Determining our region's economic function in the global economy is the first challenge for government and business leaders in creating an effective economic development strategy for the Big Bend Area. This strategy will grow out of looking at our unique industrial structure, economic assets, limitations, and business culture, and it will answer the question, "In what areas can we compete?" This is the question community-wide and metropolitan-wide leaders are asking all around the country, and indeed the world. How can we best maintain or raise our standard of living, while protecting our environment?" Even school districts across the country have adopted more rigorous standards to prepare students to compete in a global economy, with greater accountability for school systems, teachers and students alike. In this effort to become more competitive, it has become clear that taking regional governance seriously will be an important part of any successful strategy to expand and diversify our economy.
In addition to working toward a regional approach to governance, creating a skilled workforce, investing in an infrastructure for innovation, creating a great quality of life, and fostering a dynamic, innovative business climate has been pretty well established as where communities need to be going to be prepared to prosper in the new global economy. But, while communities may know where they need to go, getting government agencies, authorities and businesses to work together on shared goals and strategies for getting there seems to be the greater challenge.
Here is a summary of important creative concepts for communities to take into consideration when Crafting a Regional Economic Development Strategy in an economy that is becoming more and more global and increasingly less predictable. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see where we need to go, but it does take the right people dedicated to working together to craft unique solutions that maximize regional potential. This will take more homework in an ongoing effort, but reports are coming in that this is starting to happen in Florida and the Big Bend Area. Below are links to Tallahassee Democrat articles about ongoing and recent activities that are very encouraging.
Economic Leaders Ready with a Plan
Planners, Leaders Stress Regional Approach to Growth
Leaders Call for Regional Cooperation
Wanted: Cooperation Among Governments
Developing Skilled Workforce Remains Key Focus
Tallahassee Positioned to Become Health Care Leader
Transportation Projects Expected to Spur Growth
The good news to celebrate today is that the journey toward a regional perspective on community and economic development has begun - and it is opening up a whole new world of possitilities!
Best regards,
Cynthia Marie VanLandingham
