And,
remember those who served
By: Jim
Walton
CEO
Brand
Acceleration, Inc.
On this
Memorial Day morning, I find myself thinking of lost family members and those
who fought and died so that each of us can live a free and wonderful life.
Coincidentally,
at about the same time I was writing this article, the Black Diamond Jet Team
flew over my house as they prepared for the traditional Indianapolis 500
flyover. This reminded me that for generations, the American military has not
only served the needs of our country, but also for the freedom of oppressed
peoples around the globe.
Just as
we rebuilt our economy after wars, we find ourselves rebuilding after years of
economic struggle. Although many causes and symptoms remain, our economy is
beginning to show encouraging signs of recovery. There is still work to do, and
we need to be smart about it.
As long
as I can remember, parents have been telling their children that the ticket to
a better life is a college education, and I certainly agree. For some, though,
a back of back-breaking toil still exists. My Dad spent much of his life
feeding the family through physical labor. It was respectable work, but
physically demanding. As an electrician, he climbed poles for the local rural
electric cooperative, wired houses, and served as an electrician in a factory. Like
many jobs, these are changing dramatically.
Parents,
guidance counsellors, teachers, and school administrators, in a quest to get
students into a four-year university, often stereotype factory work as dirty,
stinky, dangerous, physically demanding, and a place where unskilled people end
up. As economic developers, we need to educate the parents and educators about
the realities of today’s factories, food processors, distribution centers and
other places where workers make stuff. They are well intentioned, but often
just ignorant of today’s realities.
The
fact is that some young people, for whatever reason, won’t attend a four-year
school. Sometimes it’s due to less-than-ideal grades, or maybe the young person
doesn’t fit into a university environment. In many cases, the person is someone
who enjoys working with his or her hands. For this person, community colleges
often hold the key. A certificate program in welding, CNC operation, machine
maintenance, or other program may provide just what is needed for a fulfilling and
comfortable life.
Today’s
facilities are bright, clean, safe, and utilize some of the most advanced
technology in the world. The jobs are available, in huge demand, and pay very
well. Who would have thought that a CNC operator would earn $125,000 a year
turning our engine parts?
At a
time when many communities are racing to prepare Certified Business Parks and erect
spec shell buildings, many are also working hard to prepare a trained spec
workforce. When a prospect calls, the sites, buildings, and workforce are ready
to roll.
On this
solemn day, when we honor those who gave so much for our country, I suggest
that one way to honor their service is to prepare for an economy that will fuel
our nation’s economic recovery and lead the world for generations to come. As a
reminder to yourself, be sure to fly your flag, too.
I’d
love to hear from you. Feel free to share your thoughts and personal
experiences below.
Have a
great week and I’ll see you soon,
Jim
Walton
CEO
Brand
Acceleration, Inc.
Branding
// Marketing Communications // Public Relations
Indianapolis:
317.536.6255
Fax:
317.222.1425
Cell:
317.523.7380
Brand Acceleration is a full-service
marketing communications, brand management and website development firm with a
focus on community and economic development.
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