tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37105812024-02-20T17:16:19.085-05:00EDPro Weblog: Economic Development for Today's ProfessionalsEconomic development is changing. EDPro Weblog provides the latest insights into the new directions that economic development professionals are taking to build their economies.Ed Morrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07794268187119809113noreply@blogger.comBlogger4738125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710581.post-28923815309258911402007-11-05T09:48:00.000-05:002007-11-05T09:51:47.362-05:00EDPro has movedIn five years, EDPro has established a strong group of loyal readers. Based on the spirited advice of some of you, I am expanding EDPro and taking it to the next level. <br /><br />1. Starting today, EDPro is moving to a new Internet address: http://edpro-weblog.net<br /><br />2. I am also launching EDPro Premium, a basket of expanded services for economic development professionals. <br /><br />These services include powerful filtering and archive search, RSS feeds, book and report summaries, commentary, an exploration of Web 2.0 tools for EDPros, and a special EDPro advisory service -- Advisor in a Box -- so EDPro Premium members can get some fast answers to important questions.<br /><br />(For example, as a member of the EDPro Premium network, you could ask for a search of the more than 13,800 articles in the master database of economic development articles appearing in the last five years. Pretty nifty.) <br /><br />3. To offer this expanded coverage, I have moved to a new publishing and collaboration platform provided by EDPro's technology partner, Near-Time. <br /><br />4. To generate funds to pay for all these improvements, I am adding a modest subscription price for EDPro Premium. As a Charter Member, you will be able to subscribe to EDPro Premium for less than $2 per week. (Or, if you prefer, 2 iTunes, one Starbucks mocha skim no whip whatever, or 2/3 of a gallon of gas.) Anyway you slice it, it's a good deal. <br /><br />I'm keeping the pricing in line with most EDPro budgets. I will keep this introductory pricing to Charter Members of EDPro Premium in place through December 2007. <br /><br />If enough of you support EDPro Premium, we'll be able to keep the price low, so more EDPros can participate in the EDPro Premium network. <br /><br />5. At the same time, EDPros on a tight budget can still take advantage of some content with EDPro Free. <br /><br />-- To see what some folks have written about EDPro go <a href=" http://edpro-weblog.net/wiki/show/What+EDPros+say+about+EDPro">here</a>.<br /><br />-- To check out the new EDPro Premium content go <a href="http://edpro-weblog.net/wiki/show/EDPro+Premium+Content">here</a>.<br /><br />-- To join the EDPro Network now, go <a href="http://edpro-weblog.net/join">here</a>.<br /><br />My purpose in developing EDPro has always been to help our profession get smarter, faster with "what works". <br /><br />With the enthusiastic support of EDPro readers, we are setting off on another journey...Ed Morrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07794268187119809113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710581.post-41934288319692091872007-10-23T08:24:00.000-04:002007-10-23T08:32:39.705-04:00EDPro Premium UpdateEDPro Premium is coming, and I have been spending most of my time working on the new platform. If you are a subscirber to EDPro News, you'll get your invitation later this week. <br /><br />EDPro Premium meets the new demands placed on EDPros by: <br /><br /> * Giving you the opportunity to get smart fast<br /> * Providing you the most powerful on--line learning environment for EDPros<br /> * Exposing youto the latest open network-based models of economic development <br /> * Guiding you through the newest Web 2.0 tools and how you can apply them<br /> * Providing you with book and report summaries<br /> * Enabling you to search and use archived stories for your presentations <br /> * Getting personal support from me (Ed Morrison) through "Advisor in a Box"<br /> * Keeping up with the latest developments in thinking, tools, and models for regional economic development<br /> * Supporting a community of economic development professionals committed to advancing our profession<br /> * Keeping yourself competitive by continuing to develop your skillsEd Morrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07794268187119809113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710581.post-43562837123708400652007-10-10T12:25:00.000-04:002007-10-11T04:35:20.057-04:00Economy WatchHere are articles on the economy from last week. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/investor/content/oct2007/pi2007105_921337.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index_businessweek+exclusives">Jobs: A September Shocker</a><br /><a href="http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/34228/122/">Copyright piracy takes a $58 billion hit on U.S. economy – report</a><br /><a href="http://www.wfs.org/Nov-Dec%20Files/TOPTEN.htm">Futurists Release Top Ten Forecasts for 2008 and Beyond</a><br /><a href="http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?alias=us-seen-dominating-scienc&chanId=sa003&modsrc=reuters">U.S. seen dominating science Nobels -- for now</a><br /><a href="http://www.thesportjournal.org/2007Journal/Vol10-No4/07ping-chao.asp">The Global Flows of International Professional Baseball System</a><br /><a href="http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB119144942897748150-8r3rp2iBHlVlYeV4fB_56VVpKYw_20071103.html?mod=tff_main_tff_top">Republicans Grow Skeptical On Free Trade</a><br /><a href="http://sev.prnewswire.com/workforce-management/20071003/DCW04503102007-1.html">Outsourcing and offshoring trends growing in significance</a> (Report available for download <a href="http://battelle.org/ASSETS/298066B841EC4E3099ACC75AB4A8915B/RD79GlobalReport%20(2).pdf">here</a>.)