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SPECIAL FEATURESNov. 2006 - Sept. 2007

'Independent America' Part V

‘Corporate America hung up on us’ – What happened when big business fled a dying town?

By the Hot Zone Team, Fri Dec 22, 3:04 PM ET

Note: This is the second in a series of independent documentaries we are spotlighting on the Hot Zone. Our first, "Shadow Company," looked at security contractors in

Iraq. With our second feature, we shift focus and place, to the U.S. "Independent America," by Hanson Hosein and Heather Hughes, asks if small, independent businesses are a thing of the past in modern America.

In the last clip from ‘Independent America,' filmmakers Heather Hughes and Hanson Hosein find a small town in Wyoming that has been abandoned by big business. To keep the city from dying, its citizens created a community-owned retail center, a self-sufficient model for an ‘Independent America.' 

Our conversation with Hanson Hosein continues below, as he tells the Hot Zone what next for the flimmaking pair.
 

HOT ZONE: What are you guys working on next?

HANSON HOSEIN: Good question! What are we working on next? I've been doing a lot of work in Africa and Central America on projects. And, we're looking at possibly expanding [Independent America] even further because of the reaction. We might do more of a PBS-style [approach] that looks specifically at the big issues rather than just a narrative of us going across the country.

To learn more or to buy a copy of the DVD, visit the "Independent America" web site here.

http://hotzone.yahoo.com/b/hotzone/blogs18710

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Comments

Join the discussion. Here you'll see the comments in the order they were posted.

1
Ultra liberal garbage
Posted by beeger87 on Sat, Dec 23, 2006 11:42 AM ET
2
It is well known fact that a Corporation no matter the nature of their business their motto is high returns for their shareholders and do not forget high rewards for their Board and CEO's,so if that happens in the good USA,analyse what is going on in other countries and latitudes,the fact is,they do not care a bit,Shall I say more?
Posted by osla3tesplus on Sat, Dec 23, 2006 5:29 PM ET
3
How does posting work here ?
Posted by pittpanther630@sbcglobal.net on Sat, Dec 23, 2006 7:26 PM ET
4
Thank you. The documentary on Independant America thus far, has shown a reality that few realize. I do not believe there is enough patriotism left in this country for a true grass roots movement, but hopefully enough people find this site to realize that we do need to wake up and change some things. Thanks again!!
Posted by lmsedlock on Sun, Dec 24, 2006 9:34 AM ET
5
Its interesting that a MUSLIM had to drive through america to bring out this story.
Posted by hopewell_forever on Sun, Dec 24, 2006 8:49 PM ET
6
Being from a medium size town who's main workforce is one company. This reality is very well possible. We as the community need to make it clear that an area needs more business (small to med) incase the big ones go. When this large company has layoffs it is felt through out the community. Our lawmakers should address this and ensure our economy stays stable by diveristy. But yet the large companies get tax breaks, first bids and so on which make the playing field so unbalanced. The old saying "don't keep your eggs all in one basket" seems to be forgotten when a hugh company(s) come to town.
Posted by centerstage1526 on Mon, Dec 25, 2006 12:05 PM ET
7
re Ultra liberal garbage .. is that the BEST you got? get some new material!
Posted by yo_mama_duz on Wed, Dec 27, 2006 4:52 AM ET
8
Without watching the video, I see a foriegn car which tells the story. If people can't understand that foriegn products drain this country of money, jobs, technology and a future they desrve what they get. Go work for these foreign companies where you get your merchandise, live there don't sit here and complain.
Posted by cwmktrep on Wed, Dec 27, 2006 7:36 AM ET
9
Cities, Towns, nor States really promoted small businesses. So, when the corps leave, small towns vanish leaving little economy to grow on. The math is still the same just a different bunch now doing it.
Posted by empires040 on Wed, Dec 27, 2006 9:17 AM ET
10
Small businesses provide through sales tax some of the operating cost base for most of our cities. Our town is no exception. I just wish that the Mom & Pop stores could actually compete better on prices than they do but they can't. We're about to lose what is probably the last dime store in this area of the state next month. Owner is retiring, and some other new business will take over the site providing a higher return for the property owner. No problem with that. We here in Central Ohio know that turnover is just a part of the natural progression of our cities and small towns. To survive, the smaller business community needs to adapt to the needs of its citizens. We're working on that here with contiinued success. Four years ago when I returned to my hometown after retiring from my first career I found about a 40% vacancy rate. Now only about 3 or 4 storefronts remain unleased. We here just had our own battle with the big box everyone loves (and won) because their main competitor (COSTCO) opened a store in the southern part of the county. Like most of the towns in this documentary to date, ours has had its share of affinity with those interviewed to some degree. We know that big boxes are here to stay because that's what many people want. We just have to be better at whatever we're doing in order to succeed.
Posted by mainstreet43015@verizon.net on Wed, Dec 27, 2006 10:28 AM ET

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in memoriam

The Kevin Sites in the Hot Zone team dedicates this site to Marla Ruzicka, a fearless voice of compassion, who was killed in Iraq on April 16, 2005, while trying to lessen the suffering of others. For more information, see Civic Worldwide.