Season of Hope
As springtime brings warm weather to Georgia, we see new energy coming into the workplace. From field to factory, school to social club, warehouse to workspace… there is a renewed sense of excitement that comes with springtime. That renewed vitality we find in the spring gives us all a sense of opportunity and renewal… so it is no wonder why April is “National Month of Hope.”
Every day, we work with people who have a hope for building their own business. It takes courage and faith to leave a dependable paycheck in order to follow a passion, and when that hope meets hard work and opportunity, the results are tremendous.
With almost 98% of Georgia’s businesses employing under 100 people, our small companies make up the backbone of Georgia’s economy, and those small business owners make a big impact, and not just because they sign paychecks. Our small businesses are the sponsors of our little league teams, they serve on the boards of our Chambers of Commerce, they fund local clean-up days, and they are often the very political leaders who bring big ideas to our communities. All of these good things spring from a hope that finds fertile ground in communities all across our state: steadfast leadership, defined vision and a willingness to partner and collaborate.
As economic developers, we are often given the opportunity to work on challenges that face business owners: finding new sources of credit, identifying talent to run operations, navigating the legal system and chasing the next opportunity to grow. That is where our profession must rise to the challenge, to nurture an idea as it grows from a possibility to a reality. That is why it is so important to network with peers at monthly meetings of the Georgia Economic Developers Association, take continuing education classes through the International Economic Development Council, become a Georgia Certified Economic Developer professional through the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government or become a graduate of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development regional program… the leaders of your community rely on you to bring hope for a better tomorrow.
As economic development professionals, hope guides us in our efforts on daily basis, no matter if we are courting a prospect to invest in our community or advising a high school student during Career Day. Every day, you have a chance to make a positive impact in your community by bringing a new company to town, helping an entrepreneur find the missing link in her plan or serving as a leader for positive change. Never forget that you are a vital part of the American Dream… because the American Dream is hope for a brighter and better tomorrow.
We are so fortunate to have Governor Brian Kemp speak at the GEDA monthly luncheon for the second month in a row. Governor Kemp has been and continues to be a strong advocate for Georgia’s small businesses and for bringing hope to all of Georgia. We look forward to seeing you on April 15th!