Posts Tagged ‘Rick Grinnell’

It’s time to move Tucson forward

Inside Tucson Business – Click HERE for full story.
Published on Friday, April 17, 2009

Tucson needs business leadership and I can’t think of a better time for us to stand up and be counted. Yes, it’s hard to be a business owner and even harder to find time under this economic stress. But this is exactly the time for us to stand up and take a real leadership role. If we don’t do it, who will?

Growing up here, the business community was a big part of Tucson. We encouraged growing the financial and economic base; we hoped our next generations of young people stay and build on what we were to leave behind. We shared our success with the community. The business community was involved in recruiting new opportunities for business. Growth was not a bad four-letter word.

It wasn’t all rosy by any means, but there was a better attitude about business and the atmosphere for business was better back then.

What happened? The NIMBY — Not-In-My-Backyard — and No-Growth mentality began and today it has cultivated such a strong voice of negativism, politicians are afraid. Meanwhile, the business community became complacent. We quit on ourselves and our futures. We contributed money to career politicians and yet they turn their backs on the business community. And we let them do it. 

On Wednesday (April 22), Smart United Business Strategies (SUBS), with Inside Tucson Business, will sponsor a business gathering that will focus the issues that need to be addressed and the process to carry it out. It will be from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Sillwell House, 134 S. Fifth Ave.

It’s time the business community took some responsibility to help lead this city in the right direction – a balanced community that appreciates the fact that good business is the best foundation for Tucson.

Please join with us to discuss common-sense ideas for economic development and prosperity building, public safety issues, local elections, budget issues and an up-to-the-minute update on what’s happening in the Legislature.

Let’s take the leadership role necessary to make Tucson a great place to do business so we can all benefit.This is only the beginning of our success. Be a part of it and get involved. To RSVP, send an e-mail to rick@substucson.com or call (520) 624-0231. We’ll have some appetizers.