Archive for March 2011
Thursday, March 31st, 2011
Eric Canada has studied the impact of existing companies on job growth in communities. His data suggest attraction generally accounts for only 15% of jobs and capital attraction compared to 76% from existing businesses and 9% from entrepreneurial start-ups. In fact, in an interview with Canada he noted, “If I could only implement one economic […]
Monday, March 28th, 2011
When I worked in the private sector, the roles and responsibilities of different Departments were fairly well defined, and the priorities of the Organization were articulated in a Corporate Strategic Plan understood by all managers. In the public sector though, things are far less clear and the need for strong leadership in managing economic development […]
Thursday, March 24th, 2011
I recently had a conversation with an economic development professional who told me her community had just launched a new brand to promote the location for capital investment. She had previously heard my presentation on place branding in which I define a brand as a promise that sets an expectation of an experience. She […]
Sunday, March 20th, 2011
Inevitably, when somebody learns I retired from Procter & Gamble, they ask me for insight into effective leadership. P&G has a reputation for nurturing and developing outstanding leaders. One of the key reasons is P&G Managers believe deeply in the Company’s promise of “Touching Lives, Improving Life”. To a P&Ger, this is a calling, […]
Monday, March 14th, 2011
For years the major employer in your community has enjoyed steady market success. Most of the people in your community either work directly for the Company or are dependent on the Company and its employees as customers. People are content and their children are planning to follow in their parents’ footsteps and work for the […]
Sunday, March 6th, 2011
Convincing capital investors that your community is an ideal location choice to build or expand their business is both challenging and time consuming. You can spend weeks to months making presentations, engaging in telephone conference calls, sending information, and answering questions. And yet, despite your best efforts, your community is dropped from the list of […]