Greyhound station a symbol of Blytheville's best

I have never had much respect for naysayers. In my job, optimism is a requirement -- I must look for the good in every person, for opportunities in every problem and for hope in every downturn. It is not always easy, and I am not always good at it, but to survive, I definitely have to disregard naysayers.

Liz Smith

By my definition, naysayers either are those who criticize constantly, pointing out problems as though there are no solutions, or persistently declare new ideas and/or change to be doomed to failure, no matter what. And usually, they talk more than they act.

A case in point is the Greyhound Bus Station. On Dec. 30, 2010, the city of Blytheville ended the year with a momentous occasion, officially handing the bus station keys over to Main Street Blytheville, which in a few weeks will make its home there. The accompanying celebration brought out a large and joyful crowd, and it was a fine moment for Blytheville. As I looked out among the crowd, however, what did I see? Yep. Former naysayers.

Please do not misunderstand -- I was thrilled they came to celebrate the realization of this vision. But their presence quickly reminded me of how much criticism and negativity resulted from the city's acquisition of the now fabulous site. City officials suffered enormous disapproval for merely thinking the building could have value, much less spending any money on it. Educated business people scoffed at the idea that a bus station had historic significance or that historic significance even matters in economic development. And because any such project is long-term, many people thought it was just never going to move forward. The negativity was persistent for years.

And yet, that same Greyhound Bus Station now stands as a symbol of all the best in Blytheville.

To start, it commemorates one of our best assets, our remarkable Delta history. A building pivotal in moving Southern-bred music ("the blues") to the North, the bus station also represents last goodbyes during war after war, thankful hellos, and an architectural style that has surpassed all tests of time. That is only the beginning of its historic importance.

Then, consider the visionaries. Communities must have leaders with vision, and Blytheville has a cadre of people who knew without doubt that this building plainly had to be saved for historic and tourism purposes -- people who could see beyond the clouds, recognizing a hidden gem, realizing what could be ours if only we persevered.

Visions materialize through hard work and again, the bus station shows our best. A long list of citizens stayed the course, finding solutions to every challenge, uncovering resource after resource, always keeping the big picture in view. Years came and went, and while getting discouraged was easy, positive and progressive thinking prevailed.

A history to relish. The vision to see it. The determination to foster it. Yes, the Greyhound Bus Station now stands as a symbol of the best in Blytheville, and the most negative among us surely must see the hope of its future development.

We are rich in history. Our city is abounding with people who have great ideas. We are, as Delta people tend to be, very resourceful. And clearly, we persevere. Naysayers are our only real menace. We listen to them complain. Many accept their words as truth, their authoritative tones as knowledge. Their effect on community is undeniable: They erode pride. They wear away hope. They threaten progress.

My hope for 2011 is that the Greyhound Bus Station prevails as a beacon of progress in our community work. Let it quell the naysaying. Let it remind us that positive energy and determination can overcome obstacles, and that we should practice saying, "Yes, it can happen, and yes, it will be a good thing."

After all, we really are only what we make ourselves to be.

Smith is executive director of the Greater Blytheville Area Chamber of Commerce.