By Steve Weathers
President and CEO of the Regional Growth Partnership, Toledo, OH
[email protected]

Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in a forum with economic-development leaders from around the globe. And, while there was a wealth of information shared among the leaders, what I found most interesting and valuable were some principles discussed for economic and community development.

I think these “Ten Principles for Economic and Community Development,” if implemented in our region [Toledo, OH], would serve us well in fully developing the economic potential of our region.

Create a vision for the future by incorporating community values and beliefs. Break out of routine thinking. Listen to different community voices. Encourage our youth to participate in their future. Preserve historic and artistic ideas. Imagine an economy without borders. And lastly, focus on what could be, not what is.

Develop a strategic plan by encouraging citizen participation and collaboration.  Connect community vision to a strategic plan. Determine what success looks like.  Produce SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time based).  Support the strategic plan with appropriate infrastructure and work force. And most importantly, communicate progress and successes.

Build a sustainable economy for the next generation by seeing a balance between work force, economic and environmental needs. Encourage “buy local” programs. Invest in infrastructure that supports community vitality. Support health care initiatives. Support funding for community libraries. Plan for a skilled work force that will help grow, retain and attract business.

Seek out private, public and academic partnerships by communicating between the private sector, academic sectors, the community at large and the public sectors. Focus on mutual visions and common goals. Involve all parties with similar vested interests. Understand the distinctive roles in a partnership. Work with community leaders to nurture neighborhoods. Collaborate on work force and economic development projects. And most importantly, seek partnership goals, not personal gain.

Invest in education and skills training by participating on local workforce investment boards and supporting academic achievement for a global marketplace. Align relationships with state work force and economic development officials. Work with business and labor to close the training gap. Ensure that investments respond to local and regional work force needs.

Promote respect by acknowledging all ideas and contributions, and critiquing ideas, not people. Give credit where it is due. Learn to compromise. Understand cultural differences. Embrace different learning and communication styles. Realize that integrity and fairness establish creditability. Distinguish facts from beliefs and opinions. And most importantly, listen attentively to others.

Demonstrate a high standard of ethical behavior by setting and maintaining a high level of expectations for all colleagues, partners and collaborators. Recognize the differences between policy and administration. Stay informed on relevant issues. Follow through on commitments. Make decisions based on what is best for the many. Avoid conflicts of interest. 

Value history, arts and culture by supporting a variety of public art. Promote history, arts and cultural projects in schools. Advocate keeping arts and culture part of the K-12 system. Sustain the operating strength of local museums. Make civic holidays meaningful opportunities to celebrate and support arts and culture in the community. Most importantly, recognize the economic impact the arts and culture community has on the region.

Prepare for a global environment by insisting on a world-class technology and communications infrastructure. Provide export education and training for the business community. Understand global dynamics that affect local businesses. Support technical assistance to businesses. Promote an understanding of other cultures. Maintain employee training and research.

Develop future leaders by recognizing the values of the next generation. Promote leadership training programs. Communicate and celebrate the region’s accomplishments.  Develop criteria to evaluate leadership potential. Recruit diversity. Grow volunteers into larger roles. Recognize the regional leaders for all they do for the region.

Steve Weathers is president and CEO of the Regional Growth Partnership in Toledo, OH.