Rural counties often possess untapped potential for economic growth and development with unique strengths and opportunities waiting to be leveraged. Creative EDC recently facilitated strategic plans in Surry and Vance Counties in North Carolina and Newberry County, South Carolina. They are good examples of rural communities proactively working to promote economic growth and development. All …
New Ways of Thinking Summer reading, either during a vacation or just in the slower pace of late June and July, is a great time to explore new ideas and try on new ways of thinking. Dacher Keltner’s new book, Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life, shows …
Almost all U.S. businesses are small businesses (99.9%) and more than half do not have a succession plan. Yikes! Additionally, 40% of small business owners are baby boomers who are retiring at a rate of 10,000 per day. Double Yikes! Succession planning should be part of a comprehensive BRE strategy to retain businesses in your …
Elected, local government, and business leaders are critical to advancing economic development policies and projects. However, most of these leaders do not work day-to-day in economic development. It is important for EDOs to inform local leaders of trends, changes in policy, challenges, and opportunities. The recent Alamance Chamber Partners in Progress event is a good …
Alamance Partners in Progress-A Model for Engagement Read More »
When companies take a look at potential sites for expansions or when entrepreneurs explore potential for starting a business, one of the top considerations is the labor market. In today’s current market the available workforce is limited, thanks in part to a strong economy and an historically low unemployment rate of 3.6%. However, there’s a …
Why Childcare Should be an Economic Development Priority Read More »
An innovative, new and growing industry sector is set to impact North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia in the coming years presenting increased opportunities for new manufacturing establishments, new careers and employment growth and diversification of the economic base with increased scientific and energy activities. The global market for offshore wind has been growing 24% …
Offshore Wind: A New Source for Economic Growth in VA, NC, and SC Read More »
Emory & Henry College engaged Creative EDC to study how their new School of Business can drive growth in the agriculture sector in Southwest Virginia and become a hub of innovation. The college has long been a strategic partner of economic development organizations, local governments, nonprofits, and businesses. They want to leverage Emory & Henry’s …
The North Carolina Economic Development Association and Creative Economic Development Consulting surveyed local economic development agencies across North Carolina to gauge the usage and terms for incentives for economic development. The findings were compared to a 2011 study to see how incentive policy has changed in the state. The results of this study can be …
As the end of the calendar year draws near, many economic developers are thinking about how to spend that big bonus check. Others are wondering how to convince their EDO to create a bonus plan. It is also the time of the year to think about salary raises for you and your staff. We have …
At Creative EDC, our strategic plans have no shelf life. They are meant for action, not gathering dust on a shelf. We believe in the value of planning your work and working your plan. The Economic Development Authority of Amherst County, VA is a great example of working a strategic plan. The EDA methodically worked …
There is no topic more discussed these days than the current difficulties companies have filling jobs. This labor shortage is usually associated with the pandemic and is being analyzed in small businesses and corporate boardrooms, and especially at economic development organizations! We wanted to dig deