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October 21, 2010

Werner Braun: Make your voice count

Dalton Daily Citizen

DALTON — We hear it all the time around this time of year: Your voice counts. Your voice makes a difference. Your voice has the chance to shape the future. As elections are nearing, your voice is important, but I’m not here to campaign for elections.

I am here to campaign for a strong and diversified community that helps keep the carpet industry strong for generations to come.

The Dalton-Whitfield area was founded by entrepreneurs who took risks, changed paths, and evolved. We’ve developed many strengths: From an active arts and entertainment atmosphere to excellent educational opportunities; however, in recent years, it’s become evident that we need to evolve again.

On Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Dalton High School theater, there will be a public forum for you to see and hear what has been happening (Phase 1) and how you can help turn this vision into a reality (Phase 2).

For the past year, hundreds of people have been working to create a vision for a more vibrant, economically stable and sustainable community. During Phase 1 of this initiative, through community listening sessions, focus groups, demographic analysis, strategic planning and the utilization of state and federal resources, including the University System of Georgia and the Archway Partnership, an incredible vision for the future of our community has emerged.

The vision statement: Dalton-Whitfield County will be the economic engine of North Georgia, internationally recognized for its innovative business environment, its dedication to high-quality educational opportunities, and its stewardship of the abundant natural resources with which it has been entrusted.

This is a strong vision and statement, if I may say so myself. But what this vision more than letters on a page — it is a plan that will allow every aspect of our town to thrive.  

At the forum, the future of Dalton-Whitfield will be discussed in three main categories:

• Economy: Successful and sustainable industries, diverse and forward thinking economy, and a hub for knowledge-based innovations

• Education: Premier, higher education institution, emphasis on technical education, and enhanced community engagement and expectations across the birth-work continuum

• Environment: A vibrant downtown, progressive transportation infrastructure, expanded greenways, parks and trails, and inviting interstate destination

To expand these three main bullets even further, the community vision focuses on encompassing short-term and long-term goals:

• A stable economy with industry diversification focused on current and potentially available resources

• Enhanced educational services through the development of our strengths — Dalton State College, the public school systems, and technical education — and improvement upon our weaknesses

• An aesthetically pleasing environment comprised of a vibrant downtown area, parks and greenways, and interconnected trails

I can see it now, can’t you?

Dalton will no longer only be the “Carpet Capital of the World,” but a safe and vibrant haven for our children and their children to prosper in.  

Let’s build an educationally enhanced town so when it’s time for our kids to go off to college, they can proudly say, “I’m going to Dalton State College.” Let’s build a town that allows entrepreneurs to blossom. You always wanted to open your own shop in downtown Dalton? Let’s make your dreams come true.  

We can build a stronger Dalton for residents and visitors alike, and there is nothing stopping you from being part of phase 2 — turning our dreams into reality.

At the Carpet and Rug Institute, we talk a lot about “making the grade,” with our Seal of Approval (SOA) products, how we, as an industry, are constantly looking for innovative ways to move forward, and most importantly — we talk about ways of being more than just a carpet town, but a community that helps keep the carpet industry strong.

We’ve come a long way, and now the future is up to us as a community. Come use your voice on Tuesday to help build a Dalton for tomorrow. 

Werner Braun is president and CEO of the Carpet and Rug Institute.

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