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By Tony Russell
One of the emphases of our Partnership Committee has been on finding ways to help stimulate some economic
development. Tom McColley believes, passionately, that economic development in Calhoun County and areas like it will
depend on local people starting small businesses. When we look at all the industries in the region that have locked their
doors over the last few years, it is hard to argue with him. We can't compete with China for industrial jobs when the average
factory worker there makes 40 cents an hour, and two-thirds of the Chinese people are living on less than a dollar a day.
Last year Wal-Mart bought about $14 billion worth of the goods you see on its shelves from its Chinese subsidiaries.
So Tom wants to help local people learn how to turn their talents and craft skills
into part time or full time businesses. He and his wife Connie have learned how to do that in the school of hard knocks; now
they want to save other people some of the pain.
If you have a skill or craft, if you make turkey calls, furniture, finger puppets, baskets, floral designs, jewelry, prints, pottery,
photography, or any of hundreds of other possibilities, why not invest a few evenings into exploring the possibility of making a
small business out of your abilities. In March, Tom will be heading up three sessions on "Turning Your Craft into a
Business." They are scheduled for three consecutive Wednesday evenings, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at the Middle/High
School on March 12, 19, and 26. There is no charge for participating. Call Linda Simmons at the Lights On! office,
354-7595, to register.
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