Tell us how you plan to attract jobs

Over the past few days, The Mount Airy News has run several stories talking with local officials about what they view as the most significant challenges facing the area in 2009.

[schoolmom60]

Well building a Prison would be helpful because we are so close to VA. if they escape the prisoner's will be VA. problem and of course they have so many officers on this side of their state the prisoners will make WV I think you get my drift. As far as bring jobs it might bring 4-8. The rest are state jobs transfered in.

I say let us look for companies that want distribution hubs this county is so central to most of all of the east coast central states. As restriction get tighter on 18 wheel drivers 10 hours one way can get you to 18 states and the D of C and postage from this local to these plus 12 more is less expensive then and other state So, that makes this location great for some large internet companies that want commercial warehousing and that would bring a lot of LOCAL jobs We have the trucking would possible add more We have the Fedex hub. We have low taxes. We have the land (space).

[philmore]

Surry Co needs to look at what makes an area attractive from the business viewpoint. If we keep tax/start up permit rates low enough on businesses, thats one thing that will help. Good roads for transporting goods and people is another one. That will mean local politicians lobbying the Board of Trans. member for this area to upgrade bridges, etc.
Avoid making the cost of living here and doing business here from skyrocketing.

[Chad]

I hate to say it, but Surry county has been going downhill for well over 10 years. Is anyone really seeing a comeback?