Good Work and Measurement
The story goes that the economy lost 23,000 jobs in July, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics this morning. The "surprise," according to economic specialists, is that they had predicted employers would add 83,000 jobs in July. Locally in Westcliffe and Silver Cliff, tourism and sales tax figures showed that tax revenue was also down. Some blamed the wildfires and the way the media reported on them. Tourism officials are looking to launch an advertising campaign to counter media reports. "You would think that our town burned!" one person said. Instead, the reality is that while the retail and hospitality season may have been down, the service sector of non-taxable services was busy. On Main Street, speeding cars traveling through town on Highway 96 to 69 averaged 800 per hour, with 732 clocked at over 50 miles per hour. Had the Sheriff's office not been busy with the Aspen Acres Fires, the county could have brought in $1,400 an hour in traffic fines. In addition, two key businesses are closing or have already closed.
Launching, Learning and Landing Well
Community organizations that advocate for a responsible economy, ecology, education and entrepreneurship are the CORE indicators of a healthy economy and ecology. Retaining homegrown talent through continuing education is the only way we can retain the next generation. And since we need the next generation to help face challenges such as wildfires, droughts, and economic problems, we need to expand our communities to work with towns and counties within a 100-mile radius. We don't need more employees; we need more incubators that launch local talent into the marketplace, create a learning environment that mentors and fosters continuation and change, and utilizes and loves its people. That is a system of responsible economics, ecology, education and entrepreneurship — anywhere. And it takes a community that understands how to utilize its skills. As Wendell Berry calls it, "a return to kindness." A friend of mine says, "Things die out as people retire, and things die out." That's how communities die.
Less Jobs and Good Work
Southern Colorado Startup Week in Colorado Springs heads south for a full day in Fremont County! Keynote sessions from advanced satellite tech companies Anubis Labs and Narravity, Inc.; an ag-robotics demo from Sarah Hinkley of BOPA-Precision Agriculture; a startup showcase; a book signing from Joze Petrich, founder of Rural Pattern Language; and much, much more! This is a free event, with food and drinks provided. Come for just a session or stay for the day! The Emergent Campus in Florence and Trinidad are the places that foster entrepreneurship. Employment statistics should not be what determines the economy. Each community can take responsibility for its economics. Each community can take responsibility for continuing education. Each community can take responsibility for its environment, and it all relates to creating entrepreneurs.
CORE/CREATE
When Richard Arnold Beattie stopped looking for employment and started working at what he was made to do, he began to change the narrative. CREATE Daily came out of that vision. Every day he works in the communities he serves, recreating through recreation, education, arts, transportation and entrepreneurship. Through his daily work, he writes a daily column, produces and hosts a daily podcast and radio show, and shares it with the communities he serves. As an author, journalist, singer, guitarist and songwriter, he speaks to communities large and small. As the leader of the Leadon Family Foundation, Sound Century Academy of Recording Arts and Broadcasting, Valley Parks and Recreation, and Beattie Communications Studios, he creates and delivers presentations, concerts, workshops and classes online, on stage, and on air. He is an award-winning writer, producer and performer who creates media programming, and is a radio host, writer, entrepreneur and mentor. To support and join him in his work, email soundcenturyoriginals@gmail.com.
