Opinion

Empowering Woodruff: Shaping a Community of Excellence

By: Tracy Sanders
Stop the incessant complaints about local fast-food service and refrain from attributing it solely to Woodruff. Dismissing new businesses with a pessimistic “just wait” mentality harms our community. Negative assumptions do a disservice to Woodruff, and it’s puzzling how prevalent this attitude is among residents.

Contrary to these sentiments, we witness unity in supporting local athletes excelling in state competitions. Woodruff is, by and large, a proud community that pulls together to achieve shared goals. I propose we harness this collective spirit to impact our business community positively.

Referencing 1 Peter 4:8-11, let’s foster a culture where love prevails, hospitality is offered without grumbling, and individual gifts are utilized as faithful stewards of God’s grace. By setting high expectations for our local businesses, we encourage them to deliver their best.

It’s crucial to recognize that perpetuating the stereotype of expecting poor service provides businesses with a license to underperform. Consider the impact on a server facing a mistake; will they correct it when everyone expects the best, or let it slide if everyone anticipates the worst? We share responsibility, as these workers are often products of the Woodruff school system and community. Let’s educate them on treating customers with kindness and humility. When exceptional experiences occur, share them on social media to reinforce positive behavior. Together, we can shape a community that demands and celebrates excellence.

Read about the initiative “Unveiling Excellence”.