Employment Opportunities have always been the subject of great discussion in Carteret County. There are many ideas about how to draw more business and create jobs. Most of them are dependent on the tourism industry. This is understandable, as we are a tourist area. However, there are many ways we can create jobs that have not been utilized.
Carteret County has many unique factors that could be used to create jobs. Many of these can be used to create self employment opportunities with room to expand. There are also options that can draw larger corporations to certain parts of Carteret County. With proper planning and design, we can have the best of both worlds.
Although there are many areas of concern, there are a few that rise to the top. We have to create job opportunities that will offer jobs to our younger generations. Whether it is working in labor trades, management, or entrepreneurship. Without our younger generations, we can only expect to see the cost of services increase, while quality declines.
Another major concern is the commercial fishing industry. There are many commercial fishermen that could profit from changes in the way commercial fishing is marketed. This would save jobs, and re-create jobs for many that have been forced to leave the industry. If we can make commercial fishing profitable again, it would also help to retain our younger generations. The right changes would also help promote tourism in Carteret County.
We must create opportunities for our citizens already established in trades such as, health care, food service, construction, public service, and tourism. Many of our citizens have already chosen their trades and would like to remain in them. Given a choice of retraining for another career, they would rather continue doing what they know and enjoy.
We also have a large amount of retirees in Carteret County. It is amazing what our older citizens have to offer. Many of them would enjoy having part-time or full-time jobs. It is easy to argue that they are one of our greatest resources. We need businesses to cater to their employment and service needs.
As your County Commissioner, I will work to see that these opportunities are explored and make decisions that will help create jobs, that offer lasting solutions.
