Spring is Coming!
I hope you will give me a little latitude in my piece today. I am going to start with something as simple as: It feels like Groundhog Day! We all remember the movie where day after day is the same.
This can be the gray in the sky or, for many, the news of the last few weeks on the local economy. In the movie, Bill Murray learned how to do many things and a lot about himself even while repeating the same day over and over again. This is where we are at today. We know the sun will come back, we know the tide will change and the sun must shine for there to be a shadow.
I am using this piece to share why things are happening in this region and what is to come. I have attempted to be positive but realistic about what the future can be for this region. At times, I know it is hard for everyone to feel the faith and embrace that we shall grow and succeed.
I attended the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in Ashland a few weeks ago. I was moved by the notion that everyone has a voice and collectively we can make change to everything. Remember the words: “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, and if you can’t walk then crawl, but just keep moving.” We will do more than just move, we will lead the way for a new and sunny day.
I spoke last week to the Ceredo Business Association, which is their Chamber of Commerce and Business Organization. I thought I went there to share what we the Alliance along with our partners were doing and how we are addressing the news of the last few weeks. I thought I was there for them.
However, it was for me. I needed to hear what many of you have heard me share over the last five years. We are special. We have advantages. And when defined, branded and marketed to the right people, we cannot fail. After my presentation, suddenly, I just felt better.
Collectively we can move ahead, just as this publication unites the Tri-State, we are a common people. We have the same DNA and the same family bonds that if aligned with a dose of hope and vision, we will build something bigger and better than today, and what has been seen for a long, long time.
This piece today was needed to remind you of the same thing. We all need to realize the sun will shine again. Spring is coming! The Kentucky Derby and the beauty of spring is going to be welcomed.
I know I don’t have the gift of men and women of the past in painting the picture of the wonder of where we all call home. What we do have is the megaphone of hope. We are doing the work, we are sharing the opportunity, and we are making a difference.
Thank you for the opportunity to be the first one to say spring is coming and not a day too soon.