I had a discussion with a representative from industry today about "life after a slow economy." It was clear to both of us that there is life afterward. Actually, what is abundantly clear is that we prepare now for the "afterlife." The conversation was invigorating because while there was reference to the difficulties that we all face in the present time, the conversation did not dwell on these negatives. I guess that belief in the future rather than hanging onto the past or challenges of the present is something that has always characterized Americans, and the reason for our success.

I recall a portion of a quote that I read some years ago from an anonymous writer that goes something like this: "'The future is not a place we are going to but rather a place to be created first in mind, next in will, then in action." Don't hold me to the exact accuracy of this but the concept is exactly the same, and that is the idea that we can create our own future. And that cannot happen by dwelling on the past or challenges of the present.

Each of us is a leader in some respect in our community. What role should you and I play to make sure our communities "keep an eye on the future" rather than become absorbed in the past or present? We all know individuals who blame their circumstances on everyone and everything but their own inaction. On the other hand, we know people who've risen above the toughest circumstances with positive thinking and forward motion.

I am concerned that the younger generation has not fully grasped the importance of strong communities and that we must do more through each organization to enhance that focus. You know many colleges are starting to require community service as a requirement for receiving scholarships, and I think that is a step in the right direction. Young people are the future, and through community service, they can have a hand in impacting their own lives and those of others.

What do you think? What can we as individuals or groups of individuals do to strengthen our communities? How can we impact others by focusing on creating a better future today?

The Upstate's Entrepreneurial Spirit

I have been in Greenville and at Greenville Tech for almost nine months, and what impresses me most about the community and the College is the strength of the initiative to thrive and grow, even in the slow economy and in the face of difficult times. Then last week I was visiting with a group of business men and women who truly are considered to be successful entrepreneurs. One of them made a comment that I continue to think about and which, I believe, is responsible for the "strength of the initiative to thrive and grow." A gentleman said, "The Upstate has always had a strong sense of entrepreneurism, and that is the reason for our success. However, I am concerned that we are losing our spirit of entrepreneurism, or that it is decreasing at the very least."

I don't know if you can measure a "spirit of entrepreneurism," but I think we see the evidence of it thriving, and to lose it would certainly be detrimental to a community. So, the question is, how do we strengthen this spirit? What role can GTC play? I guess we could point to a number of activities that might accomplish the task. However, I believe that entrepreneurism is a belief, a way of thinking, and that's why this task of strengthening seems to be elusive. Maybe this goes as far back as Abraham Lincoln when he said, "Your own desire to succeed is more important than any one thing." Once again, a belief or gut feeling fuels your desire to be successful.

I don't have the answer, but there is one. Perhaps the answer is to continue to believe. Believe that we will make it through a tough time. Believe that we live in a community that invites us to do our best. Success exists in each of us if we believe.

I would welcome your comments on the entrepreneurial spirit in the Upstate and how Greenville Technical College might contribute to keeping it strong. That's why we're here.