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Beaverton, Oregon may try its hand at ‘economic gardening’. City is considering a high-tech approach to help existing businesses sprout jobs

August 4, 2006 /

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With little land available for new businesses, Beaverton’s best opportunity to create new jobs might be to cultivate the businesses already here.

City officials are considering adopting the "economic gardening" philosophy pioneered in 1989 by the Denver suburb of Littleton, Colo. Beaverton would become the first city in Oregon to use the high-tech approach that supports and encourages entrepreneurs by using databases that most businesses wouldn’t be able to afford on their own.

The information can include demographics, information on competitors and direct marketing lists. The tools can show, for example, areas of town where residents buy $310 or more worth of fresh-cut flowers each year.

DAVID R. ANDERSON

Full Story: http://www.oregonlive.com/metrowest/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/metro_west_news/115424611633050.xml&coll=7&thispage=1

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‘Gardening’ could help city boost businesses with economic pruning
City looks at new process that could help some small companies

By Christina Lent

City officials might try a little gardening to boost Beaverton’s economy.

They’re considering using a concept known as “economic gardening” to nurture existing businesses, providing special services to help them flourish.

The shift in economic development strategies could provide Beaverton businesses with tools and information that would give them a competitive edge, boosting the local economy in the process.

“I was very impressed and excited when I learned the city was looking into this program,” said Lorraine Clarno, president of the Beaverton Area Chamber of Commerce. “This is a big shift in economic development.

Full Story: http://www.beavertonvalleytimes.com/news/story.php?story_id=115462598176645700

(Thanks to Christine Hamilton-Pennell, Dan Ripke and Chris Gibbons for passing this along. Russ)

For more info about "Economic Gardening" — Economic Gardening. An Entrepreneurial Approach to Economic Development http://www.matr.net/article-20093.html