tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17821235222446422922024-03-14T00:55:06.951-07:00A Son of the DeltaHere is a place where I share thoughts and ideas about the Delta and its people. When you grow up in a place, connected to the land, it changes you, and finds a way to stay with you, no matter where you are.ArkansawRiverWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493023540343234035noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1782123522244642292.post-15136078513800933222020-03-23T18:53:00.004-07:002020-03-23T18:53:57.212-07:00New Madrid Fault ArticleMy latest article, about selected impacts of the New Madrid quakes in 1811-12 is in Arkansas Outdoor Country's current issue - here's a link: <a href="https://indd.adobe.com/view/79a2a50b-64e0-4028-a2ca-9805d9a681c6">Arkansas Outdoor Country Winter 2020</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crowleys Ridge Looking West from Payneway, Arkansas on Hwy 14</td></tr>
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<br />ArkansawRiverWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493023540343234035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1782123522244642292.post-83896546254143863892020-02-16T16:41:00.000-08:002020-02-17T20:28:31.603-08:00A Winter's Day in the Delta<div>
In 1973 Don Henley sang “the sky won’t snow and the sun won’t shine” and this particular January Thursday was that kind of a day. Leaving Memphis via the “old bridge” I was treated to a great view of the continuing flooding on the Arkansas side, water stretching all the way up to the levee.</div>
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Along the Interstate, near Clarkedale, Arkansas, a flock of geese, mostly snows, had found a field worth visiting. Some of them nervously took flight as I took a few shots, but they didn't go far. The mild temperatures and plentiful food sources made eastern Arkansas attractive to them.<br />
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This was a great farmer’s rain . . . slow and steady, replenishing the earth for the coming spring planting. The amount of water this region has received in recent months is, if not historic, certainly remarkable. Many of the fields have as much water as they can take, and are shedding water into ditches, across roads, and even backing up into the odd yard.</div>
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I purposed to drive the backroads today, intent on seeing the impacts of the water, and how the land lay in general. My destination was the bootheel of Missouri, a geographic oddity that puts some portions of Arkansas west of their “northern" neighbors in Missouri.</div>
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I turned off Interstate 55 onto Arkansas 181 and wound my way through Keiser and Manila, and past signs pointing out numerous small towns, including those named for the daughters of a planter from many years ago. Finally, I turned due north toward my destination: Senath, Missouri. </div>
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Turns out that Missouri Hwy K effectively ends at Hwy 164 . . . although the gravel county road that clearly ran straight to Senath was tempting, it would have been more tempting on a hot July day, and my white Tahoe would likely have been caked in dust before I got where I was going. So I reluctantly turned west on 164, north on 108 and ran into a broad swath of 412 that took me into Senath on a dryer, more predictable road.</div>
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Cotton is still king in the SW corner of the Missouri Bootheel. Numerous operations ranging from gins to storage facilities to dealerships offering space-ship like multi-row cotton pickers made it clear to even the most casual observer that this was still cotton country.</div>
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Returning home after a day of meetings, I followed roughly the same path, and noted several larger ditches that would eventually flow into rivers like the Little River, the St. Francis, and the Tyronza, all destined for the Mississippi. These cycles of rain and flooding and drought have all contributed to the abundance of rich delta soil that supports not only cotton, but soybeans, milo, and rice, crops from which our farmers extract a living.</div>
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Unlike Desparado’s bleak message, a day in the delta when "the sky won’t snow and the sun won’t shine" probably just means a day of much needed soaking winter rain. Let us be grateful.</div>
ArkansawRiverWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493023540343234035noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1782123522244642292.post-48359191700458080992019-10-02T19:11:00.000-07:002019-10-02T19:11:04.029-07:00King Harvest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Monday, the last day of September. The calendar says fall, but the thermometer says August. It’s a gorgeous day, and a side benefit of my business trip was an afternoon drive through my native northeast Arkansas. I’ve probably driven from Marked Tree to Memphis 10,000 times. I can remember when it was a two lane road, then a four lane bypassing Marked Tree, Truman, and Bay on its way to Jonesboro and beyond. Now it is officially an Interstate. Memphis to Jonesboro is such a quick trip that nobody needs the old Travelair Motel in Marked Tree anymore.</div>
