Cities, towns are working together

By Published by The Editorial Board

Published: October 2, 2008

I have enormous respect for Media General Group Editor John Trump and for his staff reporters. They help us promote our events and business news in their newspapers. I also join Mr. Trump in applauding Rockingham County Vice President of Tourism Robin Yount for her work in promoting tourism in the county, as he did in his Oct. 1 editorial.
However, I take issue with the last two editorials that have appeared in the Media General newspapers because of accusations of the provincialism in each municipality and their alleged unwillingness to work together. I believe it is necessary to inform your readers of some of the ways in which all of the municipalities are cooperating:

Rockingham County Business Coalition
This organization includes representatives of the three county Chambers of Commerce, city of Eden and Reidsville Economic Development Departments, Partnership for Economic Development, Rockingham Community College, Rockingham Business and Technology Center and a representative of N.C. State University. We meet on a monthly basis to discuss business and educational issues that affect all areas of the county.

Rockingham County Tourism Development Authority (TDA)
The city of Reidsville, city of Eden and county TDA pooled their motel occupancy tax revenue this year to advertise our natural resources in national publications, such as Outside Magazine, Paddler Magazine and the N.C. Outdoor Recreation Guide. Only through this cooperation could we have purchased such effective advertising.

Chambers of Commerce
Each of the three Rockingham County Chambers of Commerce directors meet on a monthly basis to discuss issues related to their organizations. They share ideas and insights for their mutual benefit.

City/town managers’ meetings
Like the Chambers of Commerce, the city/town managers meet on a monthly basis to discuss pertinent issues that are of mutual interest.

Downtown revitalization
When Tammy Spencer was hired by the city of Reidsville, I met with her to share some of the ideas that were effective in Eden. I have been one of the biggest fans of what she has accomplished in the Reidsville downtown. Conversely, Reidsville City Manager Kelly Almond has been complimentary of the recently completed streetscape project on Washington Street in Eden. I want downtown Reidsville to prosper as much as I want the Eden downtown areas to thrive.

Business mentoring services
Each of the individuals involved in the Business Coalition are also supportive of the business mentoring service provided by the Rockingham County Business and Technology Center, Rockingham County Small Business Center and retired executives who comprise the local SCORE chapter. These organizations have helped the many fledgling small businesses in all areas of the county.
Many of us work for individual cities. There will always be issues that require us to close ranks and seek actions that will benefit our municipalities. We owe that to the taxpayers who pay our salaries. I don’t think that is any different than employees of the city of Greensboro pursuing projects that will help their city but still recognizing the need to see Guilford County and the Piedmont Triad work together.
There is much that we are doing to cooperate with each other. Those initiatives should be acknowledged and applauded.

Mike Dougherty
Eden director of Economic Development