<br /><a href="http://www.projo.com/news/content/URI_CHINA_4_10-04-07_6N7C5E8.31da093.html">Reporter says China is a giant on the world stage</a>Ed Morrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07794268187119809113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710581.post-62734457078518900972007-10-10T07:40:00.000-04:002007-10-11T04:35:35.789-04:00Incentive WatchA new incentive war will touch off if VW decides to increaase capacity with another plant. Here's the latest from Alabama. <a href="http://www.al.com/business/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/business/1191572743173240.xml&coll=2">Read more</a>.<br /><br />We are entering an era of tight government budgets. More people will be asking the questions posed by this Rhode Island editor. Are incentives worth it? <a href="http://www.projo.com/business/johnkostrzewa/JK1007_10-07-07_DJ7C6DH.31e22ce.html">Read more</a>.<br /><br />Folks in Kansas City are continuing to debate the value of TIF districts. <a href="http://www.kccommunitynews.com/articles/2007/10/04/sun_gazette/schools/a.sg.edu.tax.approach.txt">Read more</a>.<br /><br />The Dell deal in North Carolina represents one of the largest incentive deals ever. As it turns two years old, the debate continues on its impact. <a href="http://www.journalnow.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WSJ/MGArticle/WSJ_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173353002015&path=&s=">Read more</a>.<br /><br />El Paso has revamped its incentives policy. <a href="http://www.newspapertree.com/news/1698-big-changes-to-incentives-policy-approved-by-council">Read more</a>.<br /><br />Google is building another server farm, this time in Iowa. And the incentive train is pulling out. <a href="http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071006/BUSINESS/710060324/-1/ENT05">Read more</a>.Ed Morrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07794268187119809113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710581.post-39522172302947484052007-10-09T20:58:00.000-04:002007-10-09T21:00:22.863-04:00North Dakota's Centers of ExcellenceI keep hearing positive developments coming out of North Dakota. Here's another example. This article outlines how Minot State University will receive $2.1 million for its new center of excellence for a data production center. <a href="http://www.minotdailynews.com/news/articles.asp?articleID=14789">Read more</a>.<br /><br />In 2005 the North Dakota Legislature approved a centers of excellence initiative to expand investments in higher education. Since its founding, the initiative has invested in a wide range of centers designed to stimulate economic development. These centers have included in a wide range of different technologies such as petroleum safety, hydrogen, advanced electronics and life sciences. <a name="http://www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/59-2005/docs/pdf/79209.02.pdf">Download a summary</a>.Ed Morrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07794268187119809113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710581.post-67182211927460132442007-10-09T20:57:00.000-04:002007-10-09T20:58:45.195-04:00Biotech in the Bay AreaDeveloping a cluster of businesses in the life sciences is not for the faint hearted. <br /><br />This recent article out of San Francisco underscores how long it takes. The biotech industry is been around for over 30 years in the Bay Area. <br /><br />It took 28 years for the biotech industry to generate $50 billion in revenues. Now growth is accelerating and analysts expect the revenues will double by the end of the decade. In short, biotech is the miracle that took a generation to happen. <a href="http://www.insidebayarea.com/ci_7045271?source=most_emailed">Read more</a>.Ed Morrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07794268187119809113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710581.post-3605242016035207712007-10-09T20:55:00.000-04:002007-10-16T10:00:02.632-04:00High school education in the 21st centuryOccasionally, I come across articles by educators that underscore the importance of changing our approach to high schools. I do school superintendent in North Olmstead, Ohio is inviting a new conversation about high school education in her community.<br /><br />"We need to talk to get there about 21st Century learning and how to collectively help young people achieve the skills and attributes that will allow them to survive and thrive in the new global economy."<br /><br />More important, she took the step of framing the needed transformation in terms of a collective responsibility. <br /><br />"Teaching and modeling the skills of leadership, work ethic, collaboration, communication and problem solving are within the power of every individual and institution within a community and within this room."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.westlifenews.com/2007/09-26/education.html">Read more</a>.Ed Morrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07794268187119809113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710581.post-59965743611219908492007-10-09T20:50:00.000-04:002007-10-09T20:55:18.087-04:00Iowa's Skilled Worker Shortage Study CommitteeHere is another story on the looming worker shortage in Iowa. <br /><br />Other states are confronting the same demographic challenge, although Iowa seems to be focusing more directly. According to the Iowa Workforce Development report, the state will face 100,000 job vacancies within the next five years. A Skilled Worker Shortage Study Committee is exploring the issue in more depth. <a href="http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070925/NEWS10/709250395/-1/LIFE04">Read more</a>.