Tuesday, November 01, 2005
EDPros are starting to focus on "business retention and expansion", the catch phrase that covers a range of different business development initiatives focused on existing firms.
But figuring out what to do is tough. Not surprisingly, some of the most popular articles in EDPro focus on business retention.
Here's an solid model of a sensible retention initiative: Rhode Builder based in Rhode Island. More than half the firms participating in the program are manufacturers. That's important, because manufacturers are a tough crowd. If they find value in the program, that's a good indicator.
You can learn more here. You can download on one page fact sheet here.
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.
Rhode Builder: Focusing on existing firms
