Message From the President/CEO
A Matter of Passion
By Mark Blackney
President/CEO
Last Monday I participated in the Citizens’ Summit presented by the city of Clovis. This event is held every two years to let the city learn how its citizens feel about its governance.
About 100 people were seated at round tables hosted by the city council and city staff members. The citizens brainstormed about different issues and created long lists to be consolidated by the city.
Everybody agreed that what they like best about Clovis is its schools, public safety, Way of Life and ambiance. Of course, I added the Old Town festivals. Others added the trails and parks, Old Town itself and traditional values.
We were then asked what we’d like to preserve knowing the current financial crisis. Top priorities were parks and recreation, the senior center, landscaping, streets and public safety. But how to pay for it? That was the hard part.. More retail was often mentioned and becoming more business friendly. We discussed how we must diversify our economic base with businesses in manufacturing, research and development and high technology. To do so, we must provide those amenities that attract upper management to do business such as municipal golf courses and tennis courts.
The city came away with some concrete ideas of where to go over the next two years. Of course, finances will dictate the direction they take.
I came away impressed by the passion and concern the citizens of Clovis feel about the community. All the participants were serious about their comments as many took a long time to create their lists. They want to maintain the special Clovis Way of Life but recognize the financial restraints we have to face in the future.
The Clovis Chamber is doing its part in keeping the Clovis Way of Life. We are working with our members to improve their businesses and bringing on new members, many who are new businesses to the area. The Chamber knows that a healthy economy perpetuates a healthy community.
In the Chamber booth at BIG Hat Days there will be petitions that you can sign to stop the state from taking our city money. Stopping that government theft will help our city keep its programs.
We laud the city for listening to the public and the participants for giving up their Monday evening. With all the enthusiasm in that room, the future of Clovis looks bright.
Back a Page | Top of Page
|
Newsletter Main Page
Blog
|