While I’m not so optimistic to pretend the ongoing recession is over (nationally or locally), there are signs in Barrow County we may be starting to climb upward on the ladder rather than in the opposite direction.
New businesses continue to open and talk of even more arriving can only mean good news in terms for our local economy. Bojangles is rapidly approaching its opening giving residents a fast-food choice on that side of town.
Dooley’s recently opened in the location of the former Mellow Mushroom and it was nice to see that location no longer sitting vacant. It always seemed such a prime location with heavy traffic pouring by on a daily basis.
Baja Grill has taken over the former Sonia’s address. This location was closed only a short amount of time before the new operation moved in after some remodeling.
For the first time in years, a grocery store is available in the heart of the downtown Winder area as Piggly Wiggly Express opened for business recently. My travels during the week often take me by the location near the Winder Post Office and a steady stream of customers can be observed going in each day at all hours.
The news is work is set to begin on our new state-of-the-art movie complex, something which has long been needed for Winder and Barrow County. Even in tough economic times, people still seem to find ways to scratch up the funds to see movies. This new venture will not only create new jobs but will also give young and alike the opportunity for an afternoon or evening of entertainment.
While these businesses are already here or are in the works, municipality leaders throughout the county are looking to add even more. Bethlehem mayor Sandy McNab has told me several times through the years he wants to bring restaurants to his town and the recent addition of an alcohol ordinance will give the town a chance to bring in more than just fast food establishments. McNab is looking at catching the eye of a Longhorn or Chili’s down the road and knew that an alcohol ordinance was the first step.
The tough economic times are not going to disappear today, tomorrow, next month and probably not next year. Once the economy reaches the state it is now in, it takes years, maybe even a decade, for things to turn around.
However, we are seeing positive signs in Barrow County at least. Leaders continue to work to make things improve and we are seeing those signs on a daily basis. Other positive signs include remodeling of areas including the Winder Square Center. When a city looks good physically, then many times good economic times do follow. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy in many ways.
Winder officials recently announced an effort to clean up many blight-infected areas. This can only be good news for many reasons. In the long term, it will also help in turning around the local economy by potentially bringing in more new businesses. More businesses mean more new jobs.
We’re not out of the woods yet, locally or otherwise. However, certain steps have to be taken before the finish line is reached. Those necessary initial steps are being taken locally. Hopefully, we can continue on the current path we are on in Barrow County. It’s vital for the future of every family who makes their home here. It’s something we should all take pride in helping accomplish.
For without pride in the place where you live, the foundation will only crumble. We need to build things up, not allow them to crumble here in our home.
Chris Bridges is editor of the Barrow Journal. You can reach him at cbridges@barrowjournal.com.
