How 20/20 has Cleared My View

Happy November GEDA Family,

This will be my final column to you all. This year has brought so much to light for me personally and professionally.  20/20 is the highest measurement of clear vision, and I have decided to share what has become clear for me this year. 

No matter how much you say, “we have to be prepared for the worst,” most of us do not do it. But even then, preparing for the worst, you will still have some curveballs that will cause you to readjust.  The best you can do is to focus on you and your team and understand your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

The second thing I learned this year, is that our most vulnerable groups, whether it is age, class or race, are not equipped to elevate within a robust economy.  Equity matters are challenging, but necessary, and I firmly believe that it should be a policy of every community to achieve it. Just having a job is not the answer. 

Third, it has become very clear that our nation, states, and regions are divided.  What we thought was just an anomaly years ago and would heal over time, still has not.  Our desire to have access to information and data has reinforced our own internal biases and the realm of social media has allowed the amplification of our voices. 

Last, Economic Development Organizations and subsequent policy are essential to community success.  It is here where all things come together.  To have a successful strategy, we need to be inclusive of all groups, plan for the worst and strive for the best, and convene all parties for the pursuit of economic prosperity.  And that is what our association needs to continue to promote and fight for.  We have a great group of individuals leading this association all with great intention of making Georgia a great place to do business.  To be a great place to do business, it must be a great place to live.  Which is how and why our organizations have evolved to be more than just Business Recruitment and BRE.  We are community developers. 

So, I’ve learned a lot about myself this year as a leader, as a Black Man and as a human being.  As we approach the Thanksgiving Holiday, I want to thank you for your trust in me, thank all our Committee and SIG Chairs and Vice-Chairs and Board Members for pressing through such a challenging year. It has been such a pleasure and honor to hold the title of Chair for 2020.  I am excited to support Andrea Schruijer as our new leader in 2021!

See you all “virtually” at our awards luncheon!