FOR THOSE wanting and lacking gainful employment in this region it probably is not much consolation to know that eventually this condition will pass. Even the Great Depression ended, and this is nowhere that severe. Contractions of the economy are, like expansions, regular occurrences.
Nonetheless, the numbers in this northwestern corner of the state are edging into alarming territory. While the state’s February unemployment total climbed to 5.3 percent (up a full percentage point from a year earlier) the 10-county Coosa Valley region topped out at 6.2 percent.
And while Floyd itself was up to 5.7 percent (it was 4.3 at the same time in 2007) that was mild compared to the counties that touch up on this county’s borders — and from whence many of the customers of this region’s primary shopping and services center come.
Chattooga County was at 14.5 percent, the highest in the entire state and do doubt caused by it being a comparatively small in population county absorbing a large layoff (250 at Mount Vernon Mills in Trion). That’s not quite at the 1930s level, where 20 percent numbers were commonplace nationwide, but should be regarded as disturbing.
NOT ONLY that but both Gordon and Walker counties are in the 7 percent category and Bartow’s up to 6. (Polk at 5.4 percent is the “bright spot.”)
Additionally, looking at the statewide map, this is one of only two really intense concentrations of unemployment — and in sharp contrast the northeastern mountain counties, perhaps because they lack much major industry, have the lowest rates.
This didn’t happen all of a sudden, of course, as witnessed by the local food pantries already running out of supplies even before Christmas — and even today looking at growing demand.
Even if one accepts the usual free-enterprise system wisdom that this represents an adjustment period during which old economic priorities shift to new ones, and higher costs force a changeover to new ways of doing things — sort of like the transition from the horse to the horseless carriage — there should be more than community concern. There should be community action.
No, no, no — not the governmental sort, and certainly not if handouts are expected to replace paychecks. The past failures of that approach should require no re-telling. Rather, it involves an increased awareness from those in better shape that more of their neighbors aren’t doing well.
CERTAINLY, because of the increased inter-related nature of our region, when someone in Chattooga (or Gordon and so forth) has to take in their belt a notch it is often some Floyd enterprise that may lose the weight. Worse, if a period of unemployment is extended (and jobless benefits have time limits) the risk is that neighbors will depart for the proverbial “greener pastures.”
In a region that derives much of its uniqueness from deep ancestral roots in the land, that’s a real concern. It’s bad enough that, in good times, our young people often leave (even if later to return) to find opportunity. Fortunately, for many those same extended families will become a fortress that keeps the wolves at bay.
This situation is hardly dire, nor should doom and gloom afflict Northwest Georgians. However, awareness of the general condition and risks must grow and countermeasures, on the personal and individual levels, should be contemplated.
Charitable organizations and churches who render assistance may well need more help during this time and, tight family budgets or not, those who can give more should do so. Government, lending institutions, utilities and similar should step up their informational campaigns regarding existing alternatives to having bills without an income — and regarding the retraining options available to learn how to do the jobs that are still there.
AND LOCAL employers, on their part, if and when they have positions available, should give priority consideration to neighbors much as military veterans get extra “points” toward getting government jobs for having served their country.
This current condition too shall pass — and it is to be hoped sooner than later. However, in the meantime the general outlook of both ourselves and the unemployed would be greatly brightened by knowing that this community is capable at doing more than just looking at glum statistics and saying tut-tut.
And, there being yet some survivors of really bad times among us, it might not hurt to seek them out to hear them say what they all would say: “You think this is bad??!!”
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