The O’Reilly Auto Parts store under construction on the North Duncan Bypass is just such a vote of confidence in Union County’s future. It says the contractor building the facility and the company that will be locating there believes Union County is a worthwhile investment of their time, energy and money. It says they believe Union County residents will be both good customers and good employees.
Union County has benefited from such votes of confidence by the private sector in recent years including the Wal-Mart super center; the new Dollar General stores that have opened in Monarch, Buffalo and Lockhart; the new McDonald’s; the renovation of Hardee's; Gestamp and many more. Whether it’s a new business setting up shop or an existing business building a new facility or refurbishing an old one, such actions are the strongest sign of a company’s confidence in the community and its future.
While public sector projects like the Timken Sports Complex and the Advanced Technology Center as well as road, bridge and other infrastructure improvements make positive and vital contributions to our community, the key to a healthy economy is the private sector. The private sector is the primary engine of economic development, job creation and the subsequent generation of tax revenue that makes public sector projects possible. It is the key to the long-term health of the economy and it’s confidence in a community is what turns that key to open the door to prosperity.
The construction of the O’Reilly Auto Parts store comes at a time when this county is still grappling with an economic downturn that has idled roughly one-fifth of its workforce. While a new business — or the expansion of an existing one — is always welcome, it’s especially heartening now since it not only brings jobs and the potential for additional investment but also because it raises the possibility the economy may be finally starting to turn around.
That would be good news indeed.
Union County is a good fit for O’Reilly Auto Parts as it is for Dollar General, Wal-Mart, Gestamp and any other private sector firm looking for a place to do business and/or to expand. We have what they need, a workforce ready and eager to work hard and better its situation and that of its children and grandchildren; a customer base that responds favorably to businesses that deliver bargains and quality service; a community leadership that strives every day to promote economic development as well as public improvements like the sports complex and the technology center; and a quality of life that makes this county not only a great place to do business but to live.
O’Reilly knows this as does Dollar General, Wal-Mart, Gestamp and many other businesses both large and small. Their presence is a vote of confidence in this county and its future.
We should show as much confidence in ourselves by taking advantage of the opportunities their presence offers us and work with them to build a better and more prosperous future.
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