Strategies for rural communities Saturday, July 26, 2003 Economic development is toughest for rural communities, but if you look you can find some inspiring examples. In Rugby, ND, city leaders developed a strategic plan in 1998 and then spent the next five years implementing. They didn't get all confsed with a big strategic planning process. They simply developed a plan that included a list of projects -- things that needed doing. Rugby presents a good case of implementing practical initiatives that moves an economy forward. Learn more. Meanwhile in Greene County, NC, leaders have developed ideas for two projects to boost the local economy. The first involves sweet potatoe production; the second involves raising natuiral beef. Learn more. In Minnesota, Minnesota Rural Partners is in the final stages of planning for its August summit on rural entrepreneurship. The summit will highlight places like Brainerd, where an entrepreneurial environment supports small, sophisticated manufacturers. A good quote from the article: "Cooperation is crucial in rural Minnesota. The laws, economics and politics often favor metro businesses. So in the country, entrepreneurs must stick together". Learn more. Today in our history of innovation... In 1969, scientists had a first look at the 46 pounds of  rocks that Apollo 11 astronauts brought back from the moon. posted by Ed Morrison |		This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License. links 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. So, spread the word...Share the knowledge. Tell a friend about EDPro Weblog. 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.

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