Planes, Trains, and Automobiles