Economic Development Strategy
Government that governs least—governs best. It's time to promote free enterprise
and
encourage individual initiatives.
With the proper strategy in place, Chatham County
can achieve the type of sustainable growth that makes sense
for its citizens.
Growing government for the sake of economic growth is not economically
sound or sustainable.
Business Retention & Expansion
Statistics show that 80% of all jobs in this country come from small
business.
Retaining and Enhancing Existing Businesses – A priority
I support an economic environment that helps existing businesses grow and stay in Chatham County.
Farmers and their suppliers are a huge part of the economic picture in Chatham County. The dollars they spend stay local at a larger percent than any other industry. Rising energy cost and increasing competition from foreign producers takes away from their already meager profit margins. County government should be helping the farmers stay in business instead of putting more regulations on their land and increasing taxes.
It is essential that we support and encourage the small business owner in Chatham County who have provided services and jobs in our county for years.
Business Expansion and Start-ups – encouraging growth and attracting new business
There is a need to actively “court” a variety of new business opportunities for Chatham County.
We can gain economic prosperity and freedom for Chatham County people by adopting responsible pro-business regulations that will encourage investment and create higher paying quality jobs.
The citizens of Chatham County deserve a greater say in how our
county grows rather then leaving it to government officials to decide based on personal objectives or
philosophies?
Economic diversification
The additional revenue provided by economic development supports, maintains, and improves local infrastructure, such as roads, parks, libraries, and emergency medical services.
- Diversified economic development provides better wages, benefits, and opportunities for
advancement.
- Improves quality of life…more local tax dollars and jobs raise the economic tide for
the entire county, including the overall standard of living of the
residents.
- A diversified economic base helps expand the local economy and reduces the county’s vulnerability to a single business sector.
A stronger economic base means public services are less dependent on intergovernmental influences and alliances, which can change with each election.
We can help to influence the direction of private sector investments toward
opportunities that can lead to sustained economic growth. This economic
growth can provide sufficient incomes for the local labor force, profitable
business opportunities for employers and tax revenues for maintaining an
infrastructure to support continued growth.