By JIM PERRY, Publisher
Gainesville Daily Register
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When I was growing up my dad taught me that to be successful you must keep a “PMA.” Just in case you don’t know, that stands for “positive mental attitude.” I still have it and I still believe in it.
The stock market is driven by fear of perception. The market will fluctuate according to how something looks to the other party, the other investor or the other nation. Often, I think our local economy works the same way. If we wallow in doom and gloom, that is the result. Or, we can take another approach.
No matter which way the winds blow on Wall Street or in Washington, we have seen that by working together, we can improve our situation here in north Texas. I’ve found business leaders in Cooke County that understand how we can make things better for ourselves right here, right now. We make use of the good things that are working for us and we discard those things which work against us.
Several of our Industrial leaders published an open letter to the citizens of Gainesville in this newspaper last Sunday. It presented some undisputable facts that show Gainesville’s progress, head and shoulders above our neighbors. Its purpose was to point out why a new market rate apartment complex makes sense for Gainesville. We all want people who work here to live here and support our local economy. If you missed this, I hope you’ll give it a read.
Hundreds of new jobs have been created here as a result of industrial expansion and investment. As a result, Gainesville has the lowest unemployment rate in 2012 compared with Denton, Collin, Grayson and Wise Counties.
Our city had a 78% increase year over year of sales tax collections, which is a driver for a strong local economy. The average weekly wage In Cooke County also exceeds that of both Grayson and Denton Counties.
Savvy local leaders understand that to move forward we must maintain pro growth policies and a collective desire to work with, not against business and industry. They believe that with a positive approach there is a positive result.
To that end, I hope you’ll take a look at Gainesville Pride, a new business section in this newspaper each Wednesday and Friday. We’re spotlighting eight Pride partners per day with a feature story on two each week. First up we featured Johnny Leftwich, owner of Dustin Office Machines.
Johnny and his wife Mary Lou are true blue supporters of Gainesville and our community’s progress. Johnny started his career at Dustin’s working as a youngster and now owns this successful downtown business. He is promoting the positive attributes of our community and our local Kiwanis wherever he goes.
Our Friday installment features Eddie Dulock and the team at Dulock’s Paint and Body Shop. This is a second generation local business doing award winning repairs since 1938. Stevens Floor Coverings has the same approach in their business, providing the very best in customer service since 1948. Gary Endres and his family have continued the tradition as owners since 1989, delivering quality product with competitive pricing and the very best customer service.
Another Pride partner, Geo. J. Carroll and Son Funeral Home at 602 Lindsay Street, is family owned and operated. They have served Cooke County and vicinity for over 100 years. Super Dave Hampton at Dry Clean Super Center is always involved in helping charitable organizations.
His annual coat drive benefitting ABBA and his work with Rotary for the Meals on Wheels and American flag program keeps him working for those in need.
Another mover and shaker tirelessly working to better our city is Mayor Jim Goldsworthy. He’s committed to the success of our community and as our State Farm agent, like a good neighbor, he’s there to promote success in our schools, our churches and our community.
Likewise, NTMC CEO Randy Bacus stays busy running our progressive North Texas Medical Center. This facility is actively recruiting new physicians and medical specialists to our community and has opened new clinics and offices while continuing to upgrade the campus and hospital located at I-35 and US Hwy. 82.
The list goes on and on. However, you’ll find one common thread throughout this message. Gainesville Pride is alive and well. Our community is strong and our people stronger. Stick around awhile and you’ll like it enough to spend a lifetime here. Gainesville Pride, we’ve got a good thing going.
