During the next few weeks, the Little Falls Times will be featuring a series of editorials pertaining to the MSF Statement of Principles. These letters are written by members of MSF and other people from the community.
Our first letter, written by Jayne Ritz, addressed economic development in Little Falls:
To the Editor:
This is an excellent time to consider possible strategies for economic development and to seek opinions from residents on how to achieve a more vital economic climate in our city. No one person can have all the answers, but with thoughtful voices joining together, the economy of Little Falls could surely be strengthened.
Here are a few ideas:
Is it possible to find ten new, successful businesses in our area that have chosen to be here? Those CEOs could be interviewed as to how and why they are here–and whether any of their suppliers might be wooed into moving to this area as well. (Those CEOs might also have additional suggestions worthy of pursuing.)
A personal contact could be made with the chair of the Governor’s Economic Task Force. What can we do for them? What do we have to offer?
A package or press kit inviting potential businesses to relocate here should be sent to the summer’s overnight guests of the marina.
Personal contact could be made with the CEO of Bassett Hospital, expressing our desire to be a working partner and our eagerness to grow that partnership.
“Green invention” incubator spaces could be established in the Gilbert Mill, which could be marketed to graduates of engineering schools.
The recreational trail should be completed and enhanced with a bicycle shop (sales and service), bed & breakfasts, and trailside eateries. Bicyclists bring business. Tourists bring business. As a community we need to be ready for visitors.
Finally, local farmers ready to vertically integrate agricultural products should be encouraged and helped. Creating a certified public kitchen would boost this endeavor, as would the development of a microbrewery, cheese factory, hops growers, garlic growers, wineries, and orchards. With promotion of our area’s agriculture we also need to invest in the “branding” of Mohawk Valley food products distributed into metropolitan areas.
Jayne Ritz
Member, Main Street First
