I can bring a Madison County point of view to this topic. There have been many good points and a few not so much in the threads thus far. Hopefully, my effort here will be thought provoking if nothing else.
Please read on...
I was born and raised in Florence, Alabama. Attended school at Kilby, Weeden, Appleby, and graduated with Coffee's class of '82. I was both enlisted and a commissioned officer with the 450th MP Co CS (formerly 330th MP Bn). When I graduated from UNA in '86 with a Bachelor of Science degree I proudly served on active duty with the 4th Infantry Division.
When my hitch was up I initially came back to the Shoals. I found no upwardly mobile jobs in three months of active searching. Sure there were some jobs, but not the type of work that I was seeking. I was not willing to settle for less just to remain in the Shoals. I still have a spot in my heart for the Shoals, but I didn't waste another second knowing that the good opportunities I was looking for were elsewhere. I get back there from time to time to visit family.
I discovered that Madison County was/is THE growth area of North Alabama. There is government and commercial work for those that want to work. I've been successful in commercial work for nearly 20 years in Madison County. The defense and space contractors are even diversifying to include commercial work to ensure their continued presence and progress for future growth. I've never regretted my decision to move.
I recall in the Shoals when Ford, Diamond Shamrock, Union Carbide, TVA, Tee Jay's, Reynolds Metals, and countless others had closures or significant workforce reductions. Wilson Dam Road in front of Lakeside Highlands subdivision used to be bumper-to-bumper traffic during afternoon and evening shift change. My how times have changed... I think that road is growing grass now.
As a young man, I was always under the impression that the downturns were a result of the cost of companies doing business in the Shoals. Transportation, materials, benefits and labor costs were higher than the emerging global economy was willing to endure. They could get products/services cheaper elsewhere with acceptable quality. The loyalty to Alabamian workers was obviously not a primary concern for these companies; they were businesses first.
The Shoals' infra-structure doesn't help to attract or retain new business. A limited airport, no interstate access and AL 157 under "permanent construction", and the State Dock doesn't appear state-of-the-art. It leaves me wondering "What business reputation is the Shoals after?" When I think of Birmingham I think - insurance, banking, and health care; Mobile - shipping and commerce; Montgomery - political hub for lobbyist, lawyers, and power brokering; Huntsville - diversified high-tech development. When I think of the Shoals I am left with no significant business impression.
Looking back, when the Shoals' big businesses shifted from cheap hydroelectric-based manufacturing (Ford, Reynolds & Union Carbide) and chemical production (TVA phosphates & Diamond Shamrock) they seemed to be replaced with hundreds of nondescript smaller boutique businesses. Strip malls opened and closed. Lots of individual contractors. Lots of retail clerk and restaurant jobs.
I believe the topic comes down to "does the Shoals want to compete in the global economy" and, if so, "how will they CHOOSE to compete"? There is available talent and desire. Raise the bar and people of the Shoals will match it with their effort. The Shoals needs
strong local leadership and a strong political voice in Montgomery. It's been a long time since Northwest Alabama has had a prominent advocate in State politics. Political strength will be undeniably (and unfortunately) needed get funding and priority.
If the Shoals opts to be a haven to small businesses, then make it
"THE Paradise" for small business owners. Choose to build a civic center for business trade shows. Decide to expand the infrastructure to support local growth. Conduct SBA After-Hours "Meet & Greet" happy hours where business owners can connect and network. Provide local business tax breaks or lesser permit fees, etc. Work the UNA for continuing education programs for business owners. Make positive strides towards attracting and enabling small businesses to succeed in the Shoals.
If the Shoals
decides it wants to attract BIG businesses with
above-average salaries then seek out the appropriate niche with local leaders and fill it. I'd like to see the Shoals civic and business leaders target specific growth industries that are a good match for the workforce demographics.
Henry Ford and Thomas Edison visited Muscle Shoals in 1921 with the idea of leasing Wilson Dam (
Ford visits Muscle Shoals ) for cheap power. That deal didn't happen then, BUT with a structured, controlled approach to attracting such opportunities those deals are still happening today. Look at all of the auto industry jobs coming to Alabama within the last 5 years alone!
I don't have to tell you that a big piece of Alabama's $3,229,000,000 auto industry and the 11,478 created jobs between 2002 - 2006 would change the course of the Shoals.
(
Alabama's Auto Industry )
North American Lighting's 320 jobs was a good start, so keep the momentum up and go get the next one!
I would be thrilled to see the Shoals' auto industry consist of modern plants producing quality parts and vehicles instead of the "auto-salvage corridor" we all enjoy as we enter Florence along Hwy 72. Talk about a serious negative impression.
The Shoals leadership seeking new industries and businesses need the support and assistance of the citizens to make anything concrete happen whatever direction they decide to go.
If local leadership is attentive, as new and better jobs are created in the Shoals, the larger tax base will be become available to provide desperately needed improvements to health care facilities, schools, roadways, utilities, civic/sports arenas, cultural centers and other infrastructure modernizations.
The population will grow again. Real estate values will increase. Businesses will expand their workforces. Schools will need to be built rather than combined and/or closed. Shoals pride will be revitalized.
Once the Shoals, with purpose and on purpose, chooses to move its economy in a positive direction residents will want to stay and perhaps even return to the Shoals to put down roots and enjoy a high quality of life.
Surely that's two cents worth....