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EXTERNAL FACTORS
External issues will shape the future of, and create numerous opportunities for, the Community. In this context, an “external issue” is a law, event, trend or other happening that impacts the Community and is beyond its direct control. The Community can anticipate the external issues and then seize the opportunities they create, minimize their negative impact, or let the issues have their way.
The Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) of 1990 provide an example of the impact of external issues. In the 1980s, Perry County was the leading coal-producing county in Illinois and consistently ranked as a top 20 producer nationwide. The CAAA required sulfur dioxide and other emission reductions at electric-generating plants in two phases: the first in 1995 and the second in 2000. The result of the new regulations was a loss of markets for the high-sulfur coal produced in the region, the closure of area mines, high unemployment rates, and a loss of tax revenues for the County, City and other taxing bodies. The lingering impact of the CAAA on the Community’s financial health, employment opportunities and morale is one the biggest issues that must be overcome.
The Planning Committee identified a number of important external issues that will impact the Community in the future. Some of the external issues present opportunities, while others require mitigation.
The Opportunities
1. Convergence of the Metro St. Louis and Marion-Carbondale Regions.
The rapid growth of these two regions will create a gradual movement of businesses and residents toward the Community from the south and northwest and will increase auto and truck traffic through the Community. Over time, the Community could experience increased residential housing demand and business opportunities due to the higher traffic counts moving between the regions. Some employment opportunities should also move closer to the Community. Increasing congestion on the Square will be a downside.
2. Development of New Mines and Other Energy Projects.
The Clean Air Interstate Rule of 2006, higher prices for natural gas and oil, and demand for additional electricity generation will lead to the construction of new mines, coal-fueled power plants and emission-control equipment at existing coal-generating plants. New job opportunities will arise for Community residents willing to train for highly skilled mechanical, electrical, fabrication, welding, carpentry and other opportunities. Small-business opportunities should also arise to service the energy projects. Many of the opportunities will be within 50–100 miles of the Community, and they should lead to other employment and business opportunities throughout the nation for the most talented and productive workers.
3. Tourism Activity Will Increase.
The construction of the World Shooting Center near Sparta is expected to increase the flow of sportsmen into the area. Pyramid State Park, Rend Lake, Kincaid Lake and other outdoor attractions should experience steady increases in the number of visitors. Opportunities for restaurants, hotels, campgrounds, sporting goods stores and other tourism-related retail businesses should increase at a steady pace. These opportunities could grow at an accelerated pace if the State of Illinois can be stimulated to improve the infrastructure at Pyramid State Park.
4. New Highway Infrastructure Will Be Necessary.
The growth of the two metro regions, increased tourism and large construction projects will necessitate additional highway infrastructure in the region. The convergence of three state routes on the Square, as well as its location on the major travel corridors between the Metro East and Carbondale, make Pinckneyville a logical candidate for highway upgrades. The Square is currently congested, and that congestion will increase in the future. Residents would benefit from safer and more efficient commutes to employment opportunities and a fresher, newer look in the Community as a result of highway improvements.
Issues Requiring Mitigation
Some external issues will require mitigation plans to avoid negative impacts to the Community:
1. Intense Competition Exists to Attract Large, New Businesses.
The Community will maintain its efforts to attract a major business to the area, recognizing the intense competition from other countries, states and communities. Fortunately, alternative job opportunities should arise for those willing to train, to commute or to invest in the small businesses in the Community.
2. Existing Employers Face Fierce Competition.
The existing retail, manufacturing and agricultural businesses face international and regional competitive pressures that are difficult to overcome. The Community must, in a prudent manner, help them remain viable or face the loss of local employment opportunities.
3. Competition to Enter Major Universities Is Increasing.
The competition for admission to major universities is increasing, and the High School will need to keep pace to provide Community students with the opportunity to reach their full potential. This translates to a curriculum that offers advanced classes, the use of the latest technology, and a culture of high-level learning.
4. The Complexity and Cost of Health Care Procedures, Technology and Facilities Are Rising.
The benefits of research and technological advances in the health care industry create complexity for entities that deliver those services. Throughout America, the consolidation of hospitals and medical centers on a regional basis should continue to occur, requiring small communities to invest in their medical delivery systems to keep up with the changes. This trend could result in a loss of the Community Hospital and physicians unless the Hospital and medical centers are modernized.
5. Changing Age Demographics Will Reshape the Community.
Throughout America, the retirement of the “baby boomer” generation is revolutionizing agriculture, housing, health care, retail, transportation and other industries that have remained unchanged for decades. The issue is magnified by the continued migration of high school and college graduates away from small communities to metropolitan areas. The same issues apply to the Community, and actions to adapt to these changes will be required to avoid Pinckneyville’s becoming a retirement community.
6. Competition From “Regional Main Street” Shopping Centers and Internet Retailers Will Impact the Business Community.
Two Wal-Marts are located within 25 miles of the Community, and many other “big box” retailers are located within 50 miles. The pricing power of large chain retailers and their attraction as a source of entertainment has and will continue to reduce the number of retailers in the Community. Local businesses also face competition from retailers who use the Internet to offer convenience, wide selection and low prices. To compete, local retailers will need to find niche markets, ways to compete based upon service, or other forms of competitive advantage.
The Planning Committee considered these and other external issues as the Vision was prepared. As shown above, external issues not only offer opportunities, but also pose problems that must be solved. Collectively, these external issues and the Community’s reaction to them help define the boundaries of what is possible in the Vision.
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