This editorial was in the Stateman Journal on Sunday and I felt it filled with so many wonderful economic aspects about Salem, that I wanted to share it. It seems that negative and sensational news is what we remember, while there are so many positive aspects of our local economy we can focus upon!
The future does hold promise for Salem!
Economic news is not all bad in Salem - Bill Church - November 9, 2008
Eons from now, when media archeologists pick through the rubble of 2008, they'll find remains that will make them pause.
There, on the front pages of the Statesman Journal, they'll discover headlines that 2008 wasn't a complete economic wasteland.
Amid the scorched landscape of plundered pensions, job losses, slumping sales and credit-default swaps were signs of new life - at least in Salem, Ore.
It didn't take much digging to spot these significant finds in recent front pages of the Statesman Journal:
"Boise site redevelopment details emerge" - The Sept. 12 story offered the first drawings of plans to turn the 11-acre Boise Cascade property into offices, retail spaces, parking and living spaces.
"Grant bolsters Kroc Center effort by $500,000" - The Sept. 17 story chronicled M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust's half-million-dollar grant to the Mid-Valley's Kroc Community Center in Salem.
"Solar-cell factory to bring 200 jobs" - The top story on Sept. 26 revealed that Sanyo Solar of Oregon plans to build an $80 million manufacturing plant and employ 200 workers in Salem. (Two other stories about Sanyo have since appeared on the front page.)
"Salem rolls out the tech carpet" - On Oct. 15, readers learned that Salem Convention & Visitors Association plans to change its name to Travel Salem and open an interactive center in downtown Salem. The move is expected to boost the Mid-Valley's growing tourism economy.
"Demolition preparation begins" - The Oct. 24 story offered details on the next steps for renovating and rebuilding the Oregon State Hospital. The $279 million project will add jobs in Salem.
"Salem inaugurates development site with FedEx center" - On a turbulent day for economic news, the Oct. 29 front page reflected FedEx Ground's first-tenant status at Mill Creek Corporate Center. FedEx Ground plans to employ 90 people at its new 50,000-square-foot warehouse.
Perhaps the most significant news for Salem was a small headline - "S-K voters support schools bond" - that appeared on the historic Nov. 5 front page. Our best-selling newspaper this year was dominated by the top story of 2008 - the election of Barack Obama as president of the United States - but recognized (on a busy Election Day) the passage of a $242.2 million bond issue for Salem-Keizer schools.
No one doubts that these are trying economic times. Yet a majority of voters in the Salem-Keizer School District delivered an affirming message that we believe in education and our community's future.
Richard Florida's fascinating new book, "Who's Your City," examines five major categories that affect our happiness with where we live. He identified security (physical and economic), basic services (schools, roads, health care), leadership (elected and civic), openness (tolerance for others) and aesthetics (amenities and cultural offerings) as qualitative factors in where people choose to live.
Take a look around and you'll find our community has been working to address those qualitative factors.
New, high-tech jobs are coming here. Salem Hospital is expanding. Bonds will improve schools, roads and our community college. Community leaders and elected officials seem to be on the same page. The economy hasn't deterred optimism for our work force, love of arts and pride in being Oregonians.
The future holds promise. Even in these trying times.
Bill Church is executive editor of the Statesman Journal. His column appears on Sundays. Contact him at bchurch@StatesmanJournal.com; P.O. Box 13009, Salem, OR 97309; or (503) 399-6712. Read his blog at www.StatesmanJournal.com/billchurch.
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