Bollin on Business: How about an area-wide plan?

Originally published April 11, 2008

It’s all my Dad’s fault. He was the one guiding the old green Dodge down miles of two muddy ruts that he called a road in rural Western New York State.

“Where are we going?” I’d ask in typical kid fashion. “Don’t know,” he’d answer. “Why are we doing this?” I’d say. “Don’t you want to know what’s over that hill?” he’d say. You see, my Dad was an explorer of sorts, always taking new - or old - roads to see what was there. Always well-grounded, but with a purpose. He wanted to see what was possible … what could be. He had vision. It rubbed off on me.

So, what is our vision for economic and business development in our area?

To begin that journey requires an analysis of who we are. We are a valley overflowing with natural beauty. We are a world-famous birding, hiking, biking, and golfing destination. Some of the most well-educated and prestigious, corporate leaders, writers, historians, chemists, doctors, lawyers, engineers - you name it - live in our communities.

Just to the south we have an artist-laden creative community unlike any in the world … Tubac.

The Tumac‡cori Mission stands as a testament to Farther Kino’s quest to save souls.

The Otero Ranch, part of one of the largest cattle empires ever, is now the Tubac Golf resort.

Amado is not only historic, but could easily become one of the most unique tourist destinations in the Santa Cruz Valley.

The old Canoa Ranch just to the south of Green Valley is one of the last historic equestrian areas in our valley.

Green Valley is one of the largest and most successful retirement communities in the world.

Sahuarita, including Rancho Sahuarita and Quail Creek, has created one of the fastest-growing and well-planned communities in Arizona.

To that I say, WOW! I don’t know of any other place that has what we have. How wonderful that is. But, what do we want to be when we grow up?

There are those that say, “we just want to keep things as they are” — Not going to happen. There are those totally focused on the issues of growth within their own community? — Need to keep a broader perspective. There are many fantastic groups and organizations focusing on securing a positive future for our natural and man-made treasures - Madera Canyon, the Anza Trail, the Sonoran Desert, to name just a few.

But, something is lacking. I have the feeling that the future of the Santa Cruz Valley is not being addressed. I believe in the old adage “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”

Seems to me, we have many valuable parts, but nobody is tending to the “whole” - the very same “whole” that will determine the future of economic, business, and community development in the Santa Cruz Valley, and impact each and every person that is fortunate enough to live and work in this magnificent place.

Who should be looking out for the “whole”? What institution or structure could carry out the mission? Do you have a solution or an idea? Drop me an e-mail and let me have your best thoughts on how to create an Area-Wide Vision and Plan. Let’s think about the possibilities.

Mark Bollin is marketing director of the Green Valley News. His column appear monthly. Contact him at 547-9760 or mbollin@gvnews.com