I sat through a meeting led by two of Connecticuts leading Economists. The longer I listened the more obvious it became that if anything would be done to assist our Business Community during this downturn, it would be up to us in the local community to make things happen.

 

The State has a huge budget shortfall, and with all the cutbacks proposed by the Governor, we still are looking to the Stimulus Package to

shore up our 2009-2010 budget. State help won't be coming at least for a year or two.

 

I have great faith in the innovative strengths of the American people, and their ability to construct viable solutions to problems in spite of the governments huge interference in Business operations, through regulation and taxes.

 

Locally we are talking about solutions that involve cooperation between the largest corporations and financial institutions, and the small business community and the public, in ways never seen before. "Business Support" is going to be the mantra for the foreseeable future, if we are to survive with a viable business base in our communities.

 

There has to be a realization, that we're all are interdependent to a degree for our economic survival, and that all of us, CEO, and the local

Barber, have a vital stake in the outcome. The way this downturn has hit, and the loack of coherent leadership that people can trust, have created a perception that is and will continue to depress consumer confidence and thus spending for a significant time period.

 

I will post results of what we are trying as they develop, in the meantime, I'd suggest that you who are god forbid "Comunity Leaders"

try and hold talks with others of influence, considering "what can I or my Company, Bank or whatever do to help the business community survive this storm.

 

An example: Town and City management, must instruct their regulatory employee's to be sensitive to the the terrible pressures being put on the business community, and City Managers and mayors must provide means so that they support, rather than destroy these businesses that need attention from them. There are zoning and signage regulations that are costly for small businesses to comply with. Now is not the time to play the role of enforcer, what's needed now is a helping hand.

 

God bless and good luck to all

 

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