The read

From my Sunday column in the Athens Banner-Herald ...

So Horton's concern is a legitimate one, but it's also reflective of what is becoming an outdated model. More and more communities are working together to attract business and build capacity to attract it, recognizing the truth behind the adage that there is strength in numbers.

For starters, consolidation and collaboration open doors that have previously been closed to both communities. The ability to share knowledge and market mutual assets is one clear advantage. The potential for attracting state resources and funding opportunities that can be used for work force training, site acquisition and product development is another.

Yet perhaps the most pivotal argument is that it just makes sense. Not only do other regions in the state utilize such a strategy, they are in the process of reaping the awards from such a coordinated approach. Sharing resources to attract them to the region is simply a more efficient use of energy.

The focus, then, shouldn't solely be on the logistics of getting prepared to "get in the game" but also on the reasons why the community hasn't already suited up. Regardless of whether Oconee County opts to consolidate its efforts or continue to fund its own shop, an appropriate assessment of the county's resources, coupled with the necessary zoning adjustments, ought to be done if the community desires to move forward. Without that type of information and planning, the existing efforts aimed at diversifying the economy are destined to remain stagnant.