Embrace Change And Make It Work For You
About the only thing we can count on today - from around the corner to around the globe - is change. Sometimes it happens to us. Sometimes we make it happen.
Frequently change is associated with growth and development. Yet today, economic prosperity can come without unbridled growth. New and emerging technologies move money and information around the world in an instant. Business markets are expanding beyond state lines and national borders, creating a fierce spirit of competition among this nation’s cities and regions for quality economic growth.
Spokane has made impressive strides in attracting new companies to the area and creating an environment in which business can develop and thrive. The city also has acknowledged the need to balance economic development with community development. But continued and enhanced commitments and change are needed if Spokane is to grow into a community your children and grandchildren will value.
Here are seven key factors necessary for a community to be successful.
1. Vision. Strategic foresight is essential and all elements of the community must be actively involved. Partnerships that attract broad participation from civic, business, government, education, religious and other groups should be forged to set and achieve workable goals and objectives.
2. Leadership. There’s a need for strong public and private sector leadership in every community. Here in Spokane you have exceptional leaders in the Spokane Area Economic Development Council’s Bob Cooper, Momentum’s Susan Meyer, the Spokane Area Chamber’s Richard Hadley, the Valley Chamber’s Kay Murphy, the Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Hartley Kruger, and in others.
3. Volunteerism. George McLean, publisher and owner of the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal said “There is no Santa Claus in Washington, D.C., or at your state capital. If communities are to be successful in economic development, they’ll have to do it themselves.” Every community needs active supporters. Encourage community volunteerism in local organizations, like the Spokane Area EDC, Spokane Chamber of Commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureau, United Way, Salvation Army, churches and schools. An investment of time and energy will make Spokane an even greater place to live and raise families.
4. Perception. Everyone has a perception of Spokane and residents have a responsibility to make that perception a good one. Be an ambassador for this city when you travel. Tell your friends, relatives and colleagues about the benefits of doing business in Spokane.
5. Creativity. Initiate a campaign to promote Spokane through a clear, compelling theme. We at the Pace Group have spent four months here meeting with more than 150 people. We think Spokane is different from other cities because it is truly friendly. Maybe that’s the key to your theme. We like it here. In fact, we like it so much that The Pace Group will present a $100 gift certificate for a downtown restaurant to the person who we identity as best exemplifying the friendly attitude of this city.
6. Values. It’s old wisdom but worth repeating: Always do the right thing and treat other people the way you’d like to be treated. Encourage every high school to show its students the video “Do Right,” a presentation by Lou Holtz, Notre Dame’s football coach. It’s inspirational and it can build better citizens.
7. Responsibility. Everyone has to share responsibility for making Spokane an even greater place to live and raise a family. Leaving a lasting legacy has nothing to do with luck and everything to do with work, planning and commitment.
Building a better future requires decisive action and a firm commitment to meeting and managing change, in your lives and in your community.
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