THE
CAST OF SUPPORTING PLAYERS
- Business Organizations
- Community Organizations
- Local Units
of Government
- Corporations
- Businesses
- Individuals
Business
Organizations -
Every
Business Organization, Development Corporation, and Chamber
of Commerce should be at the head of the parade to voice support
for any responsible development project in their community.
How often have we heard a Chamber official say "Well, we
don't want to tick off the tourism members (or what ever) by
supporting the development". A chamber member should support
the effort of every other chamber member even if they don't
personally agree or else they should not be in the chamber.
If the project manager for a mining company didn't like pizza
do you think he would be so small as to quit the organization
if a pizza restaurant wanted to join?
Community
Organizations -
Again,
these organizations should strongly support any local project
where the developer is working responsibly and openly with the
community and the local public. After all, when any of these
organizations are looking for new members or are seeking donations
to one of their projects, who do they usually contact first?
Local
Units of Government -
Any
government entity seeking to improve their fiscal position should
be avid supporters of responsible development. Jobs are created,
tax revenues are increased and the quality of life improves
when there is development in the area. Without growth, the burden
of support continues to fall on the shoulders of those currently
living within the jurisdiction and, as we know, without some
external influence, taxes never go down. In addition, Wisconsin
permits local governments to apply for funds to offset any perceived
negative impacts created by mining development. It seems obvious
that by working hand-in-hand with any major development project,
including mining, local governments would be able to create
a more positive role in project planning.
Corporations
- Local Businesses -
Facing
reality, local businesses have absolutely nothing to lose when
a major development occurs. An increase in higher paying jobs
means more homes, more purchases, more money to spend or invest
and an overall increase in the level of economic prosperity.
Most retail and service oriented businesses will be able to
see an improvement in the bottom line. Tourism-related businesses
often feel that they will be the most negatively impacted group.
They need to take a realistic look at what really happens with
the advent of any major development…. people tend to be
more attracted to the area, not less. Business owners who cannot
envision an increase in growth or sales need to sit down with
the developer and discuss their concerns. A few modifications
today could make significant improvements down the road when
development begins.
Individuals
-
Support
for any major new development is a highly personal decision.
If a person wants everything to stay the same as it is now,
then obviously they are going to be opposed to any change. On
the other hand, if they want better economic conditions, good
paying jobs to keep their children in the area after high school
or college, and overall improved conditions in the community,
they need to be vocal in their support. Many supportive individuals
are in the class of the "silent majority" or else
remain silent for fear that their friends who are not supporting
the development will be offended or upset. Supporters do not
have to be cheerleaders, they just need to stand up and be counted
when the time comes.
