Building Something Worthwhile

I had every intention of writing this blog yesterday, but life sort of took over and I didn't get around to it. That's actually a good thing, because I got an email last night that really gave the me the right narrative thread. See, I have a friend who's recently changed jobs, and she's taking on a responsibility that's scary for her. In fact, it'd be scary for anyone other than the most self-deluded among us.

Funny thing is, she's perfect for the job.

But that's the thing about Gail Lane - she's too dang humble. She's also the new director for the Grayson Downtown Development Authority, an organization committed to helping the City of Grayson and the business community work together towards a bright future. Yesterday I took my two kids to the DDA's ribbon cutting ceremony for their Business Incubator and Co-Working Facilities, held at the DDA's offices at 438 Grayson Parkway.

Suffice it to say, I was out of place.

There were plenty of folks from the local business community there, all supportive of the DDA and it's long-term mission to help develop the downtown area and create a thriving community for both residents and businesses. I ran into a couple of people I know, and my children held on to me so tight they cut off the circulation in my legs. Despite her duties as host, Gail graciously gave me a few minutes for an interview, which I recorded on my iPhone, which also picked up every ambient sound across the known spectrum, including my son apparently burping at some point.

Sadly, I couldn't make out a darn thing Gail said. But trust me - she knows what she's doing. Knows it cold. And there were such thing as someone born/created to do a particular task in life, it would be Gail managing the DDA. Her experience and connections in the community speak for themselves; she is a successful business woman who's whip-smart and capable of almost anything (as evidenced by her ability to pinch-hit for Sharon here on the Patch). And she knows dang near everyone there is to know.

Another great thing about Gail is her love for the area. For Grayson. And her passion to see the city grow as the result of a concerted and communal effort that benefits everyone.

But what sets her apart is something she wrote in a follow up email to me (when she thought I was actually going to publish this yesterday): her courage. Taking on the DDA represents a change for her, a stepping out of the boat moment that required a lot of personal faith. I don't think I'm sharing out of turn when I quote her email, so here's what she said that really resonated with me, and tells you just what a fantastic person - and community leader - Gail truly is.

"The whole part of this equation that is so very neat to me is that this is something new for me. I'm trying something new and challenging that could have a positive effect on my community and I really treasure this opportunity."

I'm not the oldest person in the world, but I've been around the block enough to know that a good leader is one who sees an opportunity and pursues because it aligns with their sense of vision. Gail's courage to work with the DDA to bring lasting and beneficial impact to Grayson and it's future is just that: a good leader seizing a moment to make a significant impact on the coming generations. Business people will love her sharp mind and keen insight, and residents can rest easy knowing that she will work to keep Grayson true to itself.

Honestly, this is a person everyone can love and love working with. It's a win-win.

I told her yesterday that I remember thinking as a kid that Grayson was the boonies. A nothing town. As a grown up, I marvel at how measured the transformation has been, yet also how complete. As the DDA webpage states, Grayson truly is "the epicenter for growth in East Gwinnett." I don't see that changing.

But I also remember Stone Mountain's change, and Snellville's change, and even the explosion of growth that happened in the little corner where I grew up, Centerville. They are cautionary tales of relatively unchecked growth, of what happens when communities either don't have a plan, or don't execute the plan very well. Grayson won't fall into that trap. Between the good folks at City Hall and those members of the business community, there's a cooperation that will help the city grow but in a responsible way. And in between City Hall and business community stands Gail, a wise and wonderful liaison to help guard the process.

It's not often in life you get the chance to build something worthwhile. For the people and businesses of Grayson, we are fortunate that Gail Lane seized her chance when she did.

Our future is the brighter for it.