<br /><br />The activities of this committee will be interesting to watch. Reportedly, the Skilled Worker Shortage Study Committee will consider school improvements and other options to increase Iowa’s skilled workforce.Ed Morrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07794268187119809113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710581.post-64222615409367630002007-10-09T20:49:00.000-04:002007-10-09T20:50:01.448-04:00Rural entrepreneurship in MinnesotaMinnesota has announced a new initiative to promote entrepreneurship in rural counties. Strategic Entrepreneurial Economic Development (SEED) is designed to strengthen the entrepreneurship networks across the state. <a href="http://www.governor.state.mn.us/mediacenter/pressreleases/PROD008317">Read more</a>.Ed Morrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07794268187119809113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710581.post-60464794746179340602007-10-09T20:47:00.000-04:002007-10-09T20:49:05.985-04:00Accelerate ArkansasFour years ago a group of business and political leaders in Arkansas came together to form Accelerate Arkansas. The purpose of the organization is to accelerate the move of Arkansas into the knowledge-based economy.<br /><br />Two weeks ago, Accelerate Arkansas conducted press conferences around the state to publicize five core strategies in its effort to boost state per capita incomes.<br /><br />You can read more about the Accelerate Arkansas news release <a href="http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2007/09/30/business/093007accark.txt">here</a>. You can download a copy of the Accelerate Arkansas report <a href="http://aeac.arcapital.com/">from this page</a>.Ed Morrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07794268187119809113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710581.post-72569088002897749052007-10-09T20:45:00.000-04:002007-10-09T20:47:13.921-04:00A model local education summitA promising educational summit is taking place this week in Wayne County, Indiana. The event is promising for a couple of reasons. <br /><br />First, it is taking place over two days. That's a large commitment of time, and it indicates a community is starting to get serious about transforming its educational system. <br /><br />Second, the summit organizers are focused on some practical outcomes, such as asking employers not to hire students who do not hold a high school diploma. (This approach is similar to a strategy successfully deployed in St. Joseph, Missouri.) <br /><br />The specificity of these proposals underscores that the organizers are focused on practical ideas that can transform their educational system. In other words, they're taking responsibility for outcomes. <a href="http://www.pal-item.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070930/NEWS01/709300301">Read more</a>.Ed Morrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07794268187119809113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710581.post-15448233229759542392007-10-09T20:44:00.000-04:002007-10-16T09:51:28.383-04:00Collaboration in NE LouisianaA multi-parish (county) collaboration is forming in Northeast Louisiana. Interestingly, as currently structured, the chief executive officer of the new organization must compromise side the region. Here is an outline of the tentative plan. <a href="http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070930/NEWS01/709300305/1060/NEWS01">Read more</a>.Ed Morrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07794268187119809113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710581.post-87245694106236804152007-10-09T20:41:00.000-04:002007-10-09T20:43:54.879-04:00Toledo focuses on government innovationThe transformation of the industrial Midwest will accelerate as more communities and regions learn the skills of collaboration. Regional approaches to economic development offer they best chance for accelerating innovation, improving productivity, and boosting incomes.<br /><br />But collaboration does not come easily. It helps when elected leaders see the opportunity. That appears to be happening in the Toledo area, where the County government has recently released a report on government in the 21st century. <br /><br />You can read more about the report <a href="http://www.toledofreepress.com/?id=6466">here</a>. You can download a copy of the report <a href="http://www.co.lucas.oh.us/commissioners/21st_Century_Government_Report.pdf">here</a>.Ed Morrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07794268187119809113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710581.post-5358038834154267872007-10-09T20:40:00.000-04:002007-10-09T20:41:39.427-04:00Denver's workforce gapsDenver has completed a workforce assessment which reveals upcoming worker shortages. Like other reports that are starting to appear around the country, this report also concludes that "the incoming workforce is not prepared for the working world."