For those feeling like the rest of the country, punch-drunk in the face of a reeling economy’s billows, here’s another bit of sobering news: A Stuarts Draft plant is laying off 53 workers, or 14 percent of its work force, by month’s end.

Word of the cuts at Ply Gem, a maker of vinyl siding and accessories, comes on the heels of a series of layoff announcements, the biggest and most devastating at Invista in Waynesboro, where 210 workers are expected to lose their jobs next month. Like Invista, Ply Gem has been hit hard by the housing slowdown, the effects of which are bound to linger.

So what say the leaders elected to serve the central Shenandoah Valley? Well, not much.

Some have taken to budgetary bunkers, seeking to slash costs. This is a right aim. Government should live within its means and respect the necessity of taxpayers doing the same in a period economic uncertainty. But there is more to do than simply whittle spending.

Others are of the persuasion that times are not so dire as they have been depicted. This is perceived by some leaders, so-called, as cause to ignore the need to kindle economic growth.

I submit that no matter what their thinking, leaders ought to consider economic development an imperative, one driven not by lip service but by concrete action. Leaders could start by identifying point people on government staffs to work with the business community—the one here and the larger one beyond our boundaries—to build incentive packages to help lure movers and shakers here. A vital question: What do businesses want?

The building blocks already are in place: two major interstates pass through the Valley, recreational amenities abound, the quality of living is extraordinarily high and the region offers a friendly tax environment that officials should preserve by lowering rates to offset increased property values under recent reassessments. Those of us who live and work here know well what our area has to offer. How will others know unless our leaders tab champions to spread the word?

The River City 2020 visioning board understands well the need to act. My hope is that our elected leaders soon will demonstrate they comprehend it, too, and then show as much by waging the good fight to secure a future prosperity that otherwise will remain the subject of soft talk rather than hard reality.