“Virtual Town Hall” To Take On Economy

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Every morning for the past few months, you’ve no doubt glanced at the headlines: “Jobless rate up,” “Personal income down,” “Foreclosures through the roof.” The economy is the most challenging in generations. As we report the endless parade of grim outlooks, consumers take notice and hunker down. Spending slows and businesses sustain more losses. It’s a vicious cycle and one that isn’t expected to break anytime soon. Finding a silver lining has been a challenge.
Tonight, News Channel 11 will try to help create one. Call it a virtual “town hall meeting.” Volunteers from nearly every sector of the local economy will be on hand to answer your questions. These aren’t the so-called experts from hundreds of miles away. These are the bank presidents in your own backyard, the lawmakers you elect, the financial planners you trust, and the community leaders who help bring new jobs to the Tri-Cities region.
What is deflation and what does it mean for us? Who’s hiring right now? What can we do to strengthen the local economy? Is it a good time to buy a car? Can I get financing? These are just a few of the questions we will pose to the panel this evening. The rest are up to you.
“We know financial matters are No. 1 in the minds of our viewers,” WJHL General Manager Jack Dempsey said. “Hopefully, people will come away with the understanding that it’s not as bad as maybe we think it is,” he said. “Of course, the opposite is possible. But many businesses are critical of the media for portraying the circumstances as more dire than they really are. In fact, participants, who also include financial planners, are also grateful.”
Dempsey said the participants he’s spoken with are grateful for the chance to set the record straight. “They think it’s a great public service,” he said.
News Channel 11 will open the help line from 5 to 7 p.m. Volunteers will take questions and relay them to a panel of more than a dozen experts. If the question involves lending, it will go to someone in the banking industry. If it’s geared toward job creation or taxes, it may go a lawmaker. The point is: The answers are specifically geared toward the challenges we face in this region. You can remain anonymous if you wish.
Viewers can call toll-free at (888) 903-9545 during the two-hour window. You can also e-mail a question to .

Neal Boling is news director for News Channel 11. He can be reached at (423) 434-4501 or .