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GREENSBORO — The economy tanked and job losses have hurt the area, but speakers at the State of Our Community luncheon instead focused on the Triad’s future in education, collaboration and growth.

Speakers on Wednesday at the event hosted by the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce answered questions on the economy, business and other issues facing the area.

“It was informative, but they seemed to go over the same stuff,” said David Tolin of Synergetic Staffing, who listened to speakers including Guilford County commissioners Chairman Melvin “Skip” Alston, Greensboro Mayor Yvonne Johnson and Alan Duncan, chairman of the county Board of Education.

“If you want to have new ideas, those will come from those sitting at the tables,” Tolin said.

Roughly 800 business dignitaries, elected officials and community members attended. Each speaker received questions in advance.

“Other cities are looking to Greensboro,” said Alston, who called Guilford County one of the best counties in the state and nation.

Johnson held up the recent Wyndham Championship as an example of the region’s work in building alliances for the benefit of the area.

Duncan said the region could do better to recognize the diversity here.

“We have over 100 countries and 80 dialects represented in our schools,” he said. “I ask that we work hard in embracing that.”

They also spoke on getting young professionals involved in the community.

Johnson pointed to two men in their 30s working in the city as examples of young people getting involved: Councilman Zack Matheny and Ray Trapp, a member of the city zoning commission.

Alston challenged young people to tell older elected officials what they think.

“And if you don’t like the answer, run against them,” he said. “Demand answers and don’t take no for an answer.”
In closing statements, Duncan continued the theme of getting people to work together for common goals, such as education.

“The vast majority of parents generally care about children and education,” he said.

Duncan told of a high school dropout who was pushed back to school by her teachers and family, then went on to score a combined 1500 on her SAT.

“You can make a difference on children,” he said.

Alston and Johnson spoke to economic development.

“We have to be fierce competitors,” Johnson said about attracting new businesses, adding that support must continue for local businesses.

“Local small business is a key driver of the local economy,” she said.

Contact Gerald Witt at 373-7008 or gerald.witt@news-record.com