Local businesses are digging into their own pockets to show their commitment to economic development in Lawrence and Douglas County.

The local business community is stepping up and putting their money on Lawrence’s future.

At Thursday’s kickoff breakfast, the leaders of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce “Excellence by Design” campaign announced that their advance campaign already had raised $703,000 to boost local economic development efforts. That’s 59 percent of the drive’s $1.2 million goal.

Those contributions came from 38 local businesses who were willing to make pledges to help build the local business community. They represented banks, attorneys, real estate interests, retail stores and service businesses. There were large companies and small.

What they all have in common is an interest in building the businesses that fuel the local economy by supporting the county’s tax base and providing jobs for local residents. They know that the communities that invest in economic development now are the ones that will be ready to take advantage of opportunities when the national economy turns upward. It’s an exciting statement and a strong commitment to Lawrence and Douglas County.

The goal of the capital campaign is to add $40 million in new capital investments and 2,000 new primary jobs over the next four years while also increasing tourism revenue by 5 percent a year. Of the $1.2 million goal, $480,000 is committed to attracting new business investment, $312,000 to building business infrastructure and $240,000 to retaining and expanding existing businesses. Another $120,000 will go toward providing a more business-friendly environment and $48,000 to help build the work force to serve the expanded businesses.

Instead of asking for public money, the 38 businesses that have kicked off this campaign are saying this goal is so important to our community’s future that they will commit their own hard-earned money to the project. Their investment is important, but it is only one piece of the puzzle.

To make this campaign a success, the effort of local business people must be matched by an equal effort from local government officials who set the policies that either enhance or detract from the local business climate. It’s not the responsibility of city and county officials to welcome any business at any cost, but they should accommodate and encourage the kinds of businesses Lawrence and Douglas County are eager to attract.

Building sites must be identified and utility services provided. Officials who oversee development should approach businesses with a helpful hand to guide them through the development process. Increased business in this community not only is desirable, it is essential to maintaining our vitality and providing the tax base to maintain local services without placing too great a burden on residential property.

The 38 businesses listed at Thursday’s breakfast have given the Excellence by Design campaign a great sendoff. Their contributions should inspire other local businesses, as well as local policy-makers, to join in the effort.