Sunday, September 25, 2005
In the past, rural economies focused on recruitng large manufacturing companies. The strategy is not nearly as productive as it once was. Now, rural economies need to focus on entrepreneurship and innovation strategies.
These new approaches blur the distinction between tourism development and economic development. Here's an example from Alabama. The opening of Black Belt Treasures Gallery in downtown Camden highlights the region's creative businesses. Read more.
EDPros in rural Vermont are pursuing this strategy aggressively. Download the Vermont report.
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:
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.
Creative businesses in rural Alabama
