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AEDA Looks at Economic Collaboration, Part One |
Bill Hudson | 3/28/08
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Keynote speaker Clarke Becker posed a seemingly simple question to the audience at the Archuleta Economic Development Association’s annual meeting and luncheon yesterday: "What is economic development?"
Region 9 Executive Director Ed Morland called out an answer: “Money and jobs!”
 And indeed, money and jobs were the hot topic of discussion at yesterday’s gathering at Pagosa’s Centerpoint Church in the new Aspen Village commercial development. The church hall was packed with business and community leaders yesterday, Thursday, March 27, for the AEDA’s annual meeting and luncheon. The afternoon’s speakers addressed the apparent slowdown of the local economy — and ways for community leaders to collaborate on getting things moving in the “right direction.”
As association members and guests enjoyed a roast beef lunch catered by Eddie B. Cooking, AEDA Executive Director Bart Mitchell — the sole paid staff of the organization — led off the presentations with a summary of the past year’s association accomplishments and the plans for the future.
The AEDA has two main focuses, Mitchell told the gathering: attracting new businesses to Archuleta County, and supporting the existing businesses. In light of a recent economic downturn, it seems that support of existing businesses has moved up the ladder of AEDA priorities. Continued...
A roomful of business and community leaders listened to keynote speaker Clarke Becker yesterday. |
“We’ve got a lot of companies that are hurting right now. And I’m only one person, guys. And that’s one thing I want to talk about today. If you’ve got some expertise in marketing or whatever area of business, I want you to come forward. Give me a call so we can start working together to build the mentoring group we’ve been trying to build over the past two years — and which right now has only two business owners participating s mentors.
“If we want to make on impact on our local economy, one thing we can do — outside of what the local town and county governments can do — is help other businesses in our same industries, And now we are looking at businesses helping businesses — instead of each business being isolated.”
Mitchell noted that the AEDA business mentoring maintains a high level of confidentiality.
Mitchell has been directing the efforts of the non-profit association — which is funded mainly by membership contributions — for the past two years, and has helped institute several business enhancement services, including the popular “Leading Edge” courses which teach potential business owners — and existing business owners — how to put together a “business plan.” Another program is “Marketing for Smarties.”
AEDA Executive Director Bart Mitchell encouraged business and community leaders to join his "team" and offer help to other business owners. |
Mitchell referred briefly to incentive programs.
“Incentives don’t ever make the deal, by themselves. But they are a real nice icing on the cake.”
The use of financial incentives, to attract new businesses, or to enhance existing businesses, has become more and more popular in cities around the country, creating something of a competitive situation for communities trying to attract new growth. The Town of Pagosa Springs worked with Region 9 — another economic development group serving six southwest Colorado counties — to put together a $500,000 incentive package to help retain the Parelli Natural Horsemanship headquarters a couple of years ago. That has, so far, been the only government-sponsored incentive program used in the county.
One of Mitchell’s prime focuses during his speech was “attitude.”
“The attitude of each and every one of us in this room can cause a company to look at us differently — depending on what your attitude is, whether it’s pro-growth or no-growth.
“Together, we can win, guys. I know we can. We just have to decide., are we going o control this, or are we going to sit back and allow the economy to control us?”
The association has greatly expanded its web site over the past year, Mitchell noted, and invited members to view the enhanced 60-page site, AedaEd.org
“90% of a business owner’s decision is made up before he ever calls us, and the number one resource that you can have is a website that’s easy to navigate and that represents the quality of your community. And I think we now have that.”
Mitchell spoke about the role of the local governments in economic development issues.
“More and more, over the past two years that I’ve had this position, the County and the Town have become more passionate about economic development, and wanting to help. And I’d just like to give these guys a hand, because I think that’s absolutely crucial if we are ever going to do anything in this economy.”
Mitchell showed several graphs of key local economic indicators, which, as he explained, showed a significant decline in the construction and real estate industries over the past two years, and a slight improvement in the tourism industry. He praised the collaboration between the new Town Tourism Committee and the existing County Tourism Committee and Chamber of Commerce.
In reference to attracting new businesses, Mitchell said that AEDA is currently conducting a “Targeted Industry Study” of the community’s existing industries — to allow the AEDA to focus more energy on attracting compatible businesses. That study, funded in part by Region 9, is expected to be completed by some time in May.
In his summary, Mitchell once again urged the business community to come together and help one another.
“Last but not least, what can you do? Ah, I like this part. ‘Unite and Ignite.’ Unite this community, guys. Decide to be positive. Decide to play a part, if you have some marketing or PR expertise. Or if you want to do business mentoring. I have three companies I’m working with right now, I can plug you into. And you can help change the lives of people in Archuleta County.
“It’s not about the money. Money is just money, It’s about who you are and who you become. And that’s what I’m passionate about, in turning this economy around. I want people on our team who also feel that way. So if you do, call me.”
The next speaker to take the stage was Clarke Becker, President and CEO of the Colorado Rural Development Council — the "Dedicated Voice for Rural Colorado." Becker proceeded to address the unique problems facing rural economies in Colorado…
Read Part Two |
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