Combined Voices for the Megasite

You know that I normally don’t talk politics, and technically this probably doesn’t qualify, but I have to say how proud I am of those who e-mailed and called Senator Dolores Gresham last week when we got word that our megasite and solar farm were being cut from the Senate budget. Now, I understand that we are not out of the woods yet, but I think our combined voices have made a difference this time.

Roof Leaks at the Elma Ross Public Library

Note: This is a guest post from Mark Dyer, chairman of the Elma Ross Public Library Board.

Our beautiful public library needs some work. There are water stained ceiling tiles at over a dozen locations within the building, the most prominent damage being right over the main entrances to the building. The building is barely 20 years old, yet there are entries in the board minutes of some 25 meetings through the years discussing roof leaks since 1993. We need to fund and preserve this valuable resource and symbol of our community. The owners of a huge industry contemplating location at the megasite will see the library as one of their initial exposures to Brownsville when they are trying to decide whether to bring thousands of jobs here or to another competing town. What do you want them to do? Tell your County Commissioners and/or City Alderman that you want the library roof repaired or replaced with funds in the upcoming budget for fiscal 2009-2010. They are your representatives and will listen to your voice.

What's on your mind?

Boy, blogging is hard if you do it right. I didn't realize it had been over a month since I had written anything here. But, please don't depend on me to bring up subjects or get conversations going. If there' s something you want to talk about, send me a post by e-mail (sonia@outlawdesignmarketing.com). I promise I'll post it for you.

I'm sure there are subjects you'd love to see discussed because lots of you are looking at this site on a regular basis. Write me and let's get others talking about what's on your mind.

What do you really know about Haywood County?

I was out at the Delta Heritage Center this week. And every time I go in there I can’t help but wonder how many local people have never set foot inside. The Cotton Museum, Music Museum and Hatchie River Museum are all something to see. Not to mention the exhibits and info about surrounding counties that I bet you didn’t know. Did you know that there are actually seven museums in Brownsville?

The same holds true for the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge. How many have not taken the time to ride through the refuge. It is something every Haywood Countian should do at least once. Trust me, you do not have to be a hunter or fisherman to appreciate the beauty of our wildlife refuge. What about Oneal Lake? Have you been there and taken a drive around the lake? Have you seen the eagles. Yes, eagles. I bet you thought you had to drive to Reelfoot to see eagles in West Tennessee. Not true. We have a couple who have taken up residence here. And if all goes well, according to Refuge Manager Mike Chouinard, we may have little ones sometime within the next year or so.

I know there are endless thing in our community that I don't know about. And all of this has me wondering what really peaks your interest? Are there people or places in our county that you what to learn more about?

Please leave your comments and let me know what those people, places and things are.

Creating Economic Stimulus

I conducted my first marketing seminar this past weekend and I absolutely loved it. I kept the group small and hoped for lots of interaction. And I was not disappointed - from the beginning ideas flew. And, I have to tell you, I was impressed with the business owners who attended and how dedicated they are to their business and to this town.

We discussed many aspects of marketing and how important it is to create an atmosphere in your business that makes it inviting for customers. At the height of our time together, ideas geared at attracting visitors to Brownsville was discussed. Working together, these businesses have the potential to create a domino effect that will help all our businesses to succeed. And make it more attractive for future businesses to locate here, too.

I guess you could say that is creating our own "economic stimulus."