Central Chamber Report: Going Blue!

    Economic Development.  Many people, when they first hear those words, have the concept of expanding the housing market, retaining, recruiting and expanding businesses and attracting services and industry all with the intention of generating revenues from sales and taxes.  Whereas Economic Development (EcDev) does involve those aspects, there several other factors that play into EcDev.  Infrastructure, educational systems, demographics and quality of life in a community all play a role in EcDev as well.  It is not my intention this week to give a lesson on the multiple layers of EcDev but I would like to highlight one aspect in order to garner support for some great individuals!
    Quality of Life!  In a community the quality of life can be measured by several factors.  For example, Louisiana was recognized as one of the happiest places to live.  Awesome!  We ranked high in a category!  Many speculate it is because of all the great food and get together events that we take part in.  Which is probably why we don’t do so well in the health, fitness and weight category!   Other measurement factors may include, ease of shopping, climate, attractions and entertainment, just to name a few.  A factor that plays an important role in the ranking, in terms of quality of life, is the safety of the community.  Our community currently enjoys a benefit in this area due to the efforts of the law enforcement and first responder agencies in our community.
    Over the last year, there has been a growing agitation being created towards law enforcement.  So much so, that individuals have begun to attack, hurt and even kill law enforcement officers for no apparent reason other than the fact that the victim they went after was a member of law enforcement.  However a counter tide is rising!  Citizens across this nation are choosing to get involved and raise their voices.  This past Monday, September 14, a service was held at our City Hall, as well as other locations in our region, in order to pray for and honor our Law Enforcement and First Responder agencies and individuals.  All around our city businesses and citizens are putting up blue ribbons to show their support.  On Wednesday, our CCSS Student’s had the opportunity to wear blue in order to show their support! 
    We will all agree that, as we move forward as a city, we will face many EcDev issues that we will have a wide variety of differing opinions.  However, for the City of Central, this is one area we should be able to agree upon.  Law enforcement and first responders are important and our various agencies in Central do a good job of keeping us safe.  Encourage those around you to put up ribbons and if they can’t afford one offer to buy one for them!  Let’s cover Central in blue!