So the title of this blog is Your Local Perspective, so I would like to know, as a result of the higer gas prices over the past month, are you driving less?
You will see the results immediately. Come back to see how others are voting.
So what are California Small Businesses thinking? Each year, a statewide organization conducts a survey of small businesses in the Golden State to determine issues of greatest concern. This is an opportunity for regional small businesses to give "Your Local Perspective." Please take a moment to take this survey. I'll post the results when they become available.
Here is the link to take the survey: Link
John Mitchell, Economist and Poet, presented his national economic outlook at the January 17 2008 Forecast Conference. Attached here is his presentation in pdf format.
His forecast was much more positive than I had anticipated. While structurally we have some challenges ahead (and it will be up to policy makers to face these challenges head on), overall the outlook was reserved, but positive.
Here is a summary:
Just a quick primer on economic development. Dr. Sanzone taught that there were four simple ways to build a strong economy through economic development.
- Create new enterprises
- Attract new enterprises
- Retain existing enterprises (stop from leaving, and prevent failure)
- Expand existing enterprises
CARE is the accronym. Like the legs on a chair, each leg gives the chair more stability, and each "leg" in the economic development program gives the community's economy more stability.
In Jack's book, he points out the key attributes to small town success, including:
- Adopting a Can-Do Attitude
- Shaping a Vision
- Leveraging Resources
- Raise Up Strong Leaders
- Encourage an Entrepreneurial Approach
- Maintain Local Control
- Building Your Brand, and
- Embracing the Teeter-Totter Factor
Continue reading "Boomtown USA - 7 and a Half Keys to Big Success in Small Towns" »
Over the past 22 years the Center for Economic Development (CED) at CSU, Chico, founded by Dr. John Sanzone, has worked with regional business and community leaders to address economic development issues throughout Northeastern California. In 2003, the CED partnered with the Northeastern California Small Business Development Center program, with a focus on building a strong regional economy through entrepreneurship.
One of our flagship events each year is the Tri County Economic Forecast Conference. Now in its 8th year, the conference has broad attendance from throughout the North State. The ideas presented and discussion created by the event is an outstanding means of showcasing new ideas and solutions to regional leaders.
This blog will be an opportunity to continue the discussions started as a result of the conference and other region issues affecting our communities. I'll share updates on new information, and it will create an opportunity for regional community members to chime in on their thoughts.
I look forward to hearing from you here, as well as getting your e-mails.
Dan Ripke