A Positive Step

The City of Waynesboro, Burke County and the Chamber of Commerce all took a very positive step last week when the three entities agreed to merge their internet websites.

Each currently has a website, but much of the material is repetitive or overlapping and none is as effective as the new site will be.

More and more people use the internet for research, and that includes looking for communities where they might like to relocate or visit. Travelers use local websites to find accommodation, restaurants, or points of interest along the way.

Governmental services are often researched by interested citizens, saving the city and county from countless telephone inquiries. The ability to pay for utilities and taxes online will be a benefit to citizens and agencies alike.

It is logical that the three groups should join forces in this effort. But it should be noted that, unfortunately, very few communities have taken this approach. We applaud all those involved for their spirit of cooperation and innovation.

While most of the news about the national economy has been bad for several months, we received quite a boost to the local economy last week when ASTA Inc. announced plans to begin operations this fall in the former Cummins Filtration/Kwikset building.

Utilizing the internet to show the many positive characteristics of this area can serve to make that announcement only the first of many more to come.