Karla's Kolumn: Progress in Worland

With businesses closing in Worland the past few years some people have become concerned about the future of Worland, but there are several things that show Worland is progressing not struggling.

Yes, there are some empty storefronts, but as we began planning for the Big Horn Basin Edition business section, which was published in Friday's issue, we found that Worland is thriving.

There are eight stories in the Big Horn Basin edition about local businesses that are either expanding facilities, constructing new facilities and/or expanding services. The eight is not all inclusive, they are just the ones we chose to highlight this year in the special section.

While it is sad to see some businesses close, Worland has seen many new businesses open over the past few years.

People and businesses are willing to invest time and money into this community. They believe in this community.

Local businesses have a lot of competition nowadays, not only local competitors but also competition in nearby communities and the biggest competition today is probably the internet. Companies are offering free shipping for items, so with a few keystrokes you can order and have your item delivered usually within five to seven days. You can do this all from the comfort of your own home on whichever electronic device you choose to use.

With all that competition, I say kudos to those who are investing in their businesses here in Worland. They are looking for new ways to reach customers (Blair's with a soon-to-launch shoppers app), looking to add items that customers need (HASCO celebrating 50 years in business has changed from what it originally started out as in order to reach the needs of their customers, Verizon with their expansion can offer more).

As businesses invest in our community, so must the community invest in these businesses. These businesses can't survive without us.

Yes, it is true some businesses have closed or are closing despite a strong customer base, but a few of those in recent years are "mom and pop" businesses where the owners have opted for retirement, and without children interested in taking over the business, the only choice in order to retire is sell or close.

This happens no matter the economy or the community, it's the nature of mom and pop shops.

But the expansions and construction are the not the only signs of progress.

At Tuesday's council meeting, the Worland City Council voted to move forward with hiring a new building official. A few weeks ago in this space, I advocated keeping building codes and the building official. I think it's important for the community, so kudos to the council for their decision.

The council also opted to donate their 15-passenger bus they received from the Big Horn Basin Transportation Joint Powers Board to the Worland Senior Citizens Center. The center will use the bus to provide transportation for dialysis patients to Cody.

Kudos also to Dan and Nancy Frederick for seeing a need of beds for children and starting a local Sleep in Heavenly Peace chapter.

That's progress. People, organizations, seeing a need in the community and working together to fill that need.

It's exciting to see people working hard for the betterment of Worland and continuing to invest in the future of Worland. With that commitment and dedication, the future looks bright for our community.