“The only constant in life is change.” These words are attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher, Heraclitus. It is true, life is constantly changing. Imagine if Heraclitus could spend one day in 2023. He would be awed by an airplane overhead, overwhelmed with microwaved food, daunted by the cell phone, and so much more. Likely, he would affirm “the only constant in life is change.” Additionally, he would be taken with the absence of slaves, how people work beyond their farm or homed, women with the right to vote, and the common man (or woman) could rise to a position of power and leadership.
We should welcome change for with it comes the opportunity for improvement. No change guarantees no improvement. Every ten years we are provided with census data. In the Census of 2010 and Census of 2020 there is a “Diversity Index.”. The Diversity Index is a formula citing the chance that two persons, picked at random, will be from different racial and ethnic groups. The higher the Diversity Index the greater the area’s diversity. In 2010 Salem County had a Diversity Index of 38.7. Contrast this to the 2020 Diversity Index of 48.1. Obviously, this is a trend we should acknowledged and embrace, as it fosters opportunity. The actual figures are demonstrated on the table below.
Uniquely, Salem County has had very limited total population change in the last 40 years – approximately 65,000 residents. However, minority representation in our County is increasing. Sadly, minority businesses ownership in the County does not reflect our population changes. This gap provides us with an opportunity. The Chamber of Commerce is anxious to support new and existing minority owned businesses and embrace all of Salem County. In order to improve our outreach and service, the Chamber is initiating a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEI). Harvey Saunders of the Chamber’s Board of Directors has volunteered to chair this committee and is joined by several Board members.
If you have interest in getting involved in this critical effort and serve on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee for the Salem County Chamber of Commerce, please notify Jennifer Jones at 856.351.2245 or .
The best time to start a DEI committee is twenty years ago. The second best time is today (apologies to Confucius). Please join us in making Salem County a more diverse environment in which to live, work, play, and do business.
Below is the graphic comparison of 2010 and 2020 census breakdowns:
| Demographic |
2010 |
2020 |
Change |
% Change |
2010 |
2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White, Non-Hispanic |
50,708 |
47,257 |
(3,451) |
(7%) |
77% |
73% |
| Black, Non-Hispanic |
8,896 |
8,782 |
(114) |
(1%) |
13% |
14% |
| American Indian or Alaskan Native, Non-Hispanic |
194 |
209 |
15 |
8% |
0% |
0% |
| Asian, Non-Hispanic |
549 |
637 |
88 |
16% |
1% |
1% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Non-Hispanic |
12 |
26 |
14 |
117% |
0% |
0% |
| Two or More Races, Non-Hispanic |
1,081 |
1,334 |
253 |
23% |
2% |
2% |
| White, Hispanic |
3,589 |
5,145 |
1,556 |
43% |
5% |
8% |
| Black, Hispanic |
629 |
936 |
307 |
49% |
1% |
1% |
| American Indian or Alaskan Native, Hispanic |
131 |
196 |
65 |
50% |
0% |
0% |
| Asian, Hispanic |
28 |
59 |
31 |
111% |
0% |
0% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Hispanic |
3 |
13 |
10 |
333% |
0% |
0% |
| Two or More Races, Hispanic |
163 |
265 |
102 |
63% |
0% |
0% |
|
65,983 |
64,859 |
|
|
100% |
100% |