With the underdog New Orleans Saints making it to the Super Bowl, Louisiana Economic Development officials are taking advantage of the spotlight to tell the story that Louisiana is also ascendant.
Stephen Moret"What’s really great for our state is that there’s a halo effect. They’re thinking about the Saints in a new light, and they’re thinking about Louisiana in a new light," said Stephen Moret, secretary of economic development.
Rather than courting Corporate America, state economic development officials see the Saints’ Super Bowl debut as a powerful start to a long-term rebranding of Louisiana’s image.
For many people around the country, Hurricane Katrina was the last good look they got at New Orleans. The Super Bowl creates a chance to show that the city is strong and rebuilding required of ordinary New Orleanians the same sort of character and teamwork that the Saints display on the field and in their philanthropic efforts.
"It’s that we’re not just back, but we’re better. I think that same sort of concept can be applied to the state as a whole," Moret said. More here.
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Monday, February 01, 2010
Marketing logistics cluster crucial for development, official says
By GENE ZALESKI, T&D Staff Writer
Monday, February 01, 2010
“If we are going to increase the per-capita income in our state, we just can’t do it in Columbia, Charleston and Greenville. We have to do it in every corner in our state and in every community in our state.”
In order to help reach the goal, Deepal Eliatamby, president of Columbia-based Alliance Consulting Engineers and cochair of the New Carolina Distribution Cluster, told about 100 gathered at the Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College Student and Community Life Center Thursday evening that the strengthening and aggressive marketing of the local and state’s Transportation, Distribution and Logistics Cluster is a key component to economic success.
“TDL is both high tech and rural and low tech,” Eliatamby said. “Everybody relies on the TDL either directly or indirectly.”
Eliatamby was the featured speaker at the Orangeburg and Calhoun County Industry Appreciation Banquet.
Eliatamby said the TDL cluster is a “huge job creator,” noting the Port of Charleston alone is estimated to be $45 billion or 30 percent of the state’s gross domestic product and roughly 250,000 people associated with jobs related to Port activity.
“The TDL customer plays a huge role in South Carolina,” Eliatamby said, touting the state’s location as ideal. “The Port of Charleston is our biggest economic development asset in the state.”
ACE launched a “strategic communications” plan last fall to help bolster the state’s TDL Cluster.
The TDL cluster consists of World Trade City Orangeburg and the Orangeburg County Development Commission. The cluster has about 40 participants.
The plan outlines five main goals and strategies to accomplish over the course of the next year, including raising awareness and recruiting stakeholders; marketing the importance of the cluster; establishing a TDL council composed of industry and government members; and raising funds to support the cluster’s growth, development and projects.
The TDL Cluster has been working over the past two years to develop a strategic communications plan that industry leaders identified at a statewide summit held in May 2008.
The state’s seaports, airports, interstate system, 2,600 miles of rail, five major interstates and work force development programs are all touted as assets for the state and the TDL.
“We need to improve our per-capita income so that our kids and our grandchildren have a place to work and live,” Eliatamby said. “So they can stay right here in our state and contribute to the well being of our state.”
As part of his presentation, Eliatamby encouraged all in attendance to join the cluster, provide contact information for stakeholders, identify legislators who can help bolster the cluster and give financially.
T&D Staff Writer Gene Zaleski can be reached by e-mail at gzaleski@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5551.
Monday, February 01, 2010
“If we are going to increase the per-capita income in our state, we just can’t do it in Columbia, Charleston and Greenville. We have to do it in every corner in our state and in every community in our state.”
In order to help reach the goal, Deepal Eliatamby, president of Columbia-based Alliance Consulting Engineers and cochair of the New Carolina Distribution Cluster, told about 100 gathered at the Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College Student and Community Life Center Thursday evening that the strengthening and aggressive marketing of the local and state’s Transportation, Distribution and Logistics Cluster is a key component to economic success.
“TDL is both high tech and rural and low tech,” Eliatamby said. “Everybody relies on the TDL either directly or indirectly.”
Eliatamby was the featured speaker at the Orangeburg and Calhoun County Industry Appreciation Banquet.
Eliatamby said the TDL cluster is a “huge job creator,” noting the Port of Charleston alone is estimated to be $45 billion or 30 percent of the state’s gross domestic product and roughly 250,000 people associated with jobs related to Port activity.
“The TDL customer plays a huge role in South Carolina,” Eliatamby said, touting the state’s location as ideal. “The Port of Charleston is our biggest economic development asset in the state.”
ACE launched a “strategic communications” plan last fall to help bolster the state’s TDL Cluster.
The TDL cluster consists of World Trade City Orangeburg and the Orangeburg County Development Commission. The cluster has about 40 participants.
The plan outlines five main goals and strategies to accomplish over the course of the next year, including raising awareness and recruiting stakeholders; marketing the importance of the cluster; establishing a TDL council composed of industry and government members; and raising funds to support the cluster’s growth, development and projects.
