Goals and strategies were developed over a three-year period to help Hartselle grow and improve as a community. Elected officials, business owners and community leaders were involved. The product they came up with was approved by the city council on Nov. 6, 2011, under the title of “Hartselle Strategic Action Plan, 2011-2016.” and led to the city’s designation as an “Alabama Community of Excellence.” The work and effort that went into its development led to the city’s designation as an “Alabama Community of Excellence.”

A quick review of the 12-page document extols the virtues of a concise and well-written

plan but leaves much to be desired as far as its implementation is concerned.

The No. 1 goal of the plan is to support new retail development and the No. 1 strategy to accomplish that is to seek retail business along I-65, Main Street and U.S. 31 corridors. To help, a specific retail development plan is recommended. It would include available locations, target desirable businesses and establish a timetable for development.

Other strategies include: Conduct a retail development feasibility study for both I-65 interchanges as well as the Central Business District and Highway 31, create a gateway/highway commercial center, develop a retail marketing plan and develop a link on city and chamber websites that identifies retail development properties, incentives and advantages.

The No. 2 strategy is to develop an economic growth plan for both I-65 interchange corridors ad the No. 3 strategy is to strengthen the capacity of the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce to support retail development.

Targeted as lead organizations for implementation of the plan are: Chamber of Commerce, Department of Development, Mayor, City Council, Hartselle Development Board and Information Technology Department.

A lot of time and effort went into getting this plan on paper. That was done 14 months ago. Time is wasting and the need is critical. Let’s not wait another year to get the ball rolling.