Use all the tools available

To the editor:

Regarding your editorial “Looking for Mr. Goodbar,” you call for a “shift in emphasis,” away from wooing the big boys, your Mr. Goodbar, toward more of a focus on developing a broader entrepreneur class. I argue that organizations in Sullivan County devoted to economic development must use every resource they control to attract business, both big and small.

Entrepreneurs are not being ignored in this county. While the chamber of commerce does sponsor many great programs for small businesses, BOCES, Sullivan County Community College, Cornell Cooperative Extension, New York State Department of Labor, the county and the Partnership for Economic Development all sponsor local programs for small, even “mom and pop” businesses. In fact, the Partnership administers a low-interest revolving loan program that is targeted at small businesses. The local Curves in Monticello is an example of an aggressive entrepreneur who took a chance, sought the assistance of the Partnership and who now has a thriving business in a village that needs more thriving businesses.

We operate in a market where the competition for the big projects is fierce. In many instances, there would not be a competition at all if we did not have the tax tools to offer. That’s just the way it goes. I believe, with a cooperative effort, the economic development agencies of Sullivan County can effectively and efficiently serve the business attraction initiatives that the market presents. The county’s Economic Development Corporation will add positively to this effort.

I’m not looking for Mr. Goodbar. I’m looking for a business or businesses that help build our tax base and provide meaningful, career-type jobs. Remember, in the novel and film, Mr. Goodbar winds up being a really, really bad guy. Nobody wants a white knight like that.

There’s already plenty of support

To the editor:

You suggest a shift in emphasis and more thought to helping individuals who live here become successful entrepreneurs. I am a small business entrepreneur in Sullivan County. My company is a member investor to the Partnership for Economic Development and the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce. As such, I know that if I am in need of financing, education, training or business advice that I can call on these organizations for assistance.

And I choose not to bemoan tax abatements to the so-called “knights-errant.” Rather, I welcome them. And I seek out opportunities to blend the needs of big business with the talents of my small organization. I do this, all in the name of economic development, which I believe will ultimately lead to the greater good of Sullivan County.