The TDL Cluster has been working over the past two years to develop a strategic communications plan that industry leaders identified at a statewide summit held in May 2008.
The state’s seaports, airports, interstate system, 2,600 miles of rail, five major interstates and work force development programs are all touted as assets for the state and the TDL.
“We need to improve our per-capita income so that our kids and our grandchildren have a place to work and live,” Eliatamby said. “So they can stay right here in our state and contribute to the well being of our state.”
As part of his presentation, Eliatamby encouraged all in attendance to join the cluster, provide contact information for stakeholders, identify legislators who can help bolster the cluster and give financially.
T&D Staff Writer Gene Zaleski can be reached by e-mail at gzaleski@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5551.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Ann Arbor is a major stakeholder in Borders' future
Ann Arbor watched Borders Group Inc. grow into the second largest book retailer in the nation, remaining the home of its corporate headquarters even as the chain formed the core of a company that grew to hundreds of stores generating over $1 billion in sales.
Today, the community remains a stakeholder as the bookseller sorts out its future amid industry turmoil, leadership changes and falling investor confidence.
News this week that Borders will soon be under the leadership of its third CEO since January 2009 sent the company’s stock falling to less than $1 per share. Its overall value, based on the stock price, fell to $56 million by Wednesday afternoon.
That news follows reports of lower-than-expected holiday sales and store closings, and ongoing concern - even as Borders is positioned to sell on Apple’s new iPad tablet - about its electronic reader strategy.
Amid uncertainty about the company’s direction, the economic impact of Borders on Washtenaw County can be felt in tax revenue, employment and real estate: More here.
Today, the community remains a stakeholder as the bookseller sorts out its future amid industry turmoil, leadership changes and falling investor confidence.
News this week that Borders will soon be under the leadership of its third CEO since January 2009 sent the company’s stock falling to less than $1 per share. Its overall value, based on the stock price, fell to $56 million by Wednesday afternoon.
That news follows reports of lower-than-expected holiday sales and store closings, and ongoing concern - even as Borders is positioned to sell on Apple’s new iPad tablet - about its electronic reader strategy.
Amid uncertainty about the company’s direction, the economic impact of Borders on Washtenaw County can be felt in tax revenue, employment and real estate: More here.
Arizona needs sustained job-growth strategy
by Betty Beard - Jan. 31, 2010 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic
Arizona enters a new decade with not only a massive budget deficit but also a severe job deficit that threatens to crush its hopes for a quick economic recovery.
Almost 10 percent of the state's jobs were wiped out by the brutal recession, dealing a huge blow to government budgets, the housing market and retailers.
More jobs are needed to fill the more than 80,000 houses standing empty in metro Phoenix. More jobs are needed to put money in the pockets of people, whose spending is vital for businesses to get back on their feet. And more jobs are needed in new fields, a labor-force diversification of risk to better weather the next recession.
The challenge before Arizona is neither simple nor short-term.
To foster job growth, Arizona needs a vision, a strategy to carry out that vision, and leadership to sustain it through political and economic changes.
Other states have proven the worth of a sound, sustained economic plan articulated by governors of both political parties.
North Carolina, for instance, is famous for its Research Triangle Park. Once nothing more than an idea envisioned for empty acreage in one of the poorest areas of the Southeast, the "science park" is now an economic-development engine. It has churned out innovations such as Astroturf, bar-code technology and 3-D ultrasounds and employs tens of thousands of workers.
This month the park turns 51. More here.
The Arizona Republic
Arizona enters a new decade with not only a massive budget deficit but also a severe job deficit that threatens to crush its hopes for a quick economic recovery.
Almost 10 percent of the state's jobs were wiped out by the brutal recession, dealing a huge blow to government budgets, the housing market and retailers.
More jobs are needed to fill the more than 80,000 houses standing empty in metro Phoenix. More jobs are needed to put money in the pockets of people, whose spending is vital for businesses to get back on their feet. And more jobs are needed in new fields, a labor-force diversification of risk to better weather the next recession.
The challenge before Arizona is neither simple nor short-term.
To foster job growth, Arizona needs a vision, a strategy to carry out that vision, and leadership to sustain it through political and economic changes.
Other states have proven the worth of a sound, sustained economic plan articulated by governors of both political parties.
North Carolina, for instance, is famous for its Research Triangle Park. Once nothing more than an idea envisioned for empty acreage in one of the poorest areas of the Southeast, the "science park" is now an economic-development engine. It has churned out innovations such as Astroturf, bar-code technology and 3-D ultrasounds and employs tens of thousands of workers.
This month the park turns 51. More here.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Lee businesses look for recruits
Horizon Council meeting focuses on networking
By Tim Engstrom
tengstrom@news-press.com
Lee County’s economic development leaders turned an annual meeting Friday into a recruiting drive for business-hunting foot soldiers.
