While recent area layoffs have left many struggling for answers,
many local establishments have managed to stay afloat despite
uncertain economic conditions.
Dwayne Zimmerman, owner of the Grocery Stretcher on Main Street,
noted that while his business remains stable, it is important for
those left staggering from recent job losses to keep trying. Like
many local small business owners, Zimmerman remains happy with the
state of his business, and greatly feels for those currently
searching for new jobs.
“Basically, from an optimist’s point-of-view, it’s important to
keep your head up — no matter what tough times you may be going
through.”
When faced with a mountain of worries, Zimmerman recommends to
simply think of those less fortunate than ourselves.
“It’s important to think of others who are struggling also,”
Zimmerman said. “We are very blessed just to live in this
country.”
Nancy Graham, who co-owns the Tin Ceiling Gift Shop on Main
Street with her husband, noted that she also has no complaints.
“We have seen tremendous growth since 2009,” Graham said while
preparing to leave her shop Friday evening.
After deciding to increase the circulation of advertisements for
the establishment, Graham was astonished at the results.
“Shortly after we put more ads out, our business doubled. You
definitely have to advertise,” Graham said, noting that advertising
is a tremendous way to draw new customers or consumers.
According to associate professor of economics Shailendra
Gajanan, of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, it is time
for the local area to “think outside of the box.”
“During the recent presidential primaries, people proved very
devoted to economic downturn and that became the main concern,”
Gajanan said.
According to Gajanan, Pennsylvania as a state has not been
greatly devastated by the current economic recession; however, the
situation is not well either.
“Although Pennsylvania’s economic system is not weak, it is also
not growing,” Gajanan said. “It’s going to take a long time and
many will find it difficult to cope with the situation. My main
point is that while the economy may bounce back on a national
level, it is going to take Pennsylvania even longer to recover
because it all has to trickle down from that national level.”
The economic patterns experienced by local residents appear to
be similar to that of the state of Pennsylvania. According to
Gajanan, throughout the state certain counties have been negatively
affected by the current economy while others remain in stable
condition.
“While certain parts of Pennsylvania have fallen within the
(economic) market, certain other parts have not fallen that much,”
said Gajanan. “For example: In Pennsylvania the major manufacturing
sector is oil. The problem is it is very difficult to predict the
price at the moment, and because of this uncertainty it is not
possible to predict or depend on the oil sector — period.”
A fundamental fixture of Bradford, the oil sector and other
markets may prove to be a hindrance to the areas progressive
growth, according to Gajanan, because many local industries have
prices regulated by a global market.
Offering possible solutions for the area’s recovery, Gajanan
recommend that Bradford embrace an identity and use that to gain
market progression.
“It is getting harder and harder to compete with larger
corporations,” Gajanan said. “I am saying we should not completely
put our eggs in one basket.
“The focus should be creating a wide range of jobs which do not
depend on a national market which experiences several price
changes. We have to think outside the box and stop focusing on the
same situations and the same ideas.”
Citing the example of hunting, Gajanan encouraged the area to
embrace ideas that provoke interest, ideas that are engaging and
serve the direct needs of those within Bradford.
“When people think of Holiday Valley (Resort) in Ellicottville,
(N.Y.), they think skiing. Bradford has to figure out its needs,
maybe hunting, maybe another activity, or anything one may
contemplate, but it must create incentive to visit the area while
creating a recognizable image, like how skiing is iconic for
Ellicottville.
“It is time to turn it around,” Gajanan said, referring to the
economy. “It is extremely important not to be everything to
everyone, but focus on what caters to Bradford’s specific identity
and develop that.”
