How Do We Reach You?

Keep It Local, by Barbara Lawrence – March 28, 2012

Are you part of Generation X, Y, Z, Boomer, Post war, World War II, or Depression Era?  These are phases defining our age connections. (You can read more at The Social Librarian.)   
The world has changed at a rapid pace in just over 100 years, and it is changing exponentially faster each day with technology as one of the catalysts. Those younger than 35 don’t remember when there was no cable TV and only 3 major networks, no Internet, no personal computer and no email. Communication and getting acquainted is part of a complex new world.
The 5-mile radius I am using for this series of articles (with its center on the west side of the Catawba River and about 1 mile north of Belmont) had 68,266 residents as of 2010, the Nielsen Co. reported. Our age groups, experiences and lifestyles make a difference in how we interact. Statistical analysis produces a set of categories. As human beings, we don’t fit neatly into categories; however, there are some generalities that can help us understand differing context for these categories.
Change creates challenges and opportunities for our future. Let’s familiarize ourselves with some general information about the stated 68,266 individuals as provided in a 2011 report (2010 data) from the Nielsen Co.

The report  states that 50.8% of the population over age 16 is estimated to be employed (2010 figures). Numbers for retired and self employed are not usually tracked.  
Age differences provide a great deal of context for how we connect to our neighbors, friends and community. The advances and speed of technological change in the past 100 years challenge us beyond our historical generational differences. Most of us are aware that even buying in stores is trending toward "pay by phone" applications. I still like cash. 
According to New Media Trend Watch there were 245 million Internet users in the US in March of 2011, representing 78.2% of the population. 
Those of us considered ‘baby-boomers’  had to adopt Internet and personal-computer technology well past our college days. “Millennials (also referred to as Generation Y and echo boomers) are the first generation to come of age in the new millennium… From shopping to socializing to watching TV, they do it all online.”  (also from New Media Trend Watch)
Another source, emarketer.com, expects online Internet use by seniors age 65 and over to increase from 45% to 56% of total internet users in the US by 2015. As active adults continue to work and volunteer in our community, it is important to remember that many do not currently communicate via Internet. As we move more and more to social media for communication, it is important to reach out to these individuals with traditional advertising and mail services. 
How do we consider others in our efforts to build a strong local, and sustainable economy for our future?

About Barbara Lawrence - Barbara has a background in economic development and real-estate research. Her work has included revitalization of downtown Boone, downtown Gastonia and now Mount Holly.