We may be bruised. We may be blue, but we’re not beat! We’ve come back before. In fact our middle name is &uot;resilient.&uot;

We know this community offers one of the best opportunities for business growth and prosperity. Our chance at a Fortune 500 company allows us to build momentum for the next business opportunity. And yes indeed there will be another opportunity. How we determine to view this process will determine how our community moves ahead. Working together is key. Reminding ourselves of our past successes is key as well.

To assist us in learning and understanding the economic development processes, along with the challenges and ways to improve our system, Greater Jobs, Inc. invites citizens to a community forum, Thursday, Dec. 5 from 7-9 p.m. at Riverland Community College.

FACT: There are more than 60 major industries in Albert Lea/Freeborn County operating from a total of more than 125,000,000 square feet and employing more than 5,600 individuals.

FACT: The Albert Lea Port Authority, Greater Jobs, Inc. and economic development partners have recruited or grown 11 companies over the last five years: Natural Biologics, Aspen Hill, Jacobsen Supply Co., Metal Culverts, WLW Processing, The Soap Deli, Superior, Daisy Blue Naturals, Aquila, Inglow Company, and Nash Finch Co.

FACT: In the last 20 years the Albert Lea Port Authority and Greater Jobs, Inc. have provided more than $4 million in funding for expanding business and new business. This does not include the $500,000 invested in our new Albert Lea Business Development Center.

FACT: In the last five years at least 25 industries have expanded their facilities, totaling 521,000 square feet.

Our future looks bright. We must as a community decide what we can control and influence, and what is simply beyond our control. Understanding the competition for companies across the country and the challenge of economic development marketing is a start. Let’s compare. There are seven major car companies in the United States and there were $14,600,000 in new car sales in the most recent year. Compare that to 12,000 to 15,000 economic development organizations and a maximum of 1,500 major projects a year with 100-plus job opportunities.

Now let’s consider the numbers of small businesses which are taking off and succeeding. Back in 1950 one would have found only 150,000 people starting a small business, compared to 2000 when 2.1 million people became entrepreneurs.

Over which scenario do we have the most control and influence? That’s why today we have a Mrs. Gerry’s Kitchen, Alamco Wood Products and Interstate Molding, just to name a few. Let’s remember how Microsoft got their start.

Recruitment is important and necessary when it comes to economic development. However we must not let Ford Company’s decision create turmoil and separation in our community, but rather encourage us to become ever so united, so when the next opportunity is there, we will be ready once again.

Pam Bishop is executive vice president of Greater Jobs, Inc., a Freeborn County economic-development organization.