Grassroots of Tarboro

The GOT people are a new group. We're really just getting started. The monthly Tarboro's 2nd Saturday events are just the beginning and we all know that.  The T2S events are a way to get the people excited and to get the word out that the ordinary people in Tarboro really can make things happen and can work together to help make Tarboro a better place to live.

We see the same problems that the officials in the town see, but the difference may be that we are seeing the problems from a different perspective and therefore seeking possible solutions in a different way.

We know the schools need improvement, many of the GOT people have children in the school system, some teach their children at home, and we've discussed what can possibly be done to make our educational system the BEST.  There are many small local innovative groups working individually on the issue of education. We are hoping to bring some of those groups together to pool their energies and resources.  We talk about creating programs for the schools. Programs that inspire the children to learn while giving them useful skills for future employment.

We know the job situation in Tarboro is less than desirable.  We also know that the idea of attracting big business and factory-type jobs is an idea of the past.  Big businesses and the jobs they create are in such demand, you practically have to pay them (incentives package) to choose to locate in your town. 

We'd like to try to create new jobs right here at home in a variety of ways.  There are products that existing Edgecombe County businesses use that are manufactured elsewhere, products that could be made for the same cost (or less) right here in Tarboro.  For example, in the business that my husband and I own, JAC's Wholesale, we sell a product made by a micro-manufacturer in New York.  It's a simple product that could easily be made here in a small warehouse or large garage.  Our business alone purchases enough each year to support the manufacturer.  If we created a small company that manufactured the product here we could create a few jobs.  What do the existing businesses use that the people of Tarboro can make?

We also are fascinated by the economic impact that an efficiently operated crafts market has on a community.  Western North Carolina's crafts market brings millions of dollars into that region, we can do that here as well.

The GOT people who gather to share their ideas are people who have either lived elsewhere, traveled and explored other places or do a lot of reading and research. They've seen solutions that have worked elsewhere and may be viable here.  They are hopeful that the vitality of Tarboro can be restored.

I'm not saying that by next year at this time, we'll have all of the problems solved.  I AM saying that we need to start "thinking outside of the box" for new solutions to these old problems.   Then, with plan in hand, we need to get off our butts and put these solutions to work.   Please join us in these efforts. Our future may have a great impact on YOUR future.