Is there a way to find out the real status of the US rural economy? Ernie Goss, a professor of economics at Creighton University, says “ask the bankers.” In an Associated Press story, Goss reveals a survey of bank presidents and chief executives from nine US states: Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming,…
Podcast: Be Excellent quoted the 2006 Employee Review by recruiter Randstad, reported by Management-Issues. Almost 90% of employees said that feeling valued is an critical factor in job satisfaction, but barely 30% of them felt that they were valued by their own employers. Only 25% of employees felt that their organizations felt any loyalty towards…
Now here is a strategy for rural development: Hope that one of your small town’s alumni will return and pour money on you. Don’t want to wait? Start looking for alumni to bring back, organize general alumni events, and build relationships with people. At the same time, don’t forget your “never lefts,” the people who…
One of the great economic development columns published today is BOTTOM LINE by Charles Lawton, in the Maine Today business section. Recently, he wrote, Maine doesn’t have a jobs problem; we have a skills problem. He points to the increasing competition for skilled workers. Even in economically depressed areas, certain industries are begging for qualified…
Ed Morrison writes a weekly roundup of stories and commentary. Three items came together for me today. I’ll try to tie them together to share with you. What does your small town need to grow? Entrepreneurs need mentors and networks of support. Education is economic development, especially early education. Tourism is a traded business just…
Jeff Cornwall, Belmont University: “Moving into the real world” used to be a standard phrase used as students prepared to leave the protected confines of the university and headed into the workforce. But as a student entrepreneur once told me as she was wrestling with balancing her new venture, class projects, final exams, and a…
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…
Small Businesses Stepping Up Recruiting Effortsby Stephen Parezo Smart Brief Every business should have a system in place to recruit the best possible candidates for job openings. Recruiting is on the rise across the country as more of the work force is retiring. Many job seekers are looking for a work-life balance that includes flexible…
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