Reader Challenges Chamber
I read with dismay the struggle that some local businesses are having with attracting and maintaining business. It seems that there should be an increase in local business, due to high gas prices, but sadly, not the case. I’d like to challenge the Southern end’s Chamber of Commerce to be visionary and active in preserving and promoting our town, before we have empty storefronts within and big box stores surrounding our town. One way is to follow the example of small towns like Ithaca, NY. with its “hours”, ( see more at www.ithacahours.com) Ithaca, like many communities are now doing, prints it’s own local money, keeping it in the community itself. Perfectly legal, and shown to be a positive business boost. I would propose this, and other ideas like becoming a Main Street Community. The status quo is failing, and must be changed.

Ted Faulkner, Harrison Senior Living