All under the premise that he cannot assist the businesses that he does not know about.

Over 1/3 of the estimated $30,000 ($10,000 for the mathematically challenged) was design, printing and mailing postcards (3 times)

Another 1/3 (approx $11,000) was the cost having two or three employees who would process the postcards, enter the data and conduct phone polls and physical visits over the 90 day period.

Another portion, a little less than $5000 was allocated to develop a website which would be a tool for Bishop to manipulate the data, create mailing labels, send emails and indentify the strengths and weaknesses in our local economy.

Overall I stood to make about $4500 in profit, for 3 months work, and bringing the overall idea to fruition.  That’s about $17 per hour for 13 - 20 hour weeks over that period.

I made the presentation to the ED Board because that was the logical place to do so, even though we’ve now realized the data may be used by Planning, Fire/Rescue/EMS, the Sheriff, Public Works, and the Tax Dept.

I was asked, “why not take this to The Chamber?”  My response:  the Chamber has representation on the ED Board, so why do two presentations?

Overall this has been 100% transparent, in the open and clear. I have discussed this directly with two commissioners: John Rorer, whom I had lunch with; and Janet Taylor - I stopped at her business one day.

I do not mind discussing the ideas, and working toward a way we can identify and help all the local businesses in our community.

But to sit here and make reference to my family; make reference to a refrigerator on our driveway (which some lady my mom knows is supposed to come pick up); question with whom I am having lunch; or questioning my overall motives : all of those are pointless.

If you wish to discuss the issues, or improvements to the idea, call me at 252.267.3332.  If you just want to throw rocks, you’re wasting your time.

As for giving the database to the county, I’ll do that when each of my detractors donates 20 hrs of time over 13 weeks to complete the task, and also pitches in for the mailing expense.

My phone # is above and on our website, call me when you all wish to help fix the problem.

-J