Tuesday, January 20, 2004
In another example of EDPros getting their act together, leaders in six counties in Missouri have decided to form the Southeast Missouri Economic Development Alliance. Read more.
Initially, the group wants focus on regional marketng and branding. Regional marketing is the toughest area in which to build collaboration. It requires clear understandings on how prospects will be handled.
Equally important, over time, inequities inevitably emerge in regional alliances. How these inequities are handled will make or braek the Alliance.
Some locations get more prospects than others. Leaders in regional marketing efforts need to prepare for these situations. They can handle inequities through different arrangements, such as periodic reviews or more formal intergovernmental agreements to share revenues.
The main benefits, however, will come if the Alliance can build stronger communication and higher levels of trust. These networks will open the door to new collaborations beyond marketing.
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.
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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.
Regional group forming in Southeast Missouri