About 300 business leaders who had lunch at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre were asked to take comment cards, posters and even T-shirts promoting the “Together, we mean business” marketing campaign.
“If this causes someone to engage you and start a conversation, then it is all for the good,” said Jim Moore, executive director of the Fort Myers Regional Partnership/Lee Economic Development Office.
The recruitment was at the annual meeting of the Horizon Council, which includes business leaders and government representatives who advise Lee County commissioners on economic development issues.
Moore recounted the group’s accomplishments for 2009, including using about $4.3 million in state and local incentives programs to convince six companies to commit to adding more than 800 jobs over the next five years.
On Tuesday, Lee commissioners will be asked to approve a $10 million incentive deal with Algenol Biofuels Inc., which plans to build a research lab and headquarters here.
But more is needed, Moore said.
“We have to touch everyone out there that we haven’t touched yet and there are a lot of those,” he said.
The effort includes billboards, a LeeTran bus and promotional information sent along with Lee County utility bills.
Kitty Green, former chief executive of the Bonita Bay Group, is leading the Horizon Council’s community outreach effort.
“When Jim (Moore) and I first talked about this, it made so much sense that I was surprised we haven’t gone that route before,” Green said. “All the advertising in the world isn’t as effective as one human being talking to another human being and asking for a lead.”
Bob Gasparini, president and chief science officer of NeoGenomics, said after the meeting that Lee County is on the right track.
“This is a terrific program for Lee County,” Gasparini said.
NeoGenomics, a publicly traded cancer genetics testing lab with its headquarters in Lee County, received $615,000 in incentive money in exchange for hiring 75 employees over the next three years.
John Dwyer, president and chief executive officer of Interop Technologies, said he expects the recruiting efforts to be successful.
“They are absolutely right that one-to-one recruiting is the way to go,” Dwyer said.
By Tim Engstrom
tengstrom@news-press.com
Lee County’s economic development leaders turned an annual meeting Friday into a recruiting drive for business-hunting foot soldiers.
About 300 business leaders who had lunch at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre were asked to take comment cards, posters and even T-shirts promoting the “Together, we mean business” marketing campaign.
“If this causes someone to engage you and start a conversation, then it is all for the good,” said Jim Moore, executive director of the Fort Myers Regional Partnership/Lee Economic Development Office.
The recruitment was at the annual meeting of the Horizon Council, which includes business leaders and government representatives who advise Lee County commissioners on economic development issues.
Moore recounted the group’s accomplishments for 2009, including using about $4.3 million in state and local incentives programs to convince six companies to commit to adding more than 800 jobs over the next five years.
On Tuesday, Lee commissioners will be asked to approve a $10 million incentive deal with Algenol Biofuels Inc., which plans to build a research lab and headquarters here.
But more is needed, Moore said.
“We have to touch everyone out there that we haven’t touched yet and there are a lot of those,” he said.
The effort includes billboards, a LeeTran bus and promotional information sent along with Lee County utility bills.
Kitty Green, former chief executive of the Bonita Bay Group, is leading the Horizon Council’s community outreach effort.
“When Jim (Moore) and I first talked about this, it made so much sense that I was surprised we haven’t gone that route before,” Green said. “All the advertising in the world isn’t as effective as one human being talking to another human being and asking for a lead.”
Bob Gasparini, president and chief science officer of NeoGenomics, said after the meeting that Lee County is on the right track.
“This is a terrific program for Lee County,” Gasparini said.
NeoGenomics, a publicly traded cancer genetics testing lab with its headquarters in Lee County, received $615,000 in incentive money in exchange for hiring 75 employees over the next three years.
John Dwyer, president and chief executive officer of Interop Technologies, said he expects the recruiting efforts to be successful.
“They are absolutely right that one-to-one recruiting is the way to go,” Dwyer said.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Marketing plan looks at a making a 'splash' in Mooresville
By Melinda Skutnick | Mooresville Tribune
Published: January 29, 2010
Looking to provide Mooresville with a distinct and marketable identity, an area design expert unveiled his plan to town commissioners Thursday.
Nicknamed "Project Splash," the plan is the brainchild of Davidson design firm owner Buzz Bizzell and a task force of representatives from the Mooresville-South Iredell Economic Development Committee and town government.
The goal of the task force, Bizzell said, was to "improve the identity and position of the city of Mooresville's overall visual marketing approach" utilizing suggestions made in the Mount Mourne Small Area Plan and the Angelou Economics Comprehensive Study.
Improving the town's identity, he said, would be done through distinctive gateways entering Mooresville, directional signage leading toward various destinations and a unified graphic approach – a stylized "M."
Said Bizzell, "We want to create a unifying element so when a traveler or a business person did their research on Mooresville, they would begin to see a pattern and a unified look. We want to make a splash in this community."
