Monday, July 28, 2003
Here's a couple of good articles on the economy of Balrtimore County. The first explores the future of manufacturing. The article gives you a link to a report on Maryland manufacturing by the Maryland Advisory Commission on Manufacturing Competitiveness. Go.
The second is an interview with the new EDPro that's heading the county's economic development department. The article explores his thinking in developing an approach for Baltimore County.
Good quote: "Given limited resources at the local level, as well as at the state level, it is important for economic development to be strategic. You cannot be all things to all people, and you cannot simply pursue jobs for jobs' sake. Economic development must attempt to be smart and to prioritize."
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.