Well here we are on New Year's Eve - it does not seem possible.
Should we talk about what happened this last year, what will happen in the upcoming year or what will happen this evening? Maybe it would be good to discuss a little on all issues for this end of the year summary.
Since my responsibility has been downtown Jamestown I would like to let everyone know I did discuss the business climate in downtown Jamestown with just a few businesses and, by far, did not hit even close to a majority. I did want you to know what a few said to me. Some specialty and retail establishments told me they are having and have had the best year in many years. Some eating and drinking establishments say they have done very well. A representative of service industries told me that in over 30 years in business he has never been as busy as he is right now. In addition to all of this, we have had several new stores open in Jamestown over this past few years. It would very much appear our downtown business structure is really on the road to a great community recovery.
We not only have a good business climate but we have produced events and activities that have made us all proud of our community. People actually want to come downtown for the great activities we are offering. While we have some great bricks and mortar buildings, we also have to have a reason for people to visit our community. I think we have been able to accomplish that.
From the standpoint of the Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation, we have been very fortunate to be pretty successful in all of our endeavors. We do realize, however, we owe a lot to other people and organizations for the success of our activities. The city of Jamestown, and all of its departments, have been an integral partner in all we have collectively been able to accomplish. We owe to all that have helped fund our organization - that includes our memberships. We owe those in the media for their support. We owe a debt of gratitude to all the volunteers who continually help us accomplish our goals. Last, but certainly not least, we owe all of you out there in our community a huge "thank you" for supporting the DJDC and the community in all events and activities. Without your positive support nothing could happen. Team Jamestown is certainly evident.
As far as my personal goals - whether it has been the past or the future, I strive to put something in this community and world that has not been here. Certainly I want it to be tangible but I personally did not want something that was just average. I have wanted something that is spectacular, impressive and way above ordinary. I have had this in mind with everything we have tried to do at DJDC.
As we move into the future I would hope we could continue to move along these lines. This could be in our community development, our business and our personal lives. In my horoscope yesterday it said "Anyone can make the easy, feel good choice - but is it the right one?" Sometimes the best choice is the hard choice, not necessarily the easiest choice. We at DJDC have subscribed to that theory.
My hope is that we are all organized for the end of the year in an effort to move into the New Year successfully. I think as we plan for 2013 the Rotary Four Way test is a great way to look at the upcoming year. Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
We hope everyone has a very Happy New Year!