Economic Development in the Real World

The national unemployment rate is 8.1%. National media outlets are continuing to bombard the American people with negative information regarding the economy. What does this mean for local economic development professionals? Now more the economic development profession has an opportunity to emerge and provide stakeholders with value. Here are a few suggestions that I have:

Provide Results

Whether you are talking about new business recruitment or retention and expansion our stakeholders deserve results. Performance is more important than ever. At www.claremoreusa.com, you can find updates of positive news stories that demonstrate the performance of the Claremore Industrial and Economic Authority. These articles and news stories are updated daily and communicate to local residents and businesses and prospects that Claremore has a healthy local economy.

Communicate Hope

In spite of the challenges of 2008, Claremore had a net job growth percentage of 3.8%. In the last 24 months CIEDA has announced $103 million in new investment for Claremore. Every city, county, state and region has a powerful asset-based story to communicate to stakeholders even in the darkest of times. It’s time we as economic development professionals begin telling the story of our stakeholders and help provide motivation for them to begin living again in this economy.

When a mom or dad is out of work they rely on us to create an employment opportunity for them. Those with jobs, need us to continue to meet the needs of local business stakeholders to ensure that they continue to have work. I have no doubt that the economic development profession will rise to the challenge and provide stakeholders with hope and opportunity in the future.

Tim Hight

Executive Director
CIEDA
www.claremoreusa.com