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The harvest is underway. Lots of cotton is ready, and I pass rice fields that have already been cut and burned, and others that are just about ready. Long cylinders of plastic-wrapped cotton lay in the fields, ready for ginning. Some of the beans are turning, but many are still trying to finish growing, taking advantage of the heat that makes up for shorter days.</div>
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This cycle has repeated, through wet years, and dry; warm years and cooler ones, early frosts and delayed frosts, since my ancestors oversaw the logging that exposed the rich topsoil to farming activities. It is a blessing to see it played out year over year. As the day drew to a close, and I neared my destination, a sliver of a moon appeared in the western sky, determined to set early. In a few weeks it will become full, and while technically a hunter’s moon, will no doubt be of an aid to those still gathering their crops.</div>
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I have tremendous admiration for those who still work the land. It is hard, and largely thankless, other than the satisfaction of interposing oneself into the rhythms of sowing and reaping. Take a minute and thank a farmer. And take time to slow down or stop, and watch the harvest. It is the genesis of so much that we take for granted.</div>
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Finally, before you go, take three minutes and listen to Levon and the boys singing about the Southern Tenant Farmers Union:<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaKD1Vdarnw">King Harvest - The Band</a></div>
ArkansawRiverWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493023540343234035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1782123522244642292.post-20908404844737266732018-08-19T14:10:00.000-07:002018-08-19T14:10:29.490-07:00Sightseeing the Delta - A Primer<div>
In my continuing efforts to support the viability of our Delta towns, I offer an updated version of my 2010 blogpost on embracing and promoting quality of life in the region. Often, we ignore quality of life issues that are all around us in small towns. Benefits include a calmer lifestyle: schools, churches, and other activities just minutes away; and access to recreational areas that allow for last minute fishing or camping trips. If parents behave as if they must travel long distances for recreation and entertainment, children will grow up believing it. On the other hand, if children are exposed to these rural "amenities" they will quickly come to love and appreciate them.</div>
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It is possible to secretly make some of your trips educational, and rural areas are full of such opportunities. In eastern Arkansas, for example, one can visit the Louisiana Purchase State Park (near Blackton) where there is a monument marking the spot from which the entire Louisiana Purchase was surveyed. In the fall, a tremendous education in agriculture is all around the Mid-South, as crops are harvested, processed, and prepared for market . . . if you are not a farmer, find one who'll let you and the family watch the show! Several eastern Arkansas towns feature museums that tell the history of the region, including the Hemingway-Pfeiffer museum in Piggot, the Southern Tenant Farmers museum in Tyronza (time your visit to eat lunch with Clara at Midway Cafe), and the Sultana Museum in Marion. </div>
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In west Tennessee, one can visit Reelfoot Lake, a fisherman's and birdwatcher's paradise that also offers insight into the geologic history of the region (Reelfoot was created by the 1811-1812 New Madrid earthquakes) For more on the earthquakes, visit the museum at New Madrid, Missouri, and while you are there, get an up close view of Old Man River from the observation platform. Mississippi is not without its history, as well - travel Highway 61 through Clarksdale and the crossroads region to learn about the birthplace of the blues. Northeastern Mississippi, especially around Corinth and Baldwyn, are ripe with Civil War sites. </div>
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Throughout the region, you will also find great spots to eat, just ask around - or message me and I’ll suggest a few. There are too many to start naming here!</div>
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I wonder how many of us are close to these resources but have never spent time there? In order to preserve and expand our small communities, citizens must actively seek to promote those aspects of their communities that foster a better quality of life. I’d love to hear from you if you visit any of these sites - or find others!</div>
ArkansawRiverWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493023540343234035noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1782123522244642292.post-54115486892605455382018-04-25T07:00:00.000-07:002018-04-25T08:31:46.956-07:00Spring or Something Like It<div>
Yesterday I had occasion to travel in the Delta. The day was brisk and overcast, and the fields - many of which were the object of vigorous planting activity as late as Friday, had standing water in rows. Water that reflected the gray sky. Weekend rains had put an end to the planting for now. I hope that water gets off quickly, allowing today’s sun and light winds to return the soil to planting condition. It is getting late.</div>
