Tuesday, April 08, 2003
EDPros face a challenge in generating a steady stream of positive news stories. These stories are important for a couple of reasons. First, they improve and deepen a community's sense of itself. Second, they help educate and inform people about the dynamics of economic development.
Here's an idea you can promote to the editors and publisher of your local paper. Each Monday, the Quad City Times in Davenport, Iowa publishes an article on a neighborhood. (The Quad City region is located along the Mississippi River in Western Illinois and Eastern Iowa.) This editorial explains the paper's reasoning. Use the same arguments with your local folks.
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.
If you are using a news reader, here is the link to syndicate this site:
Here's the link if you are a bloglines subscriber:
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.
Generating positive news coverage
