Unity -- The key to Success

I'm continually working to create alliances and networks throughout Greene County and the surrounding region because I'm a firm believer in the power of unity.

I function very much on biblical principles and try hard to "do ALL in the name of the Lord Jesus," (Colossians 3:17) as His servant, and that includes the work I do in economic development for Greene County.

As it is Christmas, I trust you'll allow me a little grace and freedom to express myself in a manner consistent with my beliefs. I believe that the bible has much wisdom to share regarding everyday things like relationships, communication, trading, finances and success, just to name a few.

Unity is a key concept in the success of any family, project, business, church, community or nation but division is a clear pathway to failure. "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation (wilderness, deserted, comes to nothing) and every city or house divided against itself will not stand." (Matthew 12:25)

There is a story in Genesis 11, in which God himself acknowledged that "Indeed the people are one and they all have one language … now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them." In this case, the people were seeking the wrong thing, to build a tower to the heavens, trying to access blessings by their own effort, and God put a stop to their effort. He changed their language, so they were no longer able to communicate effectively. Consequently, they became confused and were no longer able to agree, which created division and, eventually, separation.

However, there is a principle here from which I think we would benefit, if we pay attention to it. When people get together and capture the same vision for their future and work collaboratively, they can succeed in creating whatever they envision.

My highest hope for Greene County is that we would recognize that we need each other. We may not all have the same perspective on every topic that impacts our community but we should be allowed to freely express our viewpoints without fear of ridicule or intimidation. If we truly listen to each other, we are more likely to discover the points where we can agree and work together.

I see a potential future for Greene County, with a diversified economy; one in which there is room for farming, forestry, industry, tourism, more stores and increased available services, where "keeping the green in Greene" is not only possible but favored.

I envision thriving downtown areas in each of our cities and towns, occupied by merchants who work collaboratively to keep tourists in Greene County for as long as possible; merchants who encourage tourists to visit other merchants, even if that visitor did not purchase anything from them; merchants and residents alike who are familiar with the wealth of attractions and the latest venue on the tourism calendar, so that they can provide assistance to a visitor, if necessary.

I can visualize the day that local Greene County products will abound and be available to tourists and residents via multiple outlets in each of the cities and towns.

I picture a technology park that is filled with growing high-tech businesses, whose employees have greater-than-average spendable income, many of whom live in Greene County in a broad variety of housing options, ranging from modest apartments to luxurious executive homes.

I earnestly expect the day when our reputation of having a supportive and business-friendly environment will make us a target for relocating businesses that are good corporate citizens.

I see a place where an entrepreneur can launch a business idea without fear that he'll be shunned and ridiculed if he fails; a community that recognizes the value of not quitting in the face of temporary setbacks and failures. (Most first time business launches fail. The success stories usually come after a series of unsuccessful attempts.)

I visualize successful business owners visiting the schools, helping the teachers to nurture budding entrepreneurs; students being encouraged and assisted in launching their own businesses, whether or not they plan on attending college.

I can see myself one day being able to announce at the annual high school reunions throughout the county that Greene County wants you back and we've got lots of ways to make it feasible and possible!

Joan Bethell is the executive director at Greene County Economic Development Corporation and can be reached at (812) 847-4500 or jbethell@gcedc.us.