Wednesday, October 15, 2003
As budget pressures hit state campitals, more states are turning to privatization as a strategy for state level economic development. Wyoming followed this approachin 1998, when the state replaced seven state agencies with the Wyoming Business Council.
By adopting a more private sector structure, the Council is supposed to be more responsive to economic development.
But the governor is not happy. He thinks the Council lacks a mission statement and does not relect the concerns of businesses throughout the state. In other words, "privatization" does not guarantee more focused, responsive initiatives.
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.
Wyoming governor: Business Council must reflect business
