Field Notes Inside an Integrated Communications Agency

During the past week-end I saw firsthand how the federal stimulus funds are making a difference, creating jobs and being reinvested in local communities.  I was in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania visiting my son and his wife.  My husband and I went to see their new – or at least new to them – house.  They are among the many first -time home buyers across the country who have taken advantage of the new federal housing tax credits.

Always looking for a deal, they purchased a real “fixer upper” that was in foreclosure.  Even though a few years ago my son successfully converted an older model Mercedes to run on vegetable oil – a car he still drives - I was a bit skeptical of their housing purchase.  I didn’t quite share their vision of its potential.  But as they talked enthusiastically about the work  being done by their plumber, electrician and roofer along with the investments in new carpet, paint, floor tiles and a host of other things, I began to see how their savings were being invested and reinvested in helping them create a home and providing job opportunities for countless others.  And after a week-end in which my husband and I made our own investments in the property by purchasing a few items for their new home, I can also see how they are inspiring others  - even those of us who haven’t received stimulus funds – to help boost retail sales.

As this new home project has moved forward, our children have looked for other savings opportunities.  Next week heating contractors will begin the installation of a new geothermal heating and air conditioning system in their “new” home.  In addition to the tax credit they are receiving for the purchase and installation of the system, it also promises a 30 to 70 percent savings on heating and cooling bills – plus the added advantage of being environmentally friendly.

 
With the availability of tax credits, the help of hired professionals and the volunteer efforts of family and friends, this house is coming back to life.  In addition to becoming a new home for our children, it is also revitalizing the corner of their neighborhood where the house stood vacant for almost two years.

Seeing the federal stimulus dollars at work – up close and personal – I’m encouraged that as a nation we are truly in the midst of recovery – one home, one job, one investment at a time.