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/other_business/article/0,2777,DRMN_23916_5706430,00.html">Read more</a>. Download a copy of the workforce gap analysis <a href="http://www.milehigh.com//resources/custom/pdf/2007DenverRegionalWorkforceGapReport9-24-07FINAL.pdf">here</a>.Ed Morrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07794268187119809113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710581.post-53519273056345803822007-10-09T20:38:00.000-04:002007-10-09T20:39:35.054-04:00Washington State innovation zonesWashington State has kicked off its new cluster strategy by creating five innovation partnerships zones and investing roughly $1 million in each. <br /><br />The strategy is intended to replicate the model of Research Triangle Park in North Carolina. <a href="http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/333465_innovation28.html">Read more</a>.Ed Morrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07794268187119809113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710581.post-26539107347115619382007-10-09T20:36:00.000-04:002007-10-09T20:38:19.958-04:00Rising skill levelsA recent report from the Workforce Development Board of the Treasure Coast in Florida contains this quote: <br /><br />"The skill levels of jobs are rapidly rising... Most occupations in demand on the Treasure Coast require a working knowledge of computers and basic math, plus oral and written communication skills. Even the most elementary level jobs involve entering and retrieving data from a computer system, reading and following instructions, and communicating with coworkers he and/or customers...Employers have repeatedly indicated that many workers today do not have the basic skills to keep up with the changes and demands of the jobs."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2007/sep/23/no-headline-d284070a/">Read more</a>.Ed Morrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07794268187119809113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710581.post-23718496716480749562007-10-09T20:34:00.000-04:002007-10-09T20:36:32.916-04:00The future of freight railIf you want an overview of what the future of our national freight railway system is going to look like, you will be interested in this new report released by the American Association of Railroads. <br /><br />The report outlines the infrastructure capital needs of the industry. You can read more about the report <a href="http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/20070920-1051-congestedrails.html">here </a>. You can download a copy of the report <a href="http://www.aar.org/newsroom/Capacity_Investment_study.asp">from this page</a>.Ed Morrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07794268187119809113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710581.post-44445932033621220162007-10-01T17:16:00.000-04:002007-10-01T17:08:08.854-04:00Economy WatchHere are articles on the economy from last week. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0709/S00524.htm">Will Globalization Destroy Black America?</a><br /><a href="http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/financialpost/story.html?id=8a5453c8-1642-47be-9bac-e63aba902149">What 'Chindia' will mean to the West</a><br /><a href="http://uk.reuters.com/article/pressReleases/idUKL2827664020070929">Greenspan sees recession chances less than 50/50</a><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/27/AR2007092701656.html">Detroit's Creative Bargain</a><br /><a href="http://sciencenow.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/2007/928/4">A Not-So-Innovative Office of Innovation</a><br /><a href="http://www.egovmonitor.com/node/14489">Knowledge and technology 'pipelines' - businesses must get connected</a><br /><a href="http://www.kansascity.com/business/story/295686.html">The days of cheap grain are gone, according to agriculture experts</a><br /><a href="http://www.usnews.com/blogs/capital-commerce/2007/9/28/6-reasons-we-wont-get-a-recession.html">6 Reasons We Won't Get a Recession</a><br /><a href="http://www.economist.com/finance/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9861591">How fit is the panda?</a><br /><a href=""></a>Ed Morrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07794268187119809113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710581.post-63862791454680132252007-10-01T17:07:00.000-04:002007-10-01T17:07:27.199-04:00Incentive WatchHere are some articles on incentives from last week: <br /><br />In North Carolina, a debate goes on at the local level about incenitves. Why provide them to GE and Verizon? <a href="http://www.wilmingtonstar.com/article/20070930/NEWS/709300423/-1/State">Read more</a>.<br /><br />Here's an overview of Florida's hefty incentive investments in life sciences. <a href="http://www.palmbeachpost.com/business/content/business/epaper/2007/09/30/a1f_innovation_0930.html">Read more</a>.<br /><br />A 3M layoff in Columbia, MO -- added to a consulant's disparaging comments about whether the quality fo place matters at all -- touched off a debate on incentives. <a href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/2007/Sep/20070928News008.asp">Read more</a>.<br /><br />Colorado's governor has proposed a new set of incentives. "The package includes a proposal to create $3.5 million in incentives for bioscience business development and a measure to devote $3.5 million of the state’s Clean Energy Fund to economic development purpose." <a href="http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2007/09/26/092607_1b_business_agenda_www.html">Read more</a>.<br /><br />Tennessee's top EDPro comments on the governor's Rural Opportunity Initiative. <a href="http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070924/OPINION01/709240346/1008">Read more</a>.Ed Morrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07794268187119809113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710581.post-39139440108754695642007-10-01T17:03:00.000-04:002007-10-01T17:06:26.639-04:00Vermont's creative economyLast summer, Vermont held a conference on its creative economy. Advancing Vermont's Creative Economy, drew over 250 participants from across the state. Eight working groups looked at different aspects of this emerging sector, covering topics such as agricultural innovation, incubating creative new businesses, using the web as a creative tool, and developing downtown activity. <br /><br />The report is now available on-line and you can download it <a href="http://www.vtrural.org/files/CCP%20conference%20report.pdf">here</a>.Ed Morrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07794268187119809113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710581.post-57453134914986855772007-10-01T16:58:00.000-04:002007-10-01T17:12:48.555-04:00Getting the message to the Michigan legislatureMichigan's state government shut down for a couple of hours and then re-opened. But the challenges remain. <br /><br />As surrounding states are increasing their investments in higher education, Michigan lags, according to this article. <a href="http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=81307">Read more</a>.<br /><br />The article raises an important question for EDPros. As the dynamics of economic development begin shifting more dramatically toward talent development, how do we educate state legislators brought up on a steady diet of business incentives? <br /><br />Over the long term, these incentives -- which are of doubtful value -- undercut the ability of state governments to make the long term investments we need in a knowledge-based infrastructure: education, research, broadband communications.Ed Morrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07794268187119809113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710581.post-58372059711586113342007-10-01T16:55:00.000-04:002007-10-01T16:58:17.585-04:00Big ideas for entrepreneurship in BuffaloEDPros in Buffalo are floating big plans for promoting entrepreneurship. One idea: Use proceeds from the sale of unused hydropower to establish an investment pool of at least $5 million allocated annually, which would be used to make grants up to $250,000.<br /><br />According to the article: "The grants would be awarded on a competitive basis to entrepreneurs who have graduated from college in the past 10 years, set up shop in Erie or Niagara counties and whose business would be involved in one of the six clusters economic planners have deemed to have the best potential for the region."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/buffaloerie/story/169332.html?imw=Y">Read more</a>.Ed Morrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07794268187119809113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710581.post-58242045637493473592007-10-01T16:53:00.001-04:002007-10-01T17:12:02.411-04:00Home grown workforceMore and more EDPros are starting to see the vital importance of growing a workforce. As the head of Enterprise Florida recently told an audience: "Work migrates to regions of the world with a critical mass of talent."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bradenton.com/business/story/145222.html">Read more</a>.Ed Morrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07794268187119809113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710581.post-13807395594077703492007-10-01T16:48:00.000-04:002007-10-01T16:52:58.303-04:00Just in time training at a community collegeCommunity colleges offer the opportunity for fast response to employer education needs. Here is an example. <br /><br />A community college in Maryland is offering a series of branded professional development courses -- "On The Frontline" -- that are customized to the needs expressed by area business people. <a href="http://www.times-news.com/business/local_story_257191815.html?keyword=topstory">Read more</a>.Ed Morrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07794268187119809113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710581.post-46514476386576865922007-10-01T16:40:00.000-04:002007-10-02T15:33:16.936-04:00More on early childhood educationHere's another commentary on the role of pre-kindergarten investment in economic development. Indiana is considering expansions to early education programs. <br /><br />The article points to work by Minnesota Federal Reserve economists Rob Grunewald and Arthur Rolnick. <br /><br />They have written: <br /><br />“Early childhood development programs are rarely portrayed as economic-development initiatives, and we think that is a mistake. Such programs, if they appear at all, are at the bottom of the economic development lists for state and local governments. They should be at the top. Most of the numerous projects and initiatives that state and local governments fund in the name of creating new private businesses and new jobs result in few public benefits. In contrast, studies find that well-focused investments in early childhood development yield high public as well as private returns.”<br /><br /><a href="http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070916/EDIT/709160397/-1/EDIT07">Read more</a>. You can see the background work by Grunewald and Rolnick <a href="http://www.minneapolisfed.org/research/studies/earlychild/">here</a>. <br /><br />You can keep up with your state's developments at <a href="Phttp://www.preknow.org/">Pre-K Now</a>.Ed Morrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07794268187119809113noreply@blogger.com