Preschool is emerging as an economic development issue
Thursday, November 21, 2002
Many EDPros have not heard of the Committee for Economic Development (CED). It is a business think tank that takes the long view on economic development. So, CED reports tend to be a good indicator of where the economic development field is heading.
Most recently, CED has focused on early childhood education. The reason is clear: Weak early childhood education eventually means fewer people having the necessary skills to succeed in the workforce.
According to Roy J. Bostock, chair of the CED, ~{!0~}We thought it was time to address, indeed, to throw down the gauntlet for the need, the imperative for quality early childhood education." Learn more. Go. Download the report.
In 1998, the Commission on the Future of the South called for more emphasis on early childhood education as a critical component of economic development. States across the South have been responding. See, for example, the position of the North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry.
posted by Ed Morrison |
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Some Background on EDPro Weblog
The purpose of this weblog is to help economic development professionals -- EDPros -- keep up with the changes sweeping our profession. Strap on your goggles. It's a whole new game. There are no experts any more. The only place to learn about economic development is from other EDPros who are doing it.
One other point: the prevaling approach (paradigm, if you like) in economic development is shifting from competition to collaboration. There are a lot of reaasons underlying this shift, but here's the important insight: You, your community, and your region will do better by collaborating and sharing information.
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Speaking and workshops on Open Source Economic Development
As the idea of Open Source Economic Development starts spreading, more people are asking about it. Visit the I-Open web site to learn more. My colleagues and I are happy to explain the basic concepts in a talk or a workshop. E-mail Susan Alshuler if you'd like to learn more about workshops and speaking.
Background on Ed Morrison
Download some background information on me here.
Preschool is emerging as an economic development issue