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With a cousin in tow, I continued the task of sorting through my late mother’s home, preparing it to sell. Separating 60 years of accumulation into keep, sell, or trash (mostly trash) has become a tedious task. Only occasionally was I rewarded with a photo of an unseen relative (most notably a great grandfather about whom details were sketchy) or an obituary that provided names, places, and details that an amateur genealogist thrives on. But mostly, it was discarding old clothes, sewing patterns, or recipes. Fabric that was never stitched into that article of clothing, cookies that were never mixed and baked, pans with broken handles that held an unknown sentimental attachment.</div>
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We managed to find time for lunch at Midway Cafe in Tyronza (get there early before Clara runs out of the chicken fried steak, and order your pie with your meal so you get the kind you want.) We also visited the Marked Tree cemetery and solved a mystery about the location of a grave. Then it was back to sorting through things.<br />
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I was alone at the end of the day. I distributed some photos to friends in town, and bought a Diet Coke for the road. As I turned south onto I-55 at Lake David, the sun came out. Everything is going to be OK.</div>
ArkansawRiverWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493023540343234035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1782123522244642292.post-22902966122617087562012-02-06T09:37:00.000-08:002012-02-06T09:38:48.039-08:00Supporting Your Small Businesses<div class="post-header"> </div> At the heart of a successful community are thriving small businesses, with local ownership. No segment of our economy is under more attack today, however. In order to preserve these valuable assets, communities need to embrace and support them. At a civic level, efforts must be undertaken to understand the true nature of the business, their positive attributes, and any needs they have that threaten their success. Some communities have undertaken to survey their local business community (perhaps extending this to a county or regional effort) in order to fully understand the challenges and opportunities that exist. From this compilation, efforts can be made to match local suppliers and producers, address common problems (such as Internet access or other infrastructure issues) and find ways to aggressively promote these local businesses.<br /><br />A natural extension of this effort is a program to aid your local businesses in competing with the threats posed by large retailers. No local business can survive head to head competition, but with careful attention to inventory mix, promotion, and personal service, many can find a niche that allows them to remain viable and profitable. Community support is also essential, and a successful small business program will also involve promoting the "shop at home" concept to the benefit of your local businesses.<br /><br />Future posts will provide more specific guidance into efforts you can undertake in your community. I'm currently offering my services to assist communities in initiating these programs.ArkansawRiverWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493023540343234035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1782123522244642292.post-12598533138332889042011-06-06T12:39:00.001-07:002011-06-06T12:39:31.859-07:00Aid for Flood Victims in the Delta<span><p style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:normal"><br /> </p> <div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt"><span>5,000 Families in Flood-Damaged Delta to Receive Free Medical, Dental Care<br /> <br /> Delta Regional Authority, Gov. Beebe to Launch Taskforce “Razorback”<br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:10pt">300 Military Medical Personnel to Provide Shot in the Arm to Delta’s Health Care</span></span></span><br /> </strong></div> <div> </div> <div align="justify">LITTLE ROCK – 5,000 families in the flood-damaged Delta will receive free medical and dental Care, Delta Regional Authority Federal Co-Chairman Chris Masingill and Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe announced today.<br /> <br /> The health initiative named Taskforce “Razorback” and led by military reservists from across the nation, will operate for the next two weeks, June 8-18, in the towns of Eudora, Helena-West Helena, Marianna, McGehee, and Wynne.<br /> <br /> The Delta has faced record level flooding over the last two months. Receding waters have only begun to reveal the extent of the devastation to families and towns across the region – with millions of dollars of crops washed away, thousands of homes destroyed, and businesses shuttered.<br /> <br /> <u>Taskforce “Razorback” – Delivering Free Medical and Dental Care to Delta Families</u><br /> -Free health and dental services for approximately 5,000 people in five towns will be delivered.<br /> -Any resident is eligible for services that include testing for diabetes, high-blood pressure, eye exams and general dentistry.<br /> <div>-Patients will be referred to doctors in their area for any follow up care that is needed. </div> <div>-300 medical personnel from the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, and Air Force Reserve with valuable and realistic training will be provided. </div> -The health care gap left by the closure of 9 Arkansas hospitals located in or adjacent to the Delta area that have closed since 1985 will be shortened.