Dear editor:

Agriculture is the chief industry of Colquitt County; everybody knows that. Less well known, at least less discussed, is the fact that agriculture directly supports a relatively small middle class of farm owners and managers. 

The USDA’s 2012 Census of Agriculture (last available) showed there were exactly 293 “principal operators” in Colquitt County whose primary job was farming. Two hundred ninety-three in a county with a population of 45,000 (2010 U. S. census). 

Even if that number were to be doubled and assuming all operators were successful, that would still be a relatively small contribution to the size of the local middle class. That is not a convenient fact when you consider that a vibrant, attractive community needs a thriving, even expanding middle class. 

The middle class is the base upon which commerce, education, aspiration and generational progress are built and agriculture alone does not build it. Rather, a robust middle class is achieved by the establishment of a thriving small-business community. 

Of course, successful small businesses can become large businesses and that’s great when it happens; but even a small business that remains small yet provides jobs, income, and a healthy atmosphere of commerce is important to a community’s economic health. 

Small businesses also support their community through what is called “the local multiplier effect.” An example of the effect is that when a dollar is spent at a local small business, 68 cents of that dollar stays in the community; but if that same dollar were to be spent at a chain store, only 20 cents would stay in the community. If that dollar were spent at a big-box store, only 6 cents would stay in the community. 

Those data from the U. S. Small Business Administration should be a compelling reason for all of us to support local businesses when we can.

 Fortunately, the Moultrie and Colquitt County Economic Development Authority and the Moultrie Chamber of Commerce have recognized the importance of small businesses and have cooperated to encourage and support a local chapter of SCORE, a volunteer organization of retired and active executives who provide free mentoring to men and women thinking about starting a small business or who are already engaged in that business. 

SCORE volunteers work to help our community through providing their advice and encouragement to individuals eager to achieve their dreams. SCORE volunteers also organize local workshops for small businesses on such topics as developing a business plan, legal issues of small businesses, accounting for small businesses, and the use of social media for marketing.

These workshops have a nominal charge to help defray expenses, but the Moultrie classes have been well-attended and interactive. Upcoming workshops are always announced in the newspaper, so I encourage new entrepreneurs and even those who have been in their business awhile to watch for them and come participate.

 All of us want Moultrie and Colquitt County to be a place where agriculture is healthy and small businesses are thriving. Let’s continue to provide a supportive environment for both.

Terry Turner

Moultrie