Issues With Economic Development Associations
Most economic development associations sure talk a great line, but as one digs deeper one is certain to feel a little less enthusiasm than the purported propaganda.
Not long ago, I went to a local city and discussed the issues of future planning for their city.
I was to say the least underwhelmed over all after I ask questions, did not receive legitimate answers, and noted that the data did not stack up to the talk.
Originally, it was my contention that with the economic crisis and its effect on our local area that perhaps I might do a little to combat the problems, using my talents as a former Franchise Company Founder.
I was asked; "what did I want out of it" and the answer is nothing for myself, just to better their city, thus helping the whole valley, including the city and property values in my own town nearby.
Later, I found an entire good old boy network of intertwined fat cats, only interested in themselves and not the city as a whole.
Then I considered that question I was asked; "what did I want out of it," again the answer was nothing, but then I thought, by the same token, I do not necessarily wish to be attacked for busting through the status quo.
I've done that enough in my life, and there are a never ending group of humans out there who'll always be standing in the way.
We live in a great city, and the city next door, and adjacent are also nice.
There are a lot of people taking credit for that, some may have had a little bit of planning in it.
But this city was really built by the builders and free-enterprise, not the city, the government, or the economic development gurus.
Rather, it was built by developers that took risks.
And as of late, the city, economic groups are really putting up barriers by the way of bureaucracy.
And it's pretty sickening.
Oh sure, everyone cares or pretends to care, but they are not helping, at least the numbers don't show it.
All I see is millions of dollars being wasted in the name of economic development, with very little to show for it.
That money could have been divided up as seed money and had better results.
In my professional opinion, but what would I know? Think on this, it's a very common problem.
Not long ago, I went to a local city and discussed the issues of future planning for their city.
I was to say the least underwhelmed over all after I ask questions, did not receive legitimate answers, and noted that the data did not stack up to the talk.
Originally, it was my contention that with the economic crisis and its effect on our local area that perhaps I might do a little to combat the problems, using my talents as a former Franchise Company Founder.
I was asked; "what did I want out of it" and the answer is nothing for myself, just to better their city, thus helping the whole valley, including the city and property values in my own town nearby.
Later, I found an entire good old boy network of intertwined fat cats, only interested in themselves and not the city as a whole.
Then I considered that question I was asked; "what did I want out of it," again the answer was nothing, but then I thought, by the same token, I do not necessarily wish to be attacked for busting through the status quo.
I've done that enough in my life, and there are a never ending group of humans out there who'll always be standing in the way.
We live in a great city, and the city next door, and adjacent are also nice.
There are a lot of people taking credit for that, some may have had a little bit of planning in it.
But this city was really built by the builders and free-enterprise, not the city, the government, or the economic development gurus.
Rather, it was built by developers that took risks.
And as of late, the city, economic groups are really putting up barriers by the way of bureaucracy.
And it's pretty sickening.
Oh sure, everyone cares or pretends to care, but they are not helping, at least the numbers don't show it.
All I see is millions of dollars being wasted in the name of economic development, with very little to show for it.
That money could have been divided up as seed money and had better results.
In my professional opinion, but what would I know? Think on this, it's a very common problem.
Source...