<br /> <br /> Chairman Masingill said, “This initiative honors the strength and determination of Arkansas families during this challenging time. Not only are we renewing our commitment to these families, but we are providing a major shot in the arm to the region’s health. Existing health disparities are a hindrance to the Delta’s vibrant communities and the DRA is committed to combatting them.”<br /> <br /> “This care would be important in any year, but it is especially needed after the recent floods and storms we’ve experienced in the Delta,” Governor Beebe said. “We are proud to see these military professionals helping those who need it the most with assistance from the Delta Regional Authority.”<br /> <br /> <div> The Delta region, including Arkansas, consistently suffers from poor health outcomes. Compared with national rates, deaths in the Delta region from circulatory diseases are 21.2% higher, deaths from cancer are 12.7% higher and deaths from accidents are 42% higher. In 2002, infant mortality rates in the Delta region were almost 30% higher than the national average.</div> <div> </div> </div> <div align="center"><em>The Delta Regional Authority is a federal-state partnership that serves 252 counties and parishes in parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Chris Masingill, appointed by President Obama and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to be the DRA’s Federal Co-Chairman, along with the governors of the eight states comprise the Authority’s board. For more information, please visit: <a href="http://www.dra.gov/" target="_blank">www.dra.gov</a>.</em></div></span>ArkansawRiverWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493023540343234035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1782123522244642292.post-70281264559832573362010-11-18T07:56:00.000-08:002010-11-19T08:54:45.143-08:00Generational Transfer - ServicesThe final of our three keys to success is services. Some of this has already been covered under technology - but there is more to it than that. Business specific expertise is an important part of helping families realize that there may be more value to keeping the family farm or business than selling it. Land management, timber management, business valuation, estate planning, and general business planning advice are all important, depending on the economic landscape in the communities you serve. These capabilities will set your bank apart with current and future generations. For example: the death of the farmer in the family need not mean selling off the land, if you can aid the surviving spouse in leasing out the land for farming. Doing so can provide comfort to the family, by keeping the land, and generate needed income for years to come. There are many examples across many family oriented businesses.<br /><br />As I said last time, packaging and promotion is critical . . . as a part of your overall bid to serve the heirs to your current customers. Put together a brochure (print and electronic) and perhaps a web site to promote your ability to assist families in preserving and enhancing wealth across generations . . . include descriptions of all the ways that you can help. Remember that promoting a comprehensive package casts you in a much better light than waiting to react to requests for services. If you are serious about surviving generational transfer, make it evident to all that do business with you.ArkansawRiverWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493023540343234035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1782123522244642292.post-84008552155255035152010-11-02T11:36:00.000-07:002010-11-02T11:48:43.901-07:00Generational Retention - Technology<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Lets look at the second of the three keys to retaining banking relationships across generations: technology. Banking has been quick to adapt many new technologies, and a lot of them are customer facing. From the advent of automated teller machines, through voice response systems, to today's mobile banking platform, customers are demanding, and banks (most of them anyway) are providing a variety of technologies to make access to information and transactions simple and painless. A large part of maintaining and preserving relationships with heirs and potential heirs is ensuring that it's easy for them to do business with you. This includes Internet Banking for individuals, and Internet cash management for businesses, along with remote deposit capture for those customers who still handle checks as a primary payment method for their business dealings. The rising popularity of PDA/Smart Phone devices makes mobile banking - as an extension of your Internet Banking product - a must. </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Packaging and promoting these services is important . . . as a part of your overall bid to serve out of town customers. Put together a brochure (print and electronic) and perhaps a web site to promote your ability to assist families in preserving and enhancing wealth across generations . . . include descriptions of all the ways that you can help. Remember that promoting a comprehensive package casts you in a much better light than waiting to react to requests for services. If you are serious about surviving generational transfer, make it evident to all that do business with you.