It is often said that small businesses are the life-blood of a community, not only for the jobs and tax revenue they provide, but in terms of building a community through supporting things residents value.
Polling bears that out. In a 2022 Gallup Poll, while 55% of Americans said businesses have a positive influence on society, 82% said small businesses positively impact people’s lives.
That’s why we are encouraged when businesses invest in our communities in ways that may not boost the bottom line, but enriches us all in other ways.
Columbus has a well-established track record where this is concerned. Every time you turn around, it seems Zachary’s restaurant stages fund-raisers for people who have fallen on hard times. Hardee’s, Wendy’s, Kidd’s Cleaning and Factory Direct Home Furnishings support Columbus Municipal School District in a variety of programs. Friendly City Books donates children’s books to local schools and sponsors author meet-and-greets for school children. Numerous businesses have rallied around the Dream Center and its Bedz4Kids program. SDI has made a particularly large impact by supporting a range of needs. For years now, businesses have actively supported our local nonprofits, either individually or through United Way contributions.
The past few days have introduced something of a new approach to the business-community dynamic. BankFirst has agreed to provide the Lowndes County Parks and Recreation Department $25,000 annually for the next 10 years for the county’s new sportsplex. In return, the ball field facilities will be known as “BankFirst Yards Sportsplex.” Essentially, this is a naming rights agreement, a new wrinkle in our area, but common practice with larger venues in other cities.
A few days earlier, 4-County Electric said it would provide free broadband services through its FastNet system for visitors to the sportsplex. The facility’s playground will be called the “4-County Playground.” Four of the eight fields have already secured sponsors, which will bear the signage for the sponsors.
These agreements lend credibility to the project. The message is that BankFirst, 4-County and other yet-to-be-named sponsors have confidence in the project. No company would want to be so closely identified with a substandard project, after all.
These collaborations also send a message: “Our company cares about the quality of life in our community.”
We applaud all businesses that have supported our community by contributing to community projects, programs and events. We encourage those businesses who have not made such an investment to step to the plate.
Being a good neighbor is always good business.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
Join the Discussion