The Ledger

By Becky Holland

Lately I’ve seen quite a bit of discussion about the newest business coming to town. Some people are excited. Some aren’t. That’s their right.

But it got me thinking.

In Cochran and Bleckley County, we seem to have more than one of a lot of things. Multiple restaurants, hair salons, florists, boutiques, media outlets, churches, and service businesses. We have two fire departments, two law enforcement agencies, two funeral homes, and two governing bodies.

Sometimes it feels like Noah could have loaded the ark right here.

And honestly, that’s not a bad thing.

Competition creates choices. Choices create opportunities. Opportunities create growth.

Not every business is for every person. Not every restaurant serves the food you like. Not every store carries what you need. That’s okay.

The fact that someone opens a business doesn’t mean you have to become a customer. But it does mean someone saw enough potential in our community to invest their money and take a chance on Cochran.

That’s worth recognizing.

Now before someone says it, yes, I’d love to see another grocery store. I think most of us would. And yes, I’d love to see more family entertainment options.

Those are reasonable conversations to have.

But those conversations have to be grounded in reality, not cynicism.

Sometimes we become so focused on what we don’t have that we forget to appreciate what we do have. We assume every business owner, elected official, volunteer, or community leader has some hidden agenda.

Most of the time, they’re simply trying to do the best they can.

Are mistakes made? Of course.

Should we ask questions? Absolutely.

Should we stay involved? Every day.

But we can do those things while still believing in our community and the people who serve it.

When I look around Cochran and Bleckley County, I see good people. I see business owners taking risks, volunteers giving their time, and neighbors working to make this community better.

If you have concerns, voice them. Attend meetings. Ask questions. Get involved.

Just remember there are real people on the other side of those conversations.

Be open.

Be kind.

Listen.

Support.

Shop local.

Dine local.

Gas up local.

Serve local.

Support local.

Be local.

Because communities don’t grow when we sit on the sidelines criticizing them.

Communities grow when we invest in them.