Blog Entry
Location, Location, Leadership
Published Feb 20 at 8:56 am
For a long time the mantra in real estate and economic development has been Location, Location, Location. In a recent civic presentation I made the suggestion that in today's economic realities that are driven by global market pressure and extreme competition that perhaps, just perhaps location is not as important as it used to be. Don't get me wrong, proximity is still what we call a "key driver" and will continue to be so. However, on its heels and closing in fast is community leadership. So, my new economic development mantra is Location, Location, Leadership!
What is community and economic development leadership? First it is the recognition that a rising tide raises all ships. Communities that pit one industry against another for self preservation will limit themselves in potential for growth. Wade, my boss, refers to it as the abundance mentality, which in the long run, all parties should benefit from one side's success and growth. Think of car dealerships… why do they tend to locate next to each other?
Creating a culture in East Mississippi for such has not been easy. We are a community of highly successful entrepreneurs who have made it for the most part on their own. It is in our blood here. Our heritage is based to some degree on our landscape, hilly terrain that was tough to farm. In the Delta, they are blessed with fertile soils that beckon cooperative farming. On the coast the Gulf of Mexico is a common asset that built communities. In Jackson, the seat of state government is economic engine to itself. Like it or not we are the hillbillies of red clay soils who have learned to do things ourselves in our own way, without much help. While this spirit makes a great work ethic it can challenge us as community in search of a common and shared success.
As economies change, are we willing to change with them? Can we survive doing what we have always done? Of course not. Breaking the mold is not easy but once done I believe you will find it true that sacred cows do indeed make the best hamburgers.
Where is community leadership in all this? It should be pushing the envelope for something more. A recognition that synergy is real and together we are greater than the sum of our individual parts. Effective elected leaders, local or regional recognize this and should work to cultivate a community that listens to all parties and seeks cooperation over competition.
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Skip Scaggs, Manager of Business Development
sscaggs@embdc.org