I love the new look of the City of Georgetown’s home page on the web (Georgetown.org). I think it accurately reflects the state of Georgetown. One of the pictures features a gleaming jet sitting on the tarmac of our airport with the heading, “Life in Balance, Innovative Ideas and Traditional Values.” Nothing could testify more to the shining example of success that is Georgetown than that photograph; a busy and growing airport means a busy and growing city, and here in Georgetown, we have both.
We have a new dynamic professional at the helm of one of the most important positions in the city. Michaela Dollar, Georgetown’s new Economic Development Director, comes with a stellar resume. The city site states, “her role in business recruitment, retention, and marketing in those cities [in Texas and Florida] helped in the creation of more than 2,730 jobs and $659.7 million in capital investment.” Additionally, recent hire Wayne Reed, Assistant City Manager, chosen “from a pool of 130 applicants from 27 states and Puerto Rico, possesses a strong background in both planning and community development.” Now, at last, we have the combined forces of an incredibly capable City Manager, David Morgan, with storied lieutenants. Georgetown was recently named the fastest growing city in America, and that growth requires absolute first-class, precision management in every area.
The new Sheraton Georgetown Texas Hotel and Conference Center is clear, tangible evidence that Georgetown has stepped up its game. Now, the city will have the luxury of hosting events that heretofore were beyond our capacity to manage. Everything in the city will incur an “uptick” as a result of the presence of this new property. It will draw more visitors; which will draw more interest in retail; which will increase the value of retail rental properties; and in time, you’ll see an elevated business model from what exists presently. In fact, I’m willing to bet that the addition of the Sheraton will inspire additional hotel brands to move to town. Everything from our grocery stores to our churches are expanding. Currently, on Westinghouse Road, a new 90,000 sq/ft campus for Celebration Church is under construction, which, when completed, will seat nearly 3000 people and add up to 60 additional employment opportunities.
So, it’s obvious we’re growing, we have a great crew in charge, and things are headed in the right direction in Georgetown. It appears that having a CPA who managed business groups with finances in the billions as mayor has been a big benefit for Georgetown; and this city council, who works tirelessly championing the causes of their constituents, is among the most intelligent, rational, and considered group to grace a dais in the state of Texas. You’re not likely to encounter a less supercilious bunch anywhere. More has been accomplished in the past two years than in the six that preceded it. Sure, the economy is better, but a great ship with an unworthy captain and crew is likely to encounter an unexpected reef and run aground on the jagged rocks of inexperience.
Is this missive “shilling” for those in power? In some circumstances, it might seem that, but as a famous and beloved television cowboy, John Wayne used to say, “It ain’t bragging if you can do it.” And in this fair city, it’s most assuredly getting done.
