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 tile of “Hartselle Strategic Acton Plan, 2011–2016,” and led to the city’s designation as an “Alabama Community of Excellence.”

A review of the 12-page document reflects the virtues of a concise and well-written plan but leaves much to be desired as far as its implementation is concerned.

The #4 and #5 goals of the plan are to recruit, train and expand businesses that provide high-wage jobs and strengthen local education and workforce training programs.

The #1strategy to accomplish the #4 goal is to continue to support the Morgan County Business Park and the Morgan County Economic Development Authority, including the implementation of a comprehensive marketing plan for the city’s industrial sites.

Strategies #2-#4 are: Recruit technology-driven manufacturing, office operations and knowledge-based businesses that provide high wages for the area’s growing workforce;

Explore opportunities for additional rail-served industrial sites; and continue to enhance the existing business retention and expansion program.

The #1 strategy to accomplish the #5 goal is to improve vocational and technical training in city schools

Strategies #3-6 are: Establish a technology training center; support dual enrollment programs; Support counseling programs that promote technical skills and careers. Establish a pre-K program; and explore regional strategies for technical education and workforce development.

Targeted as lead organizations for implementation of the plan are: Department of Development, Chamber of Commerce, Mayor, City Council, Morgan County Economic Development Association, Hartselle Development Board, Hartselle City Schools and state and federal agencies.

This plan was completed 14 months ago. Time is wasting and the needs are crucial to our community’s future. Let’s not wait another year to get the ball rolling.