Four economists looked into their crystal balls Tuesday at Anderson Country Club during the annual economic forecast and came up with this projection: Things will get better. Slowly, perhaps not steadily.
Dagney Faulk of Ball State’s Center for Business and Economic Research talked specifically about the economy in east central Indiana. She noted that the area’s past reliance on the automotive industry is hindering its recovery from the deepest part of the recession.
It was another way of saying what folks living in this community have heard for more than a decade: The local economy must be diversified. When a region is subject to the whims of a particular industry, its peaks are high and its valleys low. Wouldn’t it be nice to experience a steady climb with the occasional dip in the road?
To use a distinctly Hoosier expression: You shouldn’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Yet the Madison County area should seek to capitalize on its past, and is doing just that at the Flagship Enterprise Center off Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Interstate 69. New businesses, many of which capitalize on our rich base of automotive industry and electronics knowledge, are springing up, some holding the promise of thousands of jobs.
What we really need, though, is more businesses — and not just retail — that provide 10, 20, 50, 100 jobs. A hundred such businesses, spread across economic sectors, is preferable to a handful that employ the same combined number of people. One of the latter goes under, and the community takes a big hit. One of the former folds, and the suffering is limited.
Yes, Anderson and the surrounding area have been hit hard by the one-two punch of the first auto industry bailout (to Mexico) and the recent recession. But remember what makes a fighter tough — the experience of taking a punch or two and realizing you need a variety of tactics (some aggressive, some thoughtful) to fight back.
That’s the spirit that east central Indiana must adopt.
Editorials
Editorial: Anderson area needs a varied economy
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Editorial: Sentencing should be determined by judge most familiar with case
We should show concern about the handling of a criminal’s recent case under the Madison County unified court system, a concept where judges share resources to help reduce costs, avoid backlogs and move cases forward.
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Editorial: 911 consolidation good for county
When it comes to emergencies, a fast and proper response is sometimes the difference between life and death. Therefore it is important for 911 services to be coordinated for the best response time. It’s even better if those services are consolidated with one location fielding calls from multiple areas.
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Editorial: On Valentine’s Day, indulge in selfishness of volunteering
In the final analysis, we’re all selfish beings. Everything we do, at its core, is motivated by what is good for us.
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You Said It: About roundabouts, Mayor Smith’s firings, recycling, State of City address
The bottom line in Mayor Kevin Smith’s State of the City address Tuesday during the Anderson Rotary Club’s luncheon at Anderson Country Club was simple: To attract investment, you have to make investments. (Article published Feb. 4.)
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Editorial: Firings show inability to turn foes into friends
Politics is a double-edged sword.
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Editorial: Help celebrate city's strong black history
Many times we overlook the small achievements of residents long gone who made a better Anderson for those of us alive today. There is no better time to recognize and cherish those stories than during Black History Month.
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Editorial: Madison County needs vision for future tourism
Slot machines, gospel music, a beautiful state park and candy are all thriving as destination sites. Now is the time to explore a way to connect these valuable attractions and encourage new ideas.
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Editorial: AHS grad rates moving up, must be pushed ever higher
A diploma is a must, but it has to mean something. Anderson High School must do this the right way, not cutting corners and passing students through classes, but making them accountable for learning the subject matter.
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Editorial: With changes to program, why not begin recycling?
The public has to understand the importance of recycling aluminum and steel cans, cardboard, glass, newspapers and certain plastics. Besides minimizing a community’s waste, recycling saves energy, natural resources and the environment.
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Editorial: Reality returns after Super Bowl mania
While we loved what the Super Bowl did for our reputation, it’s time to get back to the real world. Let’s recap the lost week.
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