Looking Forward to 2026
Looking Forward to 2026Looking forward to 2026, we must first look back and reflect on 2025. Has your cost of doing business increased? Have your profits increased at a similar rate? How much does labor affect your business (don’t answer this out loud, this is the holidays)? 2025 has been an interesting year to say the least for business and industry. For our community, we have seen a large number of foreign companies considering Morristown and the Southeast US in general over items in the economy. Will the labor match that growth? There are many questions that only the years ahead can answer, but a few things are certain, death and taxes. Also remember a few things, your property now having greater value is only bad in theory…..until you sell.
Morristown Landing is a city project. The justice center is a county project. Not all roads are the city’s or county’s responsibility, some belong to the state. We are always amused in the office to hear the complaints being misdirected by the uninformed, and a well informed population is good for the entire community. A proud population is good for the well being of the community and our community has a ton to be proud of. We have an amazing Morristown Landing that was often a question and expectation from visitors. We hear it on every visit, “where is your community center?” It was hard to say we have 9 Subways, 5 McDonalds and 3 Wal Marts, a full
mall, retail everywhere but were missing that quality of life standout. Our political leaders listened and made it happen. Our justice
center was outdated, decertified, in need of upgrade, a financial time bomb and leaders listened, pushed through the doubt and
made it happen. How much savings could we have had had the doubters let it happen 25 years ago? The only thing delay causes is a
cost increase for the same product.
The Chamber is no different as times change. The cost of doing business increases. The cost of computers, printers, ink, paper, parade
flashlights, bands for concerts, and we even pay staff more than minimum wage these days! Saying that, you will see an increase in
billing starting in 2026. The staff and a volunteer committee worked to make sure our rates remained in line with similar sized chambers while realizing…..if you don’t increase rates for 15 years, it is a tougher pill to swallow. We are pleased to report though that no
tariffs will be included and you won’t have to navigate the new roundabout while paying your dues…and seriously, once you use a
roundabout once or twice, you will appreciate not having to sit at a red light for minutes while no one is around.
From our staff and myself, we hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. We expect to see you all on Main Street
on New Year’s Eve participating in the festivities!