Are you ready for 2019

As this year comes to an end and we begin to celebrate KWANZAA and New Year’s, its time for reflection over 2018. In most cases, this is a time to socialize with family and friends. We will eat, eat and then eat again. There is nothing wrong with eating and socializing, but I want to encourage you to eat, socialize and plan for the future.

Look back over this year and see what you accomplished. Did you save more money than you did in 2017? Did you start the business that you wanted to start? Did you spend more time with your family? Did you volunteer with a community group to help someone out? I don’t know what your goals were for 2018, only you know them. I want you to really think about what you accomplished this year. If you don’t come up with anything……you have work to do. So get busy in 2019.

Shop Local

As you set your goals for 2019, I have one that I would like you to add to your list. Can you spend more money in the community where you live? Back in the day, we had to shop and use the services that the local businesses provided. We couldn’t go other places to shop. During that time, our cities were flourishing and our businesses were doing something special. They were employing people from the community. If you talk to some of the elders in the community, I am sure they will tell you some stories about ‘The Old Neighborhood’. What an impact we would make in our communities if we just started shopping in our cities. I challenge you to make it a point to spend money in your community. If a big business is not coming into your city, then maybe several little businesses is the answer.

Happy New Year and thanks for your support of the Telegram during 2018.

Gina Wilson Steward

CEO/Publisher