He also suggested that the town as a whole better reinforce the connection between historic downtown Mooresville and Lake Norman.
"Lake Norman is the most underused marketing that Mooresville has," said Bizzell, who noted in a booklet distributed at Thursday morning's Board of Commissioners meeting that the town can better unify the two elements through the use of a fountain or water feature along Main Street or continuing the downtown mural project with artwork inspired by the lake lifestyle.
A strong gateway welcoming individuals into town was another element presented by Bizzell, who mentioned that I-77's exit 31 would provide the best location for a formal gateway "because of the fresh, pristine location and ease to downtown."
Offering several visual representations of the ideas he discussed, Bizzell provided examples of – and ideal locations for – signage Mooresville could utilize throughout town for businesses and "wayfinding."
He said, "The Project Splash team felt the need to establish a unified look that runs through the various marketing and community development and business development agencies."
Bizzell said organizations such as the Mooresville Downtown Commission, Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce and the Mooresville Convention and Visitors Bureau could use an online image bank that would house the stylized "M" that would unify the town.
Phase one of the project would cost Mooresville an estimated $123,430, said Bizzell, and that would include the exit 31 gateway and 15 directional signs in town as well as the rebuilding of two existing gateways, at the intersections of Wilson Avenue and US 21 and highways 150 and 152.
These costs are in addition to the funds necessary to hire Bizzell's firm, Bizzell Design Inc. of Davidson, for the entire project, estimated around $29,000.
Calling most of the items Bizzell mentioned "discussion points," Commissioner Chris Carney – also a member of the task force -- said that when the town jumped on board, "it was more about Mooresville seizing its image."
He noted that this type of project has been discussed for "the last three or four years," but the town often sought to separate itself from Lake Norman.
After Commissioner Mac Herring asked Bizzell what the next steps are that the town should be taking, the designer noted that above all else the town should create its image bank that would provide cohesive marketing for all Mooresville entities. The gateway – which some commissioners said would better serve its purpose at the future exit 35 on Brawley School Road – should be the town's second priority.
Commissioner Miles Atkins questioned the lack of wayfinding signage down Brawley School Road, toward the lake.
"I think the real low hanging fruit are the residents who live in Mooresville, out at The Point, who don't even know downtown Mooresville exists," said Atkins, mentioning a need to bring those residents to the other side of town.
"We'd see some immediate benefits of that," he added.
Town Manager Steve Husemann noted that officials and commissioners can further discuss Project Splash and possible funding streams at the upcoming town board retreat.
Published: January 29, 2010
Looking to provide Mooresville with a distinct and marketable identity, an area design expert unveiled his plan to town commissioners Thursday.
Nicknamed "Project Splash," the plan is the brainchild of Davidson design firm owner Buzz Bizzell and a task force of representatives from the Mooresville-South Iredell Economic Development Committee and town government.
The goal of the task force, Bizzell said, was to "improve the identity and position of the city of Mooresville's overall visual marketing approach" utilizing suggestions made in the Mount Mourne Small Area Plan and the Angelou Economics Comprehensive Study.
Improving the town's identity, he said, would be done through distinctive gateways entering Mooresville, directional signage leading toward various destinations and a unified graphic approach – a stylized "M."
Said Bizzell, "We want to create a unifying element so when a traveler or a business person did their research on Mooresville, they would begin to see a pattern and a unified look. We want to make a splash in this community."
He also suggested that the town as a whole better reinforce the connection between historic downtown Mooresville and Lake Norman.
"Lake Norman is the most underused marketing that Mooresville has," said Bizzell, who noted in a booklet distributed at Thursday morning's Board of Commissioners meeting that the town can better unify the two elements through the use of a fountain or water feature along Main Street or continuing the downtown mural project with artwork inspired by the lake lifestyle.
A strong gateway welcoming individuals into town was another element presented by Bizzell, who mentioned that I-77's exit 31 would provide the best location for a formal gateway "because of the fresh, pristine location and ease to downtown."
Offering several visual representations of the ideas he discussed, Bizzell provided examples of – and ideal locations for – signage Mooresville could utilize throughout town for businesses and "wayfinding."
He said, "The Project Splash team felt the need to establish a unified look that runs through the various marketing and community development and business development agencies."
Bizzell said organizations such as the Mooresville Downtown Commission, Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce and the Mooresville Convention and Visitors Bureau could use an online image bank that would house the stylized "M" that would unify the town.
Phase one of the project would cost Mooresville an estimated $123,430, said Bizzell, and that would include the exit 31 gateway and 15 directional signs in town as well as the rebuilding of two existing gateways, at the intersections of Wilson Avenue and US 21 and highways 150 and 152.
These costs are in addition to the funds necessary to hire Bizzell's firm, Bizzell Design Inc. of Davidson, for the entire project, estimated around $29,000.
