Shove Tradition off the Roof

By Rebecca Rooy Sometimes it seems like I’m surrounded and staring, wide-eyed, at cloned characters from the musical Fiddler on the Roof, bellowing “Tradition!” from the rooftops to unhearing ears. This insistent and unyielding mentality toward nonsensical traditions...

Trusty Methods for Trusty Results

By Jami Miedema The study has been conducted, the homework has been done, and the industries that will thrive in your community are clearly spelled out. You’ve finally reached the middle of your economic development strategy! The next step in the process is to find...

Future Impact

By Joel Burgess In our profession of economic and community development, we often discuss future economic impacts. But have you ever considered that your greatest future impact may not even be a result of your vocation? Dennis Rainey of Family Life recently posed the...

Talent Based Economic Development

By Jim Edmonson The old business model for locating a business was to locate near your raw materials, particularly if you were a manufacturer. Another location factor was to locate where your customers were located. Today it is becoming more apparent that the new...