</p>ArkansawRiverWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493023540343234035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1782123522244642292.post-17413274834005119662010-10-26T08:34:00.000-07:002010-10-27T09:16:54.782-07:00Generational Retention - RelationshipsIn keeping with the theme of what community banks can do to preserve relationships as older depositors die off, my last post indicated there were three keys. This time, lets look at the first key - the Relationship Factor. If you want to keep banking relationships beyond the current generation, you must - well before a "transfer inducing" event occurs - establish solid relationships with heirs. This starts early in life . . . even during elementary school. Kids savings programs, and financial education, can serve to implant your brand into kids thinking. As kids grow older, work with mom and dad to make sure the kids feel that the bank is a trusted friend and adviser. We'll talk more about technology in a future post, but it is essential in staying connected to these youngsters if they leave home. Hosting events, or webinars, regarding estate planning, generational transfer, and asset management will strengthen your position as that trusted adviser, and make it easy for heirs to look to your bank for money management advice and services. That's the goal . . . when parents retire or pass away, you want to keep your relationships with the family money, the family business, the family farm. Building strong relationships is the key.ArkansawRiverWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493023540343234035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1782123522244642292.post-95538163887046182010-10-12T10:45:00.000-07:002010-10-13T08:25:39.706-07:00Generational Retention<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Recently, the subject of the following blog post (repeated from February 2009) has struck a chord with some of my bank audiences. In the coming days, I will expound on each of the three key issues, but I felt it appropriate to include this general post as a reminder:</span><br />General Transfer is a key issue for most rural banks. One key challenge these banks have is relationship retention. If you've taken the first step (and some are frankly afraid to look) and found that many of the heirs to your current deposits are "somewhere else" then you realize the challenge. Two parallel tracks are necessary. First, address the heirs who are still local. Reach out, through parents if necessary, to form relationships and help these heirs learn that your bank can be a valuable tool for managing the assets that will be left to them, be they a business, land, or simply deposits. Second, put together a plan to reach out to absentee heirs with essentially the same message . . . we are here to help you manage your inheritance. Your plan for resident and non-resident heirs is comprised of three main parts: relationship (a face); services; and technology.ArkansawRiverWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493023540343234035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1782123522244642292.post-23474911703616562022010-10-01T11:33:00.001-07:002010-10-04T08:24:32.686-07:00Supporting Your Small Businesses - Part IIThis time, let's look at specific things a community can do to help existing small businesses thrive, and to attract new ones because of the positive climate you've created. It's essential that civic leaders understand just who the local businesses are, and what challenges these businesses face. In addition to the value of the information gathered, undertaking such a program will send a clear message that your community is pro-business. Depending on the size of your community, and what efforts are already underway, this can be a large or small effort. The key is this - create a database of all local businesses, identify the products or services they offer, what raw materials, if any, they require to work, as well as their infrastructure requirements. Meet directly with owners or local managers and ask specific questions . . . be sure to inquire about challenges, and take the time to listen and record their comments. A team made up of civic and business leaders should be at the forefront of this effort.<br /><br />A word about coverage: be sure you take steps to identify all local businesses, don't just rely on storefronts . . . so that you cover rural, home based, or other non-traditional businesses.<br /><br />Once you have completed the data gathering, compile and review the results . . . what synergies exist with other local businesses, for example? If you are in a region where other communities are doing the same thing . . . compare notes, and see if you can find regional suppliers, customers, or peers of your businesses. Be sure to address challenges, especially if there are common concerns across many businesses. Infrastructure is a common issue: transportation, broadband Internet, water, or natural gas.<br /><br />Host networking meetings, make introductions, and watch businesses do better as a result of your efforts. Your businesses will feel like they are cared for, and your local economy should do better.