Doing so allowed Henry Ford's factory workers to buy Model Ts of their own with less than 4 months pay. Such treatment of factory workers was unheard of at the time. In less than 2 years, profits at Ford Motor Company had doubled and Ford had established itself as one of the leading automobile manufacturers in the world-- a position Ford still holds 99 years later.
I bring this up not because I want to argue left-right labor relations but because at the time, Henry Ford recognized his most important investments were right underneath his own roof-- his factories, assembly lines, products and even his employees. Nothing made Henry Ford more money than investing in the things Henry Ford was already responsible for.
Here in Greensboro, those with the most to invest would have you believe they are investing in the same way Henry Ford did back in 1914 but when it comes to Greensboro nothing could be farther from the truth. They'll cite the Greensboro Performing Arts Center as such an investment. It isn't. The 2006 Greensboro Partnership STRATEGIC PLAN FOR A BETTER ECONOMY AND VIBRANT COMMUNITY stated,
"Greensboro is believed to be a net “exporter” of venture capital..."
A net exporter of capital... You know what that signifies? That indicates to Greensboro's working class, Greensboro's business class, Greensboro's creative class, Greensboro's entrepreneurs and those looking at coming to Greensboro to become any of the a fore mentioned that Greensboro's leaders, Greensboro's non profit foundations and Greensboro's politicians care more about their own fat asses than they do the economic development of Greensboro.
But it doesn't end there. Their own research proves me right. Six years later a 2012 study titled, LOCAL SPECIALIZATION, COMPETITIVENESS & GROWTH, a part of the Greensboro Strategic Plan produced by Garner Economics LLC on behalf of the Greensboro Partnership, indicated,
"Probably no comment was heard more frequently in the focus group meetings from respondents than how challenging the business climate of the city and county are from having so many elected officials that are unfriendly towards business. In fact, one quote that was echoed by many in a large focus group was, “I think we have a 19th century government structure in a 21st century world.”
Six years and it only got worse.
I could go on but I think you're getting my point: those with the power and the influence to effect positive change in Greensboro are unwilling to invest in Greensboro, unwilling to invest under their own roofs, unwilling to invest in their own people, in the very things that truly make a city great-- it's people. And they're unwilling to allow others to invest.
The Greensboro Partnership was so embarrassed with the results of their 2012 study that they pulled it from the Internet the same day they posted it online but if you'll google the words, "Oops! It Leaked Out!" you'll find where I saved it for you over a year ago.
Greensboro's 'haves' and those in power will tell you that Greensboro is getting better, the economy is improving and everything is looking up. Ask them to explain the fact that Greensboro and Guilford County are dead last in North Carolina in new job creation. Ask them to explain the fact that according to the Food Research And Action Center, Greensboro is the 3rd hungriest city in America with 23% of our local population in need of more food. As then to explain what is good in terms of household earnings, Greensboro ranks 97 and falling in the nations 100 largest metropolitan statistical areas, 100th out of 102 markets in economic vitality or 95th out of the largest 100 cities in terms of citizens' ability towards upward mobility?
It's hardly any wonder Greensboro's brightest young adults started a Facebook group called Greensboro is Purgatory.
Not even Mayor Robbie Perkins or Mayoral candidate, Councilwoman Nancy Barakat Vaughan will explain these things to you though I've little doubt they'll be happy to tell you how the Steven Tanger Performing Arts Center will help solve these and other Greensboro problems.
And if you believe that... What? You already bought a bridge in Brooklyn?
Finally, as always, I can provide documentation to everything I have written here. Want proof, send an e-mail to RecycleBill@gmail.com and ask. Ye shall receive.
And finally, for those who missed it:
