Thursday, October 09, 2003
Businsess leaders in Massachusetts are promoting an expensive new economic development program, but this one promises a clear, strong payback. It's another indication that early childhood issues are moving toward the center of the economic development stage.
The proposal would establish an intiative in which the state would spend about $1 billion a year for voluntary half-day programs for all children ages 3 and 4 and for full-day kindergarten for 5-year-olds, regardless of their family's income.
According to Arthur Rolnick, research director for the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, "It's economic development with an extraordinary level of return." Read more.
Today in our history of innovation...
In 1855, the first U.S. patent was issued for a sewing machine motor to Isaac Merritt Singer of New York City.
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.
If you are using a news reader, here is the link to syndicate this site:
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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.
Early childhood proposals in Massachusetts
