Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors, or so says the popular African proverb.
In Chautauqua County, it seems our proverbial sea hasn’t been smooth for some time now. Challenging economic realities have settled in and population loss has followed. In response to ongoing adversity, some in Chautauqua County have sought solace in cynicism, defeatism and provincialism – dragging the region down like an anchor thrown overboard, disappearing into the murky depths. That’s the bad news.
So what’s the good news? The good news is clear to anyone who has taken the time to go to a Chautauqua County Energy Conference, or a county-wide comprehensive planning meeting, or a Regional Flavors Conference. Those who have attended these forums, and many other forums like them, know that there are “skillful sailors” charting a course for the future of Chautauqua County. Working within the parameters of our collective challenges, these individuals and groups have cultivated a particular type of ingenuity and a collaborative, progressive mindset that draws on our regional strengths and has the potential to propel Chautauqua County forward toward sustained growth.
These “sailors” are entrepreneurs and artists, not-for-profit agencies and governmental departments, towns, cities, farmers, elected officials and development corporations, forming partnerships and forging relationships that transcend municipal borders for the benefit of the greater Chautauqua region. The result of these collaborations is increasingly evident – infrastructure projects, tourism initiatives, cross-marketing efforts, funded grant proposals, business start-ups, cooperative planning ventures, the list goes on and on.
But in order to maintain a positive momentum, the larger community must be aware of, and made a part of, the solution. Communication is vitally important. After all, no one can be blamed for losing faith and dropping anchor when all indications are that we’re irretrievably adrift. Charting a course cannot be done in a vacuum.
At Chautauqua Vibe, we believe that sustainable growth and prosperity is only possible when everyone has a seat at the table, is included in the process and invested in the outcome. We intend to be an ongoing, open forum for thoughts, ideas, opinions and solutions for Chautauqua County and the region.
There is a fundamental sense of the greater, common good which is very much alive in Chautauqua County. It is fostered by those who have lived here for decades and adopted by those who have sought out New York’s “west coast” as a place to call home.
Chautauqua Vibe is for all those who know and celebrate Chautauqua County and who care enough about it to talk, challenge, disagree, fight and work for it. Welcome aboard.
|
TAGS
chautauqua, tourism, business, education, local government, news, chamber of commerce |