Calling most of the items Bizzell mentioned "discussion points," Commissioner Chris Carney – also a member of the task force -- said that when the town jumped on board, "it was more about Mooresville seizing its image."
He noted that this type of project has been discussed for "the last three or four years," but the town often sought to separate itself from Lake Norman.
After Commissioner Mac Herring asked Bizzell what the next steps are that the town should be taking, the designer noted that above all else the town should create its image bank that would provide cohesive marketing for all Mooresville entities. The gateway – which some commissioners said would better serve its purpose at the future exit 35 on Brawley School Road – should be the town's second priority.
Commissioner Miles Atkins questioned the lack of wayfinding signage down Brawley School Road, toward the lake.
"I think the real low hanging fruit are the residents who live in Mooresville, out at The Point, who don't even know downtown Mooresville exists," said Atkins, mentioning a need to bring those residents to the other side of town.
"We'd see some immediate benefits of that," he added.
Town Manager Steve Husemann noted that officials and commissioners can further discuss Project Splash and possible funding streams at the upcoming town board retreat.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Bay City economic development organization plans to continue worldwide recruiting efforts
By Michael Wayland | The Bay City Times
January 25, 2010, 9:40AM
A partnership of economic development organizations in the Great Lakes Bay Region will continue to span the globe this year in hopes of expanding business investments in the area.
The Great Lakes Bay Economic Development Partnership, made up of Bay Future Inc., Midland Tomorrow and Saginaw Future Inc., plans to travel to Spain and possibly other destinations this year to recruit companies — particularly those involved in alternative energy.
“Alternative energy and green energy and green jobs is a very lucrative industry right now and we want Bay County and the region to get as many of those opportunities that we can,” said Fred Hollister, president and CEO of Bay Future. “We’re ready to work with anybody ... but that’s a very important industry right now.”
Hollister said the regional partnership will have representatives at the fifth World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion and at the 25th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition, both taking place simultaneously in September in Spain; and possibly have representatives at conferences or trade shows involving alternative energy in California and Asia.
Hollister said attending the conferences is a cost-effective way to meet different global organizations and investors at the same time.
In 2009, Hollister and other representatives from the Great Lakes Bay Economic Development Partnership attended five alternative-energy conferences or trade shows in Las Vegas; Buffalo, N.Y.; Anaheim, Calif.; San Francisco and Hamburg, Germany.
Hollister said the Hamburg show was attended by more than 4,000 registered delegates from 73 companies. The Great Lakes Bay group hosted a breakfast meeting in Germany with about 50 company representatives to promote the region as a place to set up solar companies.
“(Traveling and the partnership) has enabled us to make relationships with solar companies around the world,” said JoAnn T. Crary, president of Saginaw Future. “We expect to see more success in the next year.”
The Great Lakes Bay Region has lured more than $3 billion in solar-business investments in the past five years. Last year alone, the region saw Bay County-based Dow Corning Corp. announce it will spend several hundred million dollars and initially create 30 jobs at a new solar energy-related manufacturing plant in Saginaw County; Norcross, Ga.-based Suniva Inc., a maker of high-efficiency, low-cost solar panels, announce plans to open a manufacturing facility in Saginaw County, and San Jose, Calif.-based GlobalWatt announce it will locate its 500-job, $177 million solar module production plant in Saginaw.
Hollister said the partnership and worldwide recruitment is proving effective. He hopes for business investment locally and internationally to continue to grow in the Great Lakes Bay Region in 2010.
“We’re going to continue working for those type of opportunities — to participate with existing organizations that have a track record in the industry — to look for new investments from the region and also look for opportunities to do business outside the region,” Hollister said.
January 25, 2010, 9:40AM
A partnership of economic development organizations in the Great Lakes Bay Region will continue to span the globe this year in hopes of expanding business investments in the area.
The Great Lakes Bay Economic Development Partnership, made up of Bay Future Inc., Midland Tomorrow and Saginaw Future Inc., plans to travel to Spain and possibly other destinations this year to recruit companies — particularly those involved in alternative energy.
“Alternative energy and green energy and green jobs is a very lucrative industry right now and we want Bay County and the region to get as many of those opportunities that we can,” said Fred Hollister, president and CEO of Bay Future. “We’re ready to work with anybody ... but that’s a very important industry right now.”
Hollister said the regional partnership will have representatives at the fifth World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion and at the 25th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition, both taking place simultaneously in September in Spain; and possibly have representatives at conferences or trade shows involving alternative energy in California and Asia.
Hollister said attending the conferences is a cost-effective way to meet different global organizations and investors at the same time.
In 2009, Hollister and other representatives from the Great Lakes Bay Economic Development Partnership attended five alternative-energy conferences or trade shows in Las Vegas; Buffalo, N.Y.; Anaheim, Calif.; San Francisco and Hamburg, Germany.
