Not long ago as I was about to enter the Integ building that’s home to Insite Brazos Valley Magazine, I noticed a gentleman standing across the busy parkway that divided us. The man was in the process of extending a collapsible white cane, the kind frequently used by the visually impaired to assist them as they navigate their path. Willing to extend an arm, I shouted above the traffic noise, “Hey! Do you need some help crossing the road?”
“No, I’m waiting for the bus,” he shouted back. He thanked me for my concern and exclaimed, “That’s why I live in the greatest place in the world!”
He may well have paid me one of the greatest compliments I’ve ever received.
My gesture was just a simple act of kindness, no more than anyone else would have done in the same circumstance. Nonetheless, I felt proud that in some small way I had contributed to what around these parts is common knowledge: This is a great community, in large part because of those who are willing go out of their way for each other.
This incident spawned two perfect tie-ins for this month’s issue that celebrates business in the Brazos Valley, specifically: people helping people and navigating the path ahead.
In fact, Navigating New Directions is this year’s theme for Bryan College Station Chamber of Commerce’s annual Economic Outlook Conference, which typically coincides with our January issue. The guest speakers will reflect upon the recent past and anticipate trends for the foreseeable future. Those who attend will likely walk away with a good feel for the factors currently influencing our region’s economy and the direction it’s headed.
To this same end, we are honored and privileged to have two hard-hitting pieces from very significant special contributors Glenn Heger, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, who speaks to supply chain issues affecting business in our region and beyond (page 30), and Matt Prochaska, president and CEO of Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation, who weighs in on BVEDC’s work in combination with the community to compete for a growing number of projects and its efforts to power through the effects of the pandemic (page 24). We are are grateful to be able to share their insights with you. We're also thrilled to share in the excitement of Bryan's Music Friendly Community designation, which goes into effect in the beginning of this year. You can read about why this program is good for our economy on page 28.
We also feature some inspiring stories from entrepreneurs who demonstrate how strong relationships can support business success and ways that outside-the-box ideas and innovations can further goals (page 15) and bring people together for the better (page 11 and page 21). When it comes to the bottom line, their efforts not just help support our local economy but pave that path that brings color to our community and makes the Brazos Valley a great place to live.
We have lots of reasons to look forward. The year is young. May 2022 bring you many blessings as you navigate your own path and spread goodwill.
Best,
Ellen Ritscher Sackett
Comments, questions, or suggestions? I’d love to hear from you. Reach out to me at editor@insitebrazosvalley.com.
