Reid Lawson

 
 

I think we need something positive to happen. We've lost businesses, the sewing plant, and the chicken processing plant. We've had our two largest businesses, Dairy Fresh and Southern Pride, just sell to absentee ownership. What impact that's going to have on our community we don't know yet, but it's scary.  

Years ago when I first started working here we had the old type dinettes downtown. Downtown Greensboro was much more vibrant. There was a lot more activity, all the stores were filled and doing business. The big part of the day used to be when we would go to the dinette or BP's and have our 15 minute visit with other people in the community. We don't have that now, which is sad. People still certainly talk politics, but they may be a little bit restricted in the people to interact with. They may be more restricted to their own little group, which limits you in terms of new ideas and what other people are thinking.

There’s no one location where people go to congregate. There's one little place, Crispy Chick, where people get a cup of coffee and talk with their buddies. An independent place where the community goes, any place that can be used to exchange ideas, would be beneficial.

The community building we are planning for Main Street will give us something to feel good about. Anybody that wants to have a social or political event, government meeting, business meting, conference, seminar, or wedding reception will be able to. We just want people, whether they are our customers or not, to use the building. The bank is going to pay for it. It will be free use, but we may have a nominal clean up fee. We haven't really developed all the rules yet. I hope everybody will feel free to use our facility. If non-customers feel like they're not welcome, we'll have to advertise and promote.   

Reid Lawson

President, People’s Bank of Greensboro.  Greensboro, Alabama

Outsidein. A Community Space for Hale County.

 

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