JDA

[Luke]

I dont want to seem picky, but I have been told that "JDA" stands for Jamestown Development Association, (Development as described in my dictionary is -to expand, gradually grow etc. etc.), so the role of the association is to help Jamestown grow and expand etc. etc.

Can someone then please explain to me - why some of the associations prominent people, buy their cars, buy their groceries, buy their electrical appliances, have their signage done, etc. etc. by out of town tradies or businesses?, how will this help our town grow, and why are you in a Development Association?

Now I have just found another word in my dictionary - Hypocrite

I know there will be replies to this such as - its cheaper somewhere else, etc. etc., however just as a example on the above, there are 3 car dealers, 2 grocery shops, and if you count the hardware stores - 3 places to buy electrical goods, and 2 signwriters.

So perhaps some of the JDA should take a look in their own backyard, and to those who do support the town and other businesses in the town - WELL DONE


Every business which is lost to the community, wether you particularly support it or not will be damm hard to get back - just look at the "Black & White, Old Foodland, The Belalie Pub", there seems to be this big myth that the wind farms will save everything, but dont expect them to be around for ever.

[Ray]

It's been the case with similar organisations for as long as I can remember Luke.

This fact, in no way condones the practice, but if we look at it over nearly 50 years that I remember, I can remember one of my parents saying that the reason they did not participate in the Businessmen's Association at that time,  was that many of the more "prominent" members of the afore mentioned Association rarely shopped in the town. Several names were dropped none of which had ever walked through the doors of our establishment except perhaps to ask for a donation. Not withstanding the fact that we could, and did, under sell, any similar business on ticket price, in Adelaide or Port Pirie and we never held it against any person going elsewhere if we could not fullfil their needs or beat a price. Never the less we found on many occasions that people just never even considered giving us the chance.

I guess that it's one of the weaknesses of human nature.

I know that a certain percentage of this arises from persons who have on occasion been "bitten" severely by businesses in this town, myself being one of them.  I never complain, ... but I do have a very lonnnnng memory. As a result of this, there are two businesses in this town that I will only use as an absolute last resort. This is how the rot starts.

It's sad, but it's a fact of life bought about by a single act of thoughtlessness.

[tricky]

There are some quite valid comments within this thread.
Unfortunately I do not believe that the "offenders" will ever cease to exist.
I am personally prepared to pay a small premium to actually purchase from our local retailers & fortunately have customers who treat my business the same way.
Some local businesses appear to specialise in failing to provide anything approaching prompt service, and are probably the first to complain about their profitability or viability.
Other businesses are simply not "switched on" to what is presently happening in retail, and regularly miss opportunities due to entrenched or outdated attitudes.
Offering to get a non stock item overnight, at a nearly competitive price, seems to be too hard for some businesses.
I have been involved at different times in both the Jamestown Business Association & the Jamestown Development Association, and have noted that it is virtually impossible to get some of the critics to come along and help strengthen the organisation through their participation.
A classic example of this entrenched apathy, will probably be once again be demonstrated with the forthcoming Council elections, where I rarely see any of our locals with strong opinions about our town, ever nominating for a position on our Council.
It is stating the obvious to say that things will not change, if people are not prepared to be involved!!!
Seeing Jamestown businesses closing is of great concern, but I personally believe that there are a lot of baby boomers like me that have happily worked in their businesses, accepting the long hours & personal sacrifices, that have hopefully been rewarded as we approach our retirement years.
Getting a Gen X, or even worse a Gen Y person, to even faintly consider these things as opportunities, is very unlikely, hence we are seeing some of our Jamestown businesses close because too many people are not prepared to take the good with the bad & run their own business.
Here endeth today's sermon.