It’s a simple phrase, but one that might hold a lot of weight to so many for many reasons. It’s tough being open for business.

This past week’s news cycle saw a collection of stories that gave our county much to unpack, be it Mamakating’s proposed data center moratorium, Thompson and Forestburgh’s proposed solar arrays or even Bethel’s new comprehensive plan.

There’s a saying that the Sullivan County Partnership sticks by: “Sullivan County is open for business.”

We’re all for that — most of the time.

To some residents, however, a new business proposal occasionally comes with a bit of trepidation. For projects like the proposed revitalization of Grossinger’s Resort Hotel, there’s skepticism. For a solar array or data center, there can be a resounding, “That’s a big no from me!”

We get their concerns. Everyone has the right to reach out to their elected officials and share their skepticism or support for a project. It’s this key component that keeps our republic functioning.

We also know that not every business would fit well into Sullivan County, a region blessed with natural beauty from undisturbed woodlands to beautiful mountains and waterways.

But we also know that a large part of Sullivan County’s economy thrives on a unique blend of tourism, retail, agriculture and manufacturing. These industries, much like the businesses that helped shape Sullivan County during the days of Sullivan’s and the historically rich Borscht Belt, remain strong benefactors to our success.

We, as a county, need good ratables — taxable properties that generate tax income for our local governments. Those ratables should come with jobs to support the very businesses we seek to bring here.

Recently, our elected officials have been walking a fine line between bringing new businesses to our towns while protecting our tranquil waterways and vast landscapes and listening to residents who have concerns about what that development could mean for their communities.

As for the ultimate solution, we here are also unsure. We’re certain that Sullivan County has plenty of space for something great, just waiting to be the next spark in our economy.

Towns that have welcomed economic development, like Thompson with the Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark, have enjoyed success in their own right while also providing a significant boost to the county’s local economy.

That doesn’t mean every project will be the right project. It doesn’t mean residents should simply accept whatever proposal comes before them. And it certainly doesn’t mean our towns should abandon the landscapes and communities that make Sullivan County what it is.

But it does mean that we should be willing to have the conversation.

We’re all coexisting in this county, so let’s try and find common ground as we continue welcoming businesses that provide good employment, strengthen our communities and support our local economy.

It’s not always easy being open for business, but finding that balance makes it all worth it.