Friday, October 07, 2005
Dell opened its new computer manufacturing facility in North Carolina this week. The deal remains controversial, as taxpayers groups are still upset about the level of subsidies provided to the plant. Read more here, here and here. View of picture of the plant here.
The subsidies to Dell are hard to justify, especially when you think that the same amount of money could pay for remedial reading for 50,000 to 60,000 children. Keeping kids in school has long term pay-outs. A young person who drops out of school reduces lifetime earnings by about $200,000.
Which is the better economic development investment?
Not surprisingly, the official Dell press release makes no mention of the incentives. Read more.
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.
Dell opens controversial NC plant