Hollister said the Hamburg show was attended by more than 4,000 registered delegates from 73 companies. The Great Lakes Bay group hosted a breakfast meeting in Germany with about 50 company representatives to promote the region as a place to set up solar companies.
“(Traveling and the partnership) has enabled us to make relationships with solar companies around the world,” said JoAnn T. Crary, president of Saginaw Future. “We expect to see more success in the next year.”
The Great Lakes Bay Region has lured more than $3 billion in solar-business investments in the past five years. Last year alone, the region saw Bay County-based Dow Corning Corp. announce it will spend several hundred million dollars and initially create 30 jobs at a new solar energy-related manufacturing plant in Saginaw County; Norcross, Ga.-based Suniva Inc., a maker of high-efficiency, low-cost solar panels, announce plans to open a manufacturing facility in Saginaw County, and San Jose, Calif.-based GlobalWatt announce it will locate its 500-job, $177 million solar module production plant in Saginaw.
Hollister said the partnership and worldwide recruitment is proving effective. He hopes for business investment locally and internationally to continue to grow in the Great Lakes Bay Region in 2010.
“We’re going to continue working for those type of opportunities — to participate with existing organizations that have a track record in the industry — to look for new investments from the region and also look for opportunities to do business outside the region,” Hollister said.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Commissioner: We need jobs
Bensman says Lake Norman regional economic growth group hasn't done enough for Cornelius.
By Joe Marusak
jmarusak@charlotteobserver.com
Posted: Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010
CORNELIUS Town commissioner Jim Bensman says the Lake Norman region's economic development group hasn't done enough to bring industry and jobs to his town, and he wants Cornelius to consider hiring its own person.
Bensman said he thinks Huntersville has benefited most from the nonprofit Lake Norman Regional Economic Development Corp.
"Cornelius has not received a heck of a lot of benefit from the EDC over the years," Bensman said at a commissioners' meeting last week. "I'm beginning to think Cornelius needs its own EDC."
Bensman also questioned the EDC in his Jan. 16 e-mail newsletter.
"I must say that I am very disappointed with the performance of this group and believe it is badly managed," Bensman said. "While they have had limited success in attracting businesses to the region, it has virtually all been for Huntersville."
A recent e-mail from the EDC announcing more than 600 jobs coming to north Mecklenburg turned out to be a goal set by the EDC board, "not an actual accomplishment," Bensman said.
Jerry Broadway, EDC executive director, apologized to the commissioners for that jobs announcement. He said an EDC staffer wrote the announcement of 600 jobs in the subject line of an e-mail merely to draw attention to the e-mail.
Broadway was on the agenda last week to update commissioners on the EDC's efforts.
Because of the poor economy, he said, inquiries from companies interested in moving to the region were flat "at best" in 2009. And EDC budget cuts led to reduced marketing, he said.
But there's good news, too, he said:
Plans continue for preparing the industrial park site known as Davidson East, and the EDC is considering about 85 acres off Bailey Road in Cornelius for another such site, Broadway said.
{foliobull}The EDC will unveil a "much more aggressive program to market the region" this year, Broadway said.
Local entrepreneurs Dale Tweedy and Jeff Wakeman plan to open the not-for-profit Cornelius Business Factory in March in the Champions Pointe office building at 16930 W. Catawba Ave. The firm will provide monthly workshops and peer strategy sessions to help small and early-stage businesses expand.
"Several of the small, growing companies we serve through Lake Norman Regional EDC's existing industry program will likely find this program very beneficial," EDC board chairman Craig Norfolk said in a news release.
Broadway also mentioned how 11 Cornelius properties are listed on the EDC's Web site and how the EDC has held several of its meetings at Cornelius locations. "We've looked for ways to be more involved with the town," he told the commissioners.
Bensman said a meeting should be arranged to further discuss the town's economic development concerns. The meeting should include a couple of commissioners along with EDC and town staffs, he said.
Broadway said he would contact Cornelius Town Manager Anthony Roberts to arrange a meeting.
By Joe Marusak
jmarusak@charlotteobserver.com
Posted: Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010
CORNELIUS Town commissioner Jim Bensman says the Lake Norman region's economic development group hasn't done enough to bring industry and jobs to his town, and he wants Cornelius to consider hiring its own person.
Bensman said he thinks Huntersville has benefited most from the nonprofit Lake Norman Regional Economic Development Corp.
"Cornelius has not received a heck of a lot of benefit from the EDC over the years," Bensman said at a commissioners' meeting last week. "I'm beginning to think Cornelius needs its own EDC."
Bensman also questioned the EDC in his Jan. 16 e-mail newsletter.
"I must say that I am very disappointed with the performance of this group and believe it is badly managed," Bensman said. "While they have had limited success in attracting businesses to the region, it has virtually all been for Huntersville."
A recent e-mail from the EDC announcing more than 600 jobs coming to north Mecklenburg turned out to be a goal set by the EDC board, "not an actual accomplishment," Bensman said.
