Our existing businesses, big and small, are the economic foundation and backbone of this community – and I will never forget that as I work to bring in new businesses.
I have a vision for Florence as a progressive, growing, and thriving community. We can have a bigger job base if we attract new kinds of jobs and support the jobs we already have. I will use my contacts around the state and nation, work with other local leaders, and together with you, we can all make it happen.
We all gain from new business. It enhances existing businesses because as they service the new business, established ones reap the profits. City revenue increases, enhancing the city’s ability to serve our citizens. Everybody wins.
Florence should strive to become a true regional medical hub. The medical industry is not as vulnerable to the ups and downs of the economy in general as others. We should bring research and development, technology, media, and entertainment companies into our city. Florence is perfectly positioned for publishing houses, for example.
I have experience in numerous state capitals and the nation’s capital. I’ve worked in the private sector and as a public official, so I understand the characteristics of each and know how to get them working towards beneficial solutions.
There are two pictures on my desk of me with friends I respect and from whom I have learned: Governor Bob Riley and Lt. Governor Jim Folsom. These relationships have already benefited Florence and the Shoals area, and will be even more important to my performance as mayor. I also have a good relationship with other local leaders, and that will continue as mayor.
As mayor, I will work to bring a prosperous future to all our citizens – especially our young people, who I would like to see stay here and find gainful employment. That way all us parents and grandparents can be near our families every day.
Thanks to the willingness of our citizens to support an economic development incentive fund, we have in place a mechanism to attract jobs. Careful use of this money can reap huge benefits. Wise management of the Florence city budget can free up money needed to enhance the critical quality-of-life issues that attract business and industry. A commitment to innovative ideas and an open, inclusive process will foster an environment of growth and prosperity.
It is important to note that we can grow and create jobs and opportunity without harming our environment. Economic development and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive. We can effectively grow our economy and protect our environment. I am committed to both — and we can do it right here.
August 9, 2008 at 4:15 am
There needs to be a better program locally to help support new businesses or start up businesses on different aspects of the business world. Not just with networking like the chamber of commerce does, but also on other ends such as start up funding assistance, more tax breaks and incentives to keep business in Florence instead of going across the river to our neighbors house.
August 10, 2008 at 12:56 am
I agree. We need to do this and not let past problems stop us now. That is why it is important that the City Government not sweep the problems under the rug but take measures to recover delinquent money and to make sure that never happens again. Now hopefully our citizens will have more confidence if we come back and say we would like to initiate some new loan and development programs. It was important to build back some trust and I think we have done that. When elected Mayor I will pursue new innovative ways to spur investment in Florence. We will be business friendly and progress will happen. Thanks for your message Chris.