Neosho asks, "What came first, the chicken or the egg?"

Nearly 300 years BEFORE Jesus walked the Earth, Aristotle,the Greek Philosopher,  pondered a question – which I pose to you today – “What came first the Chicken or the Egg”.

Now, my version of the Chicken and Egg dilemma is varied slightly, from Aristotle’s, yet the philosophy is the same.

For years, I have watched dollars – hard earned dollars – escape Neosho’s businesses and Local Governments.   There have been campaigns, from the Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce, the City ofNeosho, various individual businesses, etc.  But, too little avail.

I have asked many people why they leave Neosho and selection of goods or services ALWAYS comes up.  It’s true there are not many restaurants or retail outlets, in Neosho.  However, it is also true – most retail and restaurant companies, who operate on a National Level, do a tremendous amount of research before investing in a community.  These businesses look at many factors, but one of which is what percentage of a dollar earned in a community – is spent within that community.

In Neosho, a huge percentage of “a dollar earned”, by a Neosho resident, is spent out of the area – a majority of it in the Joplin market. The Neosho Chamber of Commerce did a retail study on this several years back, so if you wish to check my facts – feel free to contact them and see what they tell you.

This past week, I noticed a Carthage based masonry company is building the beautiful wall, in front of the Neosho High School.  This wall is NOT being built by the school district, but by Alumni from the School – who worked hard to raise private money for a very worthy aesthetic improvement.  Are there no brick layers, in Neosho - who pay Neosho taxes????

Then, the City of Neosho awarded a bid for hundred of t-shirts, which will be worn by our Neosho Youth in the City Soccer League, to a Diamond, Mo. based business.  Three Neosho based businesses bid on the same project, but were passed over.

Thirdly and from a slightly different angle – I give you this:  The Neosho High School Student Body is once again holding their Prom at the Holiday Inn, in Joplin.  I hate to see this.  I know – as mentioned – there are few places to go eat, in Neosho for prom.  I know our venues are not the absolute best for the dance, but there are options.    

When I was a teenager growing up, businesses on the Neosho Square complained loudly about the teenagers who “cruised the square”.  They successfully lobbied the City Council for parking and time of assembly restrictions.  Soon, the kids were gone and the Square was quiet. 

The message to me and the other younger members of Neosho was clear – the Downtown Businesses did not want us there.  Unfortunately, as we grew up and began spending our paychecks – we remembered the message and a lot of my peers stayed away from the square.  Undoubtedly, there were many reasons for the collapse of the Downtown Business District, but you will never convince me – this move was not one of them.

Point is, we all rely on one another – as we are a COMMUNITY.  A Community takes care of itself.  We MUST make every informed business decision we can to protect EACH other and it starts with shopping Neosho! 

If we spent more money here – with the businesses we have – our sales taxes would improve and the National Chains would see the numbers and decide to locate here.  In addition, the improved sales taxes would improve our police and fire departments, as they suffer through a very difficult time. 

Consider this, the City of Neosho (not speaking of the Neosho Area Fire Protection District – but I am speaking of the CITY) has not purchased a new fire truck in more than FIFTEEN years.  The City of Neosho has not bought a new police car in four years.  Your life and mine rely on these vehicles, but there is no money to buy them.  We are killing ourselves.

Shop Local and help Neosho "hatch the egg - back to its glory days!"  Your Neighbor will thank you!