Jerry Broadway, EDC executive director, apologized to the commissioners for that jobs announcement. He said an EDC staffer wrote the announcement of 600 jobs in the subject line of an e-mail merely to draw attention to the e-mail.
Broadway was on the agenda last week to update commissioners on the EDC's efforts.
Because of the poor economy, he said, inquiries from companies interested in moving to the region were flat "at best" in 2009. And EDC budget cuts led to reduced marketing, he said.
But there's good news, too, he said:
Plans continue for preparing the industrial park site known as Davidson East, and the EDC is considering about 85 acres off Bailey Road in Cornelius for another such site, Broadway said.
{foliobull}The EDC will unveil a "much more aggressive program to market the region" this year, Broadway said.
Local entrepreneurs Dale Tweedy and Jeff Wakeman plan to open the not-for-profit Cornelius Business Factory in March in the Champions Pointe office building at 16930 W. Catawba Ave. The firm will provide monthly workshops and peer strategy sessions to help small and early-stage businesses expand.
"Several of the small, growing companies we serve through Lake Norman Regional EDC's existing industry program will likely find this program very beneficial," EDC board chairman Craig Norfolk said in a news release.
Broadway also mentioned how 11 Cornelius properties are listed on the EDC's Web site and how the EDC has held several of its meetings at Cornelius locations. "We've looked for ways to be more involved with the town," he told the commissioners.
Bensman said a meeting should be arranged to further discuss the town's economic development concerns. The meeting should include a couple of commissioners along with EDC and town staffs, he said.
Broadway said he would contact Cornelius Town Manager Anthony Roberts to arrange a meeting.
Friday, January 22, 2010
‘Grand’ vs. ‘Great’ roils North Country
Businesses and residents in the North Country are split over a new marketing campaign for Coos Country that features three “grand” hotels in its slogan and aims to promote the region as a destination point for those looking for adventure and luxury.
It’s the classic clash between those who know what the region is and those who want it to be more.
Well-known North Country resident – and former Telegraph writer – John Harrigan, of Colebrook, says the branding concept “smacks of elitism and doesn’t reflect the workaday world” of the communities north of Franconia Notch.
Our sister publication, The New Hampshire Business Review, did a recent story on the controversy.
Coos County, the state’s largest with more square miles than Hillsborough and Rockingham combined, has often struggled economically. It’s a region of the self-sufficient, with timber, recreation and tourism at the heart of commerce.
Less known than the White Mountain region to its south, it is no less lovely and just as rugged. Still, it hasn’t achieved the notoriety – for tourism and business – many would like, certainly not to the degree of the Lakes and Mountain regions.
Winter comes early to the North Country and releases its grip late. “Grand” might be a good description of its 20 feet of annual snowfall; beyond that, it’s not the adjective that comes to mind when describing the general nature of things in the communities of Lancaster, Colebrook and Berlin.
But “Grand” is what Roger Brooks, a Seattle-based consultant, came up with to pitch the region as a destination point.
“Grand Resorts, Grand Adventures,” is the theme, and each community is asked to support changing to this concept from the “Great North Woods,” currently the moniker. “Grand North” is to be the region’s name, and it will cost about $3.5 million to change signage and get rid of the old theme.
The hotels at the center of the campaign certainly meet the lofty criteria of the effort. The Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods, the Mountain View Grand in Whitefield and The Balsams in Dixville Notch are treasures of the state; three regal, historic places of great charm, ambience and lavishness, all set against breathtaking backdrops.
What’s really drawing fire is the issue over the two-dozen other businesses that measure up to “Grand” or, perhaps, all the others that do not.
County Commissioner Tom Brady, owner of the famous Six Gun City in Jefferson, was originally on the list of “grand adventures” that are to be showcased in the overall campaign along with the hotels.
But his business got dropped when the group making such determinations found the facility in need of maintenance. Having just spent about $200,000 upgrading his tourist spot, Brady was not happy, and his fellow county commissioners don’t like the concept, either.
Snobby seems to be the reaction of some to the promotion.
“These sheets are cleaner than those sheets,” says Fred King, the Coos County treasurer. “It’s grossly unfair.”
But Stephen Barba, who ran The Balsams for three decades and is among the most respected voices from the North Country, points out that no marketing campaign is perfect. The former efforts fell short and a change is needed, he said.
We think those behind the new branding got it half right. “Grand Adventures” makes sense and captures the essence of the North Country without the need for showcasing any one business over another.
Winter sports, fishing, hunting, animal and bird watching, outdoor recreation and vacationing in more rustic ways are the norm for what the North Country offers visitors. Spa treatments? Mints on pillows? Wine spectaculars? Less so.
The spirit of those who make Coos County home and welcome those of us from elsewhere is an adventurous one, so why not celebrate and promote that?
Surely, that has grand appeal.
