Jim Roberts had some interesting ideas [“Small Steps to a Big Payoff,” Feb. 28], but they won’t ensure jobs for the upwardly mobile or a livable income for residents at all job levels. Asheville business leaders need to identify a handful of companies in the United States that can, and are willing to, open branch offices or move corporate offices to Asheville. These companies must be carefully selected to ensure that their service (or product) is not destructive to the environment, that they hire locally, and their employment needs cover a wide range of talent—from unskilled and administrative to upper management.
Companies need to be assured of a labor pool of talented people and the ability to conduct their business within their target market. Therefore companies engaged in technology and service, rather than manufacturing, would find Asheville an ideal location from which to offer their services nationwide and internationally. The only drawback I can see is that our regional airport, though thriving, does not have enough direct flights to major metropolitan areas to support the commerce these companies would engage in. Hopefully that situation can be remedied.
As to promoting only local leaders under the age of 50, Roberts is all wet. While there are indeed trailblazing 30-something wunderkinds like Google’s Page and Brin—to suggest that at 50, business people are not forward-thinking and creative is ludicrous. I represent that business woman in the cutting-edge technology sector that Roberts says he wants to attract, but guess what? I’m over 50. And if I hadn’t brought my job with me, I wouldn’t be living in Asheville, because what I do isn’t happening here.
There is merit to some of Roberts’ suggestions, but they won’t make the major impact that Asheville needs to support its citizens and wonderful way of life.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.