By Timlynn Babitsky: In the best “I’m going to win the lottery” mind set, we have come to believe that “out there somewhere” is the silver bullet that will fix whatever ails us. If we can only find it and bring it home, then our farm, school, town, region, economy — future — will be…
By Ed Morrison Building a strong economic base requires a balanced approach. Recruiting companies is not enough. Starting new companies is not enough. Building a creative place is not enough. Educating people is not enough. “Creative people” are not enough. We need all of these components (and a few more) in dynamic balance.…EDPros need the…
By Ed Morrison In a knowledge economy driven by networks, public libraries can play an important economic development role. They can provide a research material, space for training, and opportunities to build civic networks. Equally important, they can provide strong stimulus for family reading, a core skill in the knowledge economy. Here’s an article out…
EDPro Weblog: Economic Development for Today’s Professionals: by Ed Morrison Agritourism represents an important entrepreneurial strategy for rural communities. The public’s appetite for agritourism is growing, and the strategy is one antidote to sprawl. Read more. But the strategy should not be limited to visiting places. Developing rural products and rural brands can generate new…
“Unlike [incentives], a good, quality workforce doesn’t run out in five years or 10 years.” Shelby Mayor, quoted at the EDPro Weblog: Economic Development for Today’s Professionals While you’re there, read the Quotes of the Week. Here’s three to get you started. “We ought to be a place where a brilliant person with a great…
Nebraska borrowed this idea from North Dakota. So you can borrow it, too. a Marketplace for Entrepreneurs. The Marketplace idea is patterned after a North Dakota event that’s been attracting 7,000 people for the past 17 years. The Marketplace is based on the belief that small towns must look within for economic development, not count…
Feb. 10, 2006 – Agritourism: big word; simple concept. If you own a working farm or ranch and people come to purchase products, hunt and fish, or just relax, then you’ve got an agritourism business. Those wide open spaces, big skies, and being farm hands for a day represent rare experiences for most Americans. To…
If you ever wished you could beat the local authorities over the head with a 2×4 until they understood “business,” here’s an idea that might help you. Georia’s Department of Economic Development is designating “Entrepreneur-Friendly Communities.” “Designated communites have sent their community leaders through a training process, and have established a system that allows them…
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