It’s the classic clash between those who know what the region is and those who want it to be more.
Well-known North Country resident – and former Telegraph writer – John Harrigan, of Colebrook, says the branding concept “smacks of elitism and doesn’t reflect the workaday world” of the communities north of Franconia Notch.
Our sister publication, The New Hampshire Business Review, did a recent story on the controversy.
Coos County, the state’s largest with more square miles than Hillsborough and Rockingham combined, has often struggled economically. It’s a region of the self-sufficient, with timber, recreation and tourism at the heart of commerce.
Less known than the White Mountain region to its south, it is no less lovely and just as rugged. Still, it hasn’t achieved the notoriety – for tourism and business – many would like, certainly not to the degree of the Lakes and Mountain regions.
Winter comes early to the North Country and releases its grip late. “Grand” might be a good description of its 20 feet of annual snowfall; beyond that, it’s not the adjective that comes to mind when describing the general nature of things in the communities of Lancaster, Colebrook and Berlin.
But “Grand” is what Roger Brooks, a Seattle-based consultant, came up with to pitch the region as a destination point.
“Grand Resorts, Grand Adventures,” is the theme, and each community is asked to support changing to this concept from the “Great North Woods,” currently the moniker. “Grand North” is to be the region’s name, and it will cost about $3.5 million to change signage and get rid of the old theme.
The hotels at the center of the campaign certainly meet the lofty criteria of the effort. The Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods, the Mountain View Grand in Whitefield and The Balsams in Dixville Notch are treasures of the state; three regal, historic places of great charm, ambience and lavishness, all set against breathtaking backdrops.
What’s really drawing fire is the issue over the two-dozen other businesses that measure up to “Grand” or, perhaps, all the others that do not.
County Commissioner Tom Brady, owner of the famous Six Gun City in Jefferson, was originally on the list of “grand adventures” that are to be showcased in the overall campaign along with the hotels.
But his business got dropped when the group making such determinations found the facility in need of maintenance. Having just spent about $200,000 upgrading his tourist spot, Brady was not happy, and his fellow county commissioners don’t like the concept, either.
Snobby seems to be the reaction of some to the promotion.
“These sheets are cleaner than those sheets,” says Fred King, the Coos County treasurer. “It’s grossly unfair.”
But Stephen Barba, who ran The Balsams for three decades and is among the most respected voices from the North Country, points out that no marketing campaign is perfect. The former efforts fell short and a change is needed, he said.
We think those behind the new branding got it half right. “Grand Adventures” makes sense and captures the essence of the North Country without the need for showcasing any one business over another.
Winter sports, fishing, hunting, animal and bird watching, outdoor recreation and vacationing in more rustic ways are the norm for what the North Country offers visitors. Spa treatments? Mints on pillows? Wine spectaculars? Less so.
The spirit of those who make Coos County home and welcome those of us from elsewhere is an adventurous one, so why not celebrate and promote that?
Surely, that has grand appeal.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Cities Find Ways to Invest in Economic Development Without State Help
Erin O'Toole (2010-01-20)
GREELEY, CO (KUNC) - A report from the Colorado Municipal League says cities struggling with the economic recession aren't waiting for the state to help them create jobs.
Budget cuts have forced virtually every Colorado municipality to scale back on services and infrastructure projects and that has cities looking for other ways to invest in their own growth. The 2010 "State of Our Cities and Towns" report says cities are using tax incentives, tourism promotion and "buy local" campaigns to promote development.
Mark Radtke, a legislative and policy advocate for the CML, says municipalities have many tools at their disposal.
"Cities have the ability to create improvement districts and provide the infrastructure needed for new building projects," he says. "There's urban renewal and downtown development authority-types of districts that can assist in redeveloping an entire area."
The report says almost two-thirds of the state's larger cities are focusing on redevelopment projects to create jobs. Although the economic picture is likely to be flat or even a bit worse in 2011, Radtke says most cities and towns will continue to dedicate resources toward economic growth.
GREELEY, CO (KUNC) - A report from the Colorado Municipal League says cities struggling with the economic recession aren't waiting for the state to help them create jobs.
Budget cuts have forced virtually every Colorado municipality to scale back on services and infrastructure projects and that has cities looking for other ways to invest in their own growth. The 2010 "State of Our Cities and Towns" report says cities are using tax incentives, tourism promotion and "buy local" campaigns to promote development.
Mark Radtke, a legislative and policy advocate for the CML, says municipalities have many tools at their disposal.
"Cities have the ability to create improvement districts and provide the infrastructure needed for new building projects," he says. "There's urban renewal and downtown development authority-types of districts that can assist in redeveloping an entire area."
The report says almost two-thirds of the state's larger cities are focusing on redevelopment projects to create jobs. Although the economic picture is likely to be flat or even a bit worse in 2011, Radtke says most cities and towns will continue to dedicate resources toward economic growth.
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