Out of the rat trap and into the rat race

I want to take a second to expand a bit on what I was going through towards the end of my last entry. Creating jobs that benefit the community.

Now, let me start by saying that I am not talking about a non-profit, lets help the community type of spot. Not a "where the kids go after to school to get help reading" or a "counseling center" or anything along those lines. We've already got the Stanton Center for that. I'm talking about a business that utilizes the collective strengths within the present community.

See if we can find a way to work with what is present and create opportunity we SOLVE THE PROBLEM. Think about it, we are talking about revitalizing an existing structure, giving it a fresh face, filling it with a business or buisnesses that employ people from the neighborhood thereby giving people more financial freedom (or real freedom, this is a free country only when you can afford it-be real here). When people start earning dollars it changes their outlook. They no longer struggle on a day to day, there becomes a light. Capitalism baby, gotta love it. Follow the thinking get out the rat trap and into the rat race.

So, what are we working with?

For the most part the demographic back here is African American. That much I do know, beyond that the level of education and different skill sets that are present I cannot clearly state but, based upon appearances and reputation there is a good chance that we are working with a lower educated and less discretionary spending group, generally speaking. Don't come at me with any remarks about judgements or racial profiles, I don't want to hear it, especially if you don't live back here with me.

Using this general idea as a basis, what kind of business could both both employ the local residents and serve a greater business interest? Looking deeper here we would want a business that caters to African Americans, requires manpower or womanpower, but does not have a "too time intensive" training to it. What does that give us?

Where do you put it?

On Clay Street of course. There are several commercial properties that are back here that could really stand to be filled with a business that is in line with the aforementioned profile. If you suggest liquor store I will send a resident to punch you in your mouth. Liquor stores are part of the problem back here and further could only employ a few. We need something that employs I'm thinking in the 20-40 people range.

Some ideas to get things moving.

A call center? Perhaps a local company or Maryland based company that has a customer service element to it could work in one or more of the buildings back here. By and large though a lot of these businesses are being outsourced overseas where the labor is cheaper. We have to keep in mind wages and competitive pricing elsewhere. It could work though, we need a niche player.

A manufacturer? Someone who is developing something and scaling it out, a product to be shipped? Something environmentally friendly though, we don't want a big print press coming back here and killing us with their fumes. Got to be green.

Remember we have plenty of parking, there is a garage that is right next to Clay. It can be done.

Okay if you are reading, work with me, submit some ideas in the comment sections below. I know enough people that an idea that is worth its salt could become a reality.

Hollaback (that means get at me in Clay speak)