Regional Economic Development

The workforce that was targeted as part of the project: Farmers, livestock producers, and people engaged in agribusiness; Healthcare professionals and workers; Main Street businesses; Library workers; Industrial workers; Teachers; Youth; Senior citizens; College students; Part-time workers; Social Services clientele; and Disabled.

The county-wide intra-regional commuter culture is stronger than ever, Bruhl said. "Not one of our major municipalities’ business centers has the majority of jobs in that city held by residents of that city," he said. "That means that the economies of these cities are inherently regional.

The recently broadcast episode of Economic Development Today is entitled “Regional Economic Development in Florida” and spotlights best practice examples of regional economic development in Florida. The program features an interview with Governor Jeb Bush.

Central Maine, like the rest of the state, is benefitting from an influx of people, a trend that could help the region and the rest of Maine grow in the years ahead, a study released today found.

The impending crisis that Gordon explores in his latest book, The 2010 Meltdown, will have two seemingly incompatible dynamics – wholesale unemployment and businesses’ inability to find the qualified workers they need to compete effectively in the global economy.

The onslaught of globalization, technology advances, and demographic changes are creating howling winds buffeting nations and businesses. It’s tough going for anyone heading directly into them, but an almost effortless glide if they are directly behind your back.

"Living in a planned community wasn’t just about purchasing a home — it was a lifestyle choice for us,"

“They have the wealth,” he said. “They want to capitalize on it and build a community.”

Business leaders must take an active role in outlining the kinds of skills we need from our
employees for our companies and economy to thrive. This report is a first step in articulating
these necessary skills. But we can do much more than that. As business leaders, we must also
play a role in creating opportunities for young people to obtain the skills they need. Businesses
can partner with schools and other organizations that work with young people to provide
internships, job shadowing programs and summer jobs. Businesses can encourage their
employees to serve as mentors and tutors. Businesses can invest in programs at the local and
national level that have demonstrated their ability to improve outcomes for young people.
Finally, business leaders can use their expertise in innovation and management to help identify
new and creative solutions.

Empty-nesters don’t crowd schools. They don’t clog roads at rush hour. They can bring a wealth of time and talent. And they spend money on local goods and services, creating a financial impact more than three times greater than that of a new factory job, studies have found.