Published: November 05, 2009 03:23 pm      

Good jobs the key to drawing residents

To the editor:

After reading the article concerning attracting and maintaining young professionals in the greater Dalton area and the conclusion that more night life is what is needed, I submit my opinion for your consideration of publication in the letters to the editor section.

First and foremostjobs are what is needed. Economics and entrepreneurs will take care of the rest. To this end, in order to achieve this, we must diversify our economy to create these jobs. Our reliance on one primary industry that is dependent on one vertical market makes our economy unstable and subject to far more fluctuation than a diversified economy would.

We have one vast existing resource, manufacturing and warehousing space. If our community could take advantage of this, through investment in startup firms, incubators and mentor assisted advisors, we might attract bright young minds with high ambitions that could fuel the diversification of the local economy.

Empty space combined with venture capital and tax incentives would be a good start. Expanding Dalton State and its offerings in post graduate classes would create an environment that would also attract these people.

 Dalton's relatively low cost of living when combined with the afore mentioned resources and strategies may solve a lot of our common problems.

  

Neal Butler

Dalton