Contemporary Business 14th Edition by Louis Boone, David Kurtz

تمرين 36

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 is the Chain of Eco-Homes-a group of twelve homes with names like Meadowlark House and Homestead House, all constructed using the latest technologies. Bussert describes these houses as "testing grounds" to see how the technologies will perform specifically in the Midwest. Features include natural gas fuelmakers, double-skin walls, rooftop gardens, household composters, driveways made with permeable pavers, and of course tornado shelters. Peterson loves her job. "It's like no other place in the world," she says. Each person involved with the reconstruction of Greensburg is looking far beyond its pre-tornado status, to a more prosperous, sustainable future. Councilman Jeanette Siemens sees a community that supports the entrepreneurial spirit and will ultimately become an educational tourist destination. Steve Hewitt acknowledges that every step of recovery must "have the things that attract families and businesses. The community will grow from young, innovative people." He continues to be upbeat about Greensburg's prospects. "I love what we do," he concludes.
-Why do Greensburg community leaders consider entrepreneurship such a key element in the recovery and growth of the city?