Group to host a discussion about the community’s vision for the local economy on Dec. 9 at the Person County Senior Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 25, 2024

CONTACT
Naomi Albert, Appalachian Voices North Carolina Field Coordinator, naomi@appvoices.org, (828) 278-4238

ROXBORO, N.C. — There will be a community conversation about the future of Person County at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9 at the Person County Senior Center, located at 87 Semora Rd. The event, Visioning a Resilient Local Economy, is free and open to all. 

The event will be an opportunity for local residents to discuss the type of economic growth they would like to see for the area and brainstorm how to align future growth with the community’s vision. Free dinner will be provided for those that register in advance, or as supplies last.

The event is organized by Partnership for a Strong Rural Economy, a group of community members and non-profit organizations. The group came together when a local resident, Michael Savino, spoke at a county commission meeting last December about the Moriah Energy Center, calling for a different vision for local economic development. Savino identified the need for local residents to develop their own plan for economic development that serves residents and uplifts community strengths without jeopardizing health, safety, or the rural character of the area.

“I was born and raised here, and as a child, I saw my father get laid-off from every job that he ever held in Person County; that was at least three jobs in a 10-15 year span,” said Jason Torian, one of the group’s organizers. “For as long as I can remember, Person County has been plagued by low-wage, short-lived jobs, and industries that harm our natural environment. That’s not an economy that works for everyone. It’s also not sustainable, with respect to our health and natural resources. This county is filled with creative people, picturesque countryside, entrepreneurial spirit, and untapped potential. Person County simply deserves better.”

When Savino thinks of Person County’s strengths and opportunities, agriculture comes to mind.

“We have a lot of farmland here,” Savino said. “What if we grew 80 percent of our food right here in our county, instead of trucking it from California — 3,000 miles away? How many jobs would that create? And imagine how fresh and delicious that food would taste! And, imagine our neighbors making a good living farming, so they can stay here on this beautiful land.”

The December event will be an opportunity for the community to explore how to cultivate a local economy that uplifts Person County’s strengths, increases resilience for current and future challenges, and reflects what people want to see. 

“A few large employers provide a lot of jobs here in Person County,” said Savino. “Just a few months ago, GKN announced that they were laying off over 240 employees. That’s a big loss. If we can create fertile ground for a wide variety of small businesses, we could bounce back more easily. Who knows what else would grow out of such fertile ground?”

For more information or to register for the event, visit bit.ly/listening-session-form.