Editorial - November 2003

Chamber gets a Lincoln snapshot

Published November 12, 2003

Presentations by government officials at a weekend chamber retreat in Blowing Rock gave business leaders a snapshot of what’s good, and to some extent, what’s not good in Lincoln County. Underlying the presentations was the difficult prospect of growth in an ailing economy.

While some grand plans were presented for new projects— renovations at City Hall and the fire department, expansion at Gaston College and the major expansion needed in the school system — many somber notes were sounded about the difficult economy.

City Manager Jeff Emory said the ailing economy has had a dramatic effect on cities all across the state and that Lincolnton was lucky to weather the storm. County Manager Stan Kiser also cited significant financial problems resulting from  the continued growth in Lincoln County and state mandated shortfalls. He cited huge expenses now facing the county with the requested school bonds and infrastructure needs.

Neither said Lincoln is out of the woods with this sluggish economy.

Schools Superintendent Jim Watson offered positive notes about improving test scores and the introduction of ROTC at West Lincoln High School, but he also sounded a warning about the explosive population growth that can only be accommodated with a major, and expensive, school building program. Watson had some urgency in his voice about getting new schools and expansions underway. Voters are almost certain to be asked to approve a bond issue, and the chamber is likely to call on its more than 500 members to support it.

Internally, the chamber continues to struggle with its appeal to the eastern part of the county where many businesses decline membership, some even joining up with out-of-county chambers. This is not new. Many Lincolnton-based organizations have the same problem as the chamber in capturing the interest of these newcomers who identify more closely with the Charlotte area.

We would urge the chamber not to give up on this most important growth area of the county. Self-promotion  and a high profile is critical for the future of the chamber. Though the chamber closed down an office in east Lincoln after it found little interest or participation after a year’s run, it should reconsider some presence in the area, even if its an office-share arrangement with some other organization.

The often-made suggestion that the chamber remove the “Lincolnton” from its official title is a good idea, though its arguable whether it would make any difference in recruiting east Lincoln membership. It’s just a tedious title for an organization that likes to toot its horn. We don’t think the city of Lincolnton should take offense at such an action. Historically, it has always been well represented by chamber officials.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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