Three Thoughts: Economic Development Is Everyone’s Job

 

I’ll never forget the question, 25 years ago, when hundreds of jobs in Steubenville, Ohio were on the line:  “What’s the blue light special?”

Walmart executives, wanting to get to know the community better before they moved forward with a decision to locate a massive, multi-state food distribution center project, chose to wander into a K-mart in Steubenville in Spring 2001.  They randomly picked a worker in their competitor’s store to ask the question about impulse sales.

That day’s executive approach is not unique.  It gets repeated thousands of times when big investment and job-creating decisions are made.  The drill?  Drop into a community and seek encounters with anyone on the street to gain a personal feel for the place.

I was the economic development guy on the spot witnessing all this. I remember fearing that worker could have turned the decision in the other direction for the worse.  He could have been perturbed enough to refuse to answer. It immediately occurred to me: What if he was just having a bad day? 

Thankfully, that Steubenville K-mart worker answered the question respectfully and cheerfully.  Little did he know, but he served as the face of a welcoming community and a responsive workforce that fateful day.   

Today, there are over 800 jobs with Walmart, the largest economic base employer in Jefferson County.

There’s no better Ohio example to make the point:  Everyone has a role in economic development.

First Thought:  Whose Job Is It Anyway?

Frankly, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t wish the best for their kids and grandkids.  For most, that means a job close to home. 

But, after all, whose job is it to make sure there are jobs for current and future generations?  The answer, in my book, is everyone.

In the end, economic development people are really merely on the sidelines watching the real work happening.

Another Thought:  Permit Me to Preach A Little.

If I could use this column to preach a little, it would be to preach to readers this:

Assume that next chance encounter with a stranger could be the turning point for your wish for future generations to be fulfilled.

You never know.  Regardless of the national, state, or local news climate of the day, a truthful, specific, and positive response to that next stranger’s question could make a difference. 

Third Thought: Natural Incentives Are the Best Incentives.

In Steubenville, 25 years ago, the tax abatement helped.  The promise to widen the state route helped.  The overall financial incentives package helped Walmart decide to invest.

Often, when large, job creating projects happen, it’s the dollars and cents incentives that grab attention.  Though they certainly help tilt the scales and close the deal, it’s the natural incentives—workforce, community culture, company fit, etc.--that win every time.  Every time.

Walmart decided to open that food distribution center outside Steubenville and will soon mark 25 years providing jobs in Eastern Ohio.  There are kids and grandkids that gained the opportunity to stay in town and work there all these years.

It was the community that won it.  And everyone in it.