<br /><br />Please share your experiences with these projects as you undertake them.ArkansawRiverWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493023540343234035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1782123522244642292.post-46312289867565936382010-09-17T11:13:00.001-07:002010-09-20T08:01:06.189-07:00Supporting Your Small BusinessesAt the heart of a successful community are thriving small businesses, with local ownership. No segment of our economy is under more attack today, however. In order to preserve these valuable assets, communities need to embrace and support them. At a civic level, efforts must be undertaken to understand the true nature of the business, their positive attributes, and any needs they have that threaten their success. Some communities have undertaken to survey their local business community (perhaps extending this to a county or regional effort) in order to fully understand the challenges and opportunities that exist. From this compilation, efforts can be made to match local suppliers and producers, address common problems (such as Internet access or other infrastructure issues) and find ways to aggressively promote these local businesses.<br /><br />A natural extension of this effort is a program to aid your local businesses in competing with the threats posed by large retailers. No local business can survive head to head competition, but with careful attention to inventory mix, promotion, and personal service, many can find a niche that allows them to remain viable and profitable. Community support is also essential, and a successful small business program will also involve promoting the "shop at home" concept to the benefit of your local businesses.<br /><br />Future posts will provide more specific guidance into efforts you can undertake in your community. I'm currently offering my services to assist communities in initiating these programs.ArkansawRiverWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493023540343234035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1782123522244642292.post-15715123009515439362010-09-01T22:09:00.000-07:002010-09-01T22:27:31.168-07:00More Thoughts on Quality of LifeMany times, we ignore quality of life issues that are all around us in small towns. Benefits include a calmer lifestyle; schools, churches, and other activities just minutes away; and access to recreational areas that allow for last minute fishing or camping trips. If parents behave as if they must travel long distances for recreation and entertainment, children will grow up believing it. On the other hand, if children are exposed to these rural "amenities" they will quickly come to love and appreciate them.<br /><br />It is also possible to secretly make some of your trips educational, and rural areas are full of such opportunities. In Eastern Arkansas, for example, one can visit the Louisiana Purchase State Park (near <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Blackton</span>) where there is a monument marking the spot from which the entire Louisiana Purchase was surveyed. In the fall, a tremendous education in agriculture is all around the Mid-South, as crops are harvested, processed, and prepared for market . . . if you are not a farmer, find one who'll let you and the family watch the show! In West Tennessee, one can visit <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Reelfoot</span> Lake, a fisherman's and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">birdwatcher's</span> paradise that also offers insight into the geologic history of the region (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Reelfoot</span> was created by the 1811-1812 New Madrid Earthquakes. For more on the Earthquakes, visit the museum at New Madrid, Missouri, and while you are there, get an up close view of Old Man River from the observation platform. Mississippi is not without its history, as well - travel Highway 61 through <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Clarksdale</span> and the crossroads region to learn about the birthplace of the blues. Northeastern Mississippi, especially around Corinth and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Baldwyn</span>, are ripe with Civil War sites, as well. I wonder how many of us are close to these resources but have never spent time there?<br /><br />In order to preserve and expand our small communities, citizens must actively seek to promote those aspects of their communities that foster a better quality of life.ArkansawRiverWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493023540343234035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1782123522244642292.post-73803018912583508112010-08-24T11:21:00.000-07:002010-08-26T07:25:40.405-07:00Improving Rural Quality of LifeWhen I have the opportunity to speak about rural economic revitalization, I always bring up the topic of quality of life. Generally, I think most assume that quality of life in a big city is better than that in small towns. This is often a self-fulfilling prophecy, as the very things that create and enhance quality of life are often overlooked and under-appreciated. I've periodically used the "Green Acres" version of <span style="font-style: italic;">American Gothic</span> as one of my slides - Oliver understood the quality of life that is available in rural and small town America. I thought it might be helpful to write periodically about specific activities that small towns can undertake to address quality of life.<br /><br />A number of small towns, including McCrory, Arkansas, have found value in community theatre. Renovating a suitable structure, creating a theatre group, and staging productions is a tremendous way to generate community interest and involvement, bringing folks together from all walks of life. Such activities are often overlooked in small communities, but the reality is that theatre can create and foster an important component of quality of life - civic pride. In addition, by their inclusive nature, theater productions can draw from a broad cross section of the community: children and adults, actors and carpenters, electricians and marketing types, etc. New relationships are forged, opportunities for entertainment and education are provided locally, and a good time can be had by all.