On Monday, it was announced that Butler was laying off 105 employees at its Laurinburg plant. A day later, FCC said it had to let go 17 percent of its Scotland County workforce.
We expect more similar reports in the coming days. And the problem is not limited to industries. We have seen a number of area retailers letting go workers or closing up shop altogether.
Sadly, no one knows what tomorrow may bring as other businesses in the county try to keep their financial heads above water.
At least one group — the Laurinburg-Scotland County Chamber of Commerce — appears poised to mobilize the community to find some solutions in these dire economic times.
We realize that the chamber has relinquished its role in economic development and industrial recruitment to the city and county.
But based on its recent planning workshop, the chamber remains a driving force in ensuring that the Scotland County is good place to do business and to be a business.
Given the situation here and across the nation, the task won't be easy. But we think the chamber is off to a good start. Here's why:
Inclusion — The chamber has made a concerted effort to reach out to all aspects of the community, including a number of minority businesses that may have been underserved by the chamber in the past. That effort has paid off with more than 32 individuals representing the chamber board of directors and local community leaders gathered in Wilmington. There were representatives from Scotland County, city of Laurinburg, town of Wagram, Scotland Memorial Hospital, Scotland County School System, St. Andrews Presbyterian College, Richmond Community College, UNC-Pembroke, local businesses owners and elected officials. Chamber officials said the diversity gave them a big picture view of the county.
Critical thinking — Chamber officials used the workshop not only to talk about the problems facing the county, but what role the chamber can play in addressing those issues.
Some of the issues immediately rose to the top as critical: elevating our workforce to 21st century levels; the need for a shared vision; accentuating the positive in our community; working with limited resources; and the need for benchmarks and accountability. The discussion moved to what role the Chamber of Commerce would have in addressing these issues and how the chamber could have a positive impact on the community as a whole.
The development of specific strategic objectives were also discussed, and key objectives mentioned include developing a community-wide strategic plan; holding a facilitated community collaboration; creating a workforce development/education program; implementing a marketing/communications plan; focusing on small business development; and becoming a stronger voice for business.
An action plan — Chamber officials said the next step in this process is a call to action.
They want those who participated in the retreat to spread the word among the different boards and committees they serve on. The chamber’s board of directors is also being asked to act to develop a business plan for 2009 and a strategic plan through 2012.
The chamber’s membership will have a big part to play by participating and getting involved.
Finally, the chamber is requiring the rest of us to act by bringing our own input and ideas to the discussion.
Example #1, a city conncilman's wife opening a local office that represented the waste management company. Example #2, Spending money, to the tune tens of thousand dollars, to address the environmental concerns was wasteless from the beginning. The land in Scotland County is water drenched. Just go outside in your yard and dig a hole. If Scotland County is ever going to rebound from this recession, decisions that are made have to include every citizen. Your tax dollars have been squandered into projects that did not benefit its citizens. You have to make drastic changes and unfortunately for you all you have waited until late in the game. Your responsibility is to your families and your communities. Change has to be made at the top. So, if you have to fire your leaders, then so be it. Just as the election for president retorted may times: We can not afford another 8 years of George Bush's policies, Scotland County can not afford another 30 days with the leadership they have in place.
NOTE: Since the recession really hit home, I have not heard fronm any of your elected officials on how they will combat this issue. All of your elected officials are not self satisfying. You all have to make judgement and act.
Michael M
Scotland County has for years been on the downward spiral in terms of business and employment. Where has the Laurinburg-Scotland County Chamber of Commerce Chamber been? Demonstrating the lack of critical thinking and holding endless meeting and planning workshops with little or no action on any of the critical issues facing Laurinburg and Scotland County. Even the brochures accentuating the positive in our community are outdated and nothing short of fantasy.
The time for inaction is over if the Laurinburg-Scotland County Chamber of Commerce is to be a viable source for inspiration and motivation. We need action from the Chamber of Commerce leadership, not more talk to revive Laurinburg and Scotland County and to give the people prosperity and hope for a better life. We will not achieve that goal without outstanding leadership and someone that will set obtainable goals that truly believes in Laurinburg and Scotland County.