Dear Mayor and Town Council,

 

I write this email to you wearing two hats. I wear one as a life long citizen of Chapel Hill, and I wear the other hat as a local business owner. This letter is to encourage your support of the Innovation Center.  Your support of the Innovation Center is a tremendous step in conjunction with the important work that has already been accomplished by members of this council towards Economic Development for Chapel Hill in the 21^st Century.

I congratulate you on the foresight and leadership you have shown thus far with the establishment of Economic Development Officer position, the hiring of Dwight Basset to fill the position,  as well as the proposed Economic Development Strategy.

The synergistic implications of the Innovation Center with the Town’s proposed economic development strategy are extraordinary and powerful. It is an opportunity to ensure a steady supply of knowledge based companies that in turn create a steady demand for the low impact, transit oriented, and green development that the council seeks to attract.  In addition, the research and development jobs that grow out from the Innovations Center will ensure a steady supply of intelligent “creative class jobs” that the council seeks to attract.  It will also be an engine of the right kind of growth from the right kind of  jobs that will help slow the tide of our own intelligent citizens who commute out on a daily basis because there will exist equivalent or superior opportunities here in Chapel Hill.

Your support of the Innovation Center also ensures that you are providing your Economic Development officer with the tools he needs to succeed. Dwight will have real credibility in the community as he helps execute the Town’s economic development strategy.  Your support will send a strong message that will enable Dwight to be competitive with surrounding communities who are also seeking the same strong growing companies and development opportunities. You will enable Dwight to point to tangible changes in direction and tangible benefits of doing business in Chapel Hill.

Thus, the Innovations Center offers a rare and special opportunity to the Town of Chapel Hill. You can demonstrate resolution to achieve sustainable economic development for Chapel Hillians in the 21^st century. Your support of the Innovations Center is consistent with the bold steps you have already taken. It strengthens your message and greatly enhances the Town’s opportunities for achieving success the way it has been envisioned.

 

Thank you for the opportunity to share my opinions,

 

Sincerely,

 

Marc Pons

Resident

218 Vance St.

President

Chapel Hill Tire Car Care Center.