<br /><br />Most, if not all communities have suitable space for theatre productions, and the talent necessary to pull it off. Find ways to encourage this activity, creating one more positive activity in your community. Talk to other communities, your high school drama teachers, and others who may be simply fans of the theatre.<br /><br />Many in my audience are bankers . . . perhaps I've given you some thought about the need to support community theatre if you are not already doing so. As always, I welcome your questions, comments, or thrown vegetables.ArkansawRiverWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493023540343234035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1782123522244642292.post-55139161959400008682010-05-21T23:27:00.000-07:002010-06-03T10:36:58.251-07:00Education and Economic RevitalizationI have had a long absence from this blog. Recently, however, I was privileged to participate in the 4th Annual MidSouth Summit held at the University of Tennessee Martin. I spoke on the intertwined dependencies of community banks and small towns. One of my points, the role of education, seemed to strike a chord with the audience. Another speaker, in discussing the effort to bring a new employer to the region, mentioned that this particular employer would only interview candidates with at least an associates degree. I immediately seized on the thought that the lack of suitably educated applicants could not be corrected overnight.<br /><br />Education, or the lack thereof, is the root cause of much of our economic situation. Remedying this takes a concerted effort. First, parents, across all the cultures that make up our great land must value education. This must be imparted to children daily . . . encouraging them, monitoring their homework and grades, and holding them accountable. We must then drive these children to a love of learning, a desire to expand their own horizons, and to understand that the self discipline and hard work that go into getting good grades are the same tools they will use all their lives if they are to be successful.<br /><br />Educators must include parents, not exclude them, and must further seek to continually refine their teaching methods in order to remain relevant and hold the attention of students in today's fast paced world.<br /><br />The business community must also participate in this effort to raise the "status" of education in the minds of our children. Partnering with schools, offering education support relevant to their particular industry, and encouraging employees to continue their education are all good examples.<br /><br />In coming weeks, I will add to these thoughts, and I hope to have much in the way of feedback from others to aid in building the value of this blog.<br /><br />That's all for now.ArkansawRiverWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493023540343234035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1782123522244642292.post-48411474677832760122009-02-25T18:11:00.000-08:002009-02-25T18:17:24.220-08:00Relationship RetentionGeneral Transfer is a key issue for most rural banks. One key challenge these banks have is relationship retention. If you've taken the first step (and some are frankly afraid to look) and found that many of the heirs to your current deposits are "somewhere else" then you realize the challenge. Two parallel tracks are necessary. First, address the heirs who are still local. Reach out, through parents if necessary, to form relationships and help these heirs learn that your bank can be a valuable tool for managing the assets that will be left to them, be they a business, land, or simply deposits. Second, put together a plan to reach out to absentee heirs with essentially the same message . . . we are here to help you manage your inheritance. Your plan for resident and non-resident heirs is comprised of three main parts: relationship (a face); services; and technology. Next time, more on this subject.ArkansawRiverWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493023540343234035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1782123522244642292.post-64481838683248182152009-01-14T21:03:00.000-08:002009-01-14T21:08:37.838-08:00A Strategy for RevitalizationToday I was privileged to be a part of the inaugural strategic planning process for the Crossroads Coalition - www.crossroadscoalition.org - the regional economic development group I have been a part of for the better part of the last two years. The particular group I participated in was focused on community development, yet from all reports, the strengths and weaknesses identified by the other groups were similar. Two overriding issues were presented: the need to promote the value of education throughout the region, and the need to identify, and even reclaim, the quality of life that small town rural America can offer. <br /><br />I am hopeful that the sharing and consolidation of ideas that took place today can ferment into a solid course of action that provides a needed boost to a depressed region.ArkansawRiverWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493023540343234035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1782123522244642292.post-28913605957280619852009-01-10T22:30:00.001-08:002009-01-10T22:36:10.140-08:00Population