By the time you read this article, for which I thank you, I will be nearly half way through my motorcycle journey to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Ah, the open road. I will miss you this week. However, as I gaze at the majestic Dakota mountains and bask in the historic beauty of Mount Rushmore, rest assured, I’ll be listening to WFNC’s morning show with Goldy and Jim on I Heart Radio and thinking about all the wonderful things going on in Fayetteville.

 

I’m particularly excited about what’s going on in Historic Downtown Fayetteville. There seems to be a new attitude down there. I wouldn’t call it a Renaissance just yet, but business owners and residents seem to be getting organized and are stepping up and investing not only in downtown’s  infrastructure but, in establishing its identity and brand, which will eventually define and refine downtown Fayetteville’s precarious image. This movement seems to understand the importance that marketing and promotion in defining the overall value of a successful and prosperous downtown has to a community both culturally and economically. In particular, I was extremely glad to hear that the Chamber of Commerce is moving back downtown. With additional new businesses and development, motivated people with innovative ideas are stepping forward. I think we’re going to experience a serious sort of downtown rejuvenation like we have never seen before — the first step in establishing Fayetteville as a major North Carolina destination point. What’s not to like about that?

 

So, bring on Sanderson Farms, its poultry, their 1,100 jobs and multimillion dollar economic impact on our community. The timing is perfect, the leadership is in place and, we can handle it! Hey, this is no time to be “chicken”.

 

Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.