I think many of you are missing the point of this forum that LAWGRL has created here. Rather than the usual and typical complaining about how bad things are (no jobs, dumb politicians, etc.), this should be used as a space where we can come up with SOLID ideas that will lead to solutions. We're all very well aware that many are not happy, however, complaining never solved any problems. Only solutions solve problems. I think that is one major hurdle the people of the Shoals are going to have to overcome.
Anyway, I'm a firm believer that first and foremost the solution begins with job opportunities. If they are available, no one will want to leave in the first place. I think that just focusing primarily on a revitalization of the downtown (which I would love to see happen) will be similar to what the local politicians have been trying to do for years. Their way of thinking has been to make the place attractive through beautification to attract tourists, and jobs will follow. I don't agree with that strategy. I feel that industry should come first, and when that begins to grow, there will be revenue and a need to beautify the area, making it more attractive.
First and foremost: jobs, and not restaurant jobs, or retail jobs. Real ones that will actually keep the younger generations from leaving once they've gotten their degrees.