Contemporary Business 14th Edition by Louis Boone, David Kurtz

تمرين 12

Greensburg was an agricultural community before it was leveled by an F5 tornado, and its leaders believe that its cultural roots will never die. "Agriculture will always play a huge part in the economy," predicts Councilman Jeanette Siemens, economic development director for Kiowa County, "but maybe in new ways." As the population of rural towns like Greensburg declines, new economic opportunities must replace some of the old traditions. "There's a great opportunity for some synergy between new green tech companies to work closely with the agricultural sector," says Matt Christenson, recovery project coordinator and member of the Greensburg city council. One example would be a manufacturing firm whose processes use the straw left over from a wheat harvest to fortify building panels. As Greensburg tries to incorporate agriculture into its greener future, the community is witnessing another change-in demographics. "It's a younger community," observes city administrator Steve Hewitt. Growth recovery is coming from young business people who want to take a chance. One such entrepreneur is Kari Kyle, owner of the Green Bean Coffee Company in Greensburg. Kyle and her husband were both born and raised in the Greensburg area, but moved away for fourteen years. When they decided to return, Kyle applied for a business loan from the local bank, received it, and opened her shop in the business incubator space downtown. When a larger space became available across the street, she grabbed it and expanded her menu offerings to include ice cream malts and shakes, soda fountain drinks and smoothies, as well as food. She says that business has tripled and is optimistic about the future. "Heck yeah, I know I'm going to make it," she insists. Joah Bussert and Stephanie Paterson are also part of Greensburg's future. With degrees in architecture, as project managers they are helping to manage the construction of new buildings with green technologies. One building project placed strategically for natural light, cisterns that catch rainwater for landscaping, and a wind turbine for power. Other municipal buildings, including town hall and the hospital, have been or will be built to sustainable standards. And the Silo House, a project undertaken by Greensburg Green Town-the not-for-profit organization that is helping to raise money, build, and educate the public about sustainable practices-is a model for future projects. Built with a $50,000 grant from AT&T, the Silo House has a visitor and education center along with a suite for eco-tourists. A visitor walking through the town of Greensburg would notice signs of both devastation and recovery. Piles of rubble and debris, empty lots, and treeless streets recall disaster. Yet Main Street is filled with residents and visitors who are determined to raise Greensburg from its ashes. Their optimism, along with the positive attitude of Steve Hewitt, is catching. "This is the best job in America to have," he claims, "to build from the ground up."
-Building from the ground up has many challenges. Create a chart outlining what you believe to be the benefits and drawbacks to Greensburg's approach.