RetentionAfter a hiatus during the fourth quarter of 2008, I am back to continue my thoughts on the role of community banks in the economic revitalization of rural America. Back to my prior post, about generational transfer, let's discuss item one: Population Retention. Remember that at the core, banks are in the business of buying and selling money. A thriving business community is essential to the success of any community bank. Businesses, in turn, must have both customers and a workforce available to them, to be successful. The key to population retention is primarily a quality of life issue. Reversing the trend of exodus from rural America is critical to the survival of small communities. Often, these communities waited too long (or never started) civic pride and quality of life marketing campaigns. Doing so pays big dividends, in rebuilding both the customer base and workforce that small businesses need. Next time, a deeper dive into quality of life campaigns.ArkansawRiverWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493023540343234035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1782123522244642292.post-22116846330455758702008-10-06T21:49:00.000-07:002008-10-06T21:54:52.809-07:00Generational TransferFor many rural banks, the aging population brings another issue . . . what will happen to their deposits when the current generation passes on? Unless efforts have been made to engage with, and offer services to, the next generation, it is likely that these funds will move on to wherever the heirs have built a life. In the coming weeks, I will comment on what sort of efforts community banks should be considering. At a high level, these would include population retention, relationship retention, and services expansion. For many banks, their very survival depends on either keeping or replacing these funds.ArkansawRiverWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493023540343234035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1782123522244642292.post-45883785659599906222008-09-30T20:59:00.000-07:002008-09-30T21:08:27.053-07:00Small Bank Failures and Rural BanksAs we wait for Congress, it is necessary to consider the impact of perhaps hundreds of bank failures in the coming months . . . traditionally, larger institutions have been fully covered by FDIC, using techniques that allow other institutions to assume all deposits, keeping depositors whole. Small bank failures in recent years have followed a different pattern . . . uninsured deposits are often lost. The impact on the wealth of a rural area can be tremendous. The recent exit of Kansas Bankers Surety from the private deposit insurance business lends validity to this alarming trend.<br /><br />Most disconcerting is that the average depositor has little information about ways to maximize FDIC coverage in a particular bank, AND this same average depositor has virtually no way of learning about the safety and soundness of a bank. This lack of education and information is troublesome, as it places depositors in small banks at a keen disadvantage to those whose deposits are in larger banks. This issue should be addressed in the current bailout legislation. In addition to raising deposit insurance levels (250k feels like a good start), steps should be taken to level the playing field of FDIC actions so that depositors at ALL sizes of banks are treated equally. Failure to do so may place an undue burden on those areas served by rural community banks.ArkansawRiverWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493023540343234035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1782123522244642292.post-22223062615141347442008-09-25T10:55:00.000-07:002008-09-25T11:00:21.414-07:00More on Delta RevitalizationOne key to economic development or re-development is the community financial institution. Most community banks are in solid shape, financially, but apart from various community sponsorships, they do not appear to be taking part in significant efforts to change the economic fortunes of a region. Executives and Directors from these banks can prove to be wise and influential in efforts to attract new business, expand existing businesses, or help with entreprenurial efforts. If smaller Delta communities are to be succesful, these individuals must take a leadership role, on behalf of their financial institutions and their communities.ArkansawRiverWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493023540343234035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1782123522244642292.post-13701001006436162642007-05-17T13:37:00.000-07:002007-05-17T14:01:42.761-07:00Revitalizing the DeltaThis week I had the pleasure of meeting with a group called the Crossroads Coalition. This is a group of folks from a 10 county area in eastern Arkansas, bent on improving the overall quality of life for that region. Strong focus on economic development, and education. I was thoroughly impressed by the commitment this group shows, and very encouraged. Many of the small towns in this region are feeling the cumulative effects of increasing mechanization of agricultural production, and the loss of manufacturing jobs to off-shore operations. Unless efforts are made to upgrade workforce training, and provide more employment opportunities in the region, there will be a continuation of the drain of people resources to other regions that offer more opportunity.ArkansawRiverWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493023540343234035noreply@blogger.com0