From: Dr. Howard C. (Howie) Smith, Jr. April 10, 2018
One month ago, I submitted a RECOMMENDATION and CHALLENGE to local officials and community volunteers. I also wrote letters to several community leaders requesting their involvement. One of the responses I received was from Craig Clark, Executive Director of the Allegany County Industrial Development Agency in the Belmont office. I wish to commend Mr. Clark for the work of the Agency and hope they will soon complete and publish an Action Plan for all to see.
A Challenge - Requiring Community Collaboration
Because economic development is a major long-term challenge for Wellsville and the County, my main purpose in writing this and the previous article, is too encourage as many people as possible to get involved in an active way to help the community prosper. The long-term future of our hometown depends on the commitment and involvement of many to make a difference in the future prosperity of Wellsville.
Whatever evolves from the Industrial Development Agency plan, or entrepreneurial development through other agencies, getting active involvement of young people (i.e., those in high school and college) in a constructive, thought provoking and coordinated manner, is paramount to a progressive economic future in Allegany County. I tried in the recommendations submitted previously (article dated March 12, 2018), to suggest ways to help young people begin to plan for their economic well-being, as well as adults hoping to improve their economic future.
If you want an example of what can happen when people, including young adults, get actively involved, just look back at the recent involvement of the Parkland students in Florida, and the result of their "coordinated effort" to make a difference in gun control. Numerous attempts were made by others, including parents from the shooting in Newtown, CN. All of these efforts had a minimal effect without the impact of the collaborative effort by the Parkland students, when they developed a coordinated Action Plan supported by others. Yes, this was an example on a national scale, but it clearly demonstrates the significance and involvement of young people in making a difference. The recommendation I submitted previously included ways to establish a visible and coordinated way to involve and encourage young people to enhance their future viability. I hope future Action Plans will detail ways young adults can be involved.
My sincere best wishes to the Allegany County Industrial Development Agency, and others working to enhance the future growth of Wellsville and the County, in finalizing and publishing a successful Action Plan for improved economic development.
Respectfully submitted: Dr. Howard C. (Howie) Smith, Jr.
Vice President of Customized Training - retired; and Dean at 7 different colleges/universities (& Marketing Analyst, Air Preheater Company; 2 years)
