Among the ideas being touted to help revive the Clinton County economy are community gardens and a "Buy Local" campaign to potentially create new jobs.
Those are some of the projects being pushed by Mark Rembert and Taylor Stuckert of a new organization called "Energize Clinton County."
They’re designed to help overcome the thousands of jobs lost at DHL Air Park.
They envision a demonstration garden being created this Spring in the middle of Williams Memorial Park in Wilmington.
It’s a concept similar to the Victory Gardens that were tied to World War II.
"When people have lost their jobs and may have extra time on their hands, we’re promoting the use of that time wisely," Rembert said. "We think a great way to do that would be to grow food."
Discussions are also underway to create 20 garden plots on the campus of Wilmington College.
Rembert and Stuckert are working with a class at the college to develop the concept.
The other suggestion gaining momentum is a campaign to "Buy Local."
"We think that’s the way this economy is going to be rebuilt," said Rembert.
He cited a recent Business Week article indicating that a 10% shift in spending toward local merchants could create up to 300 jobs in Clinton County.
"That’s not increasing spending, just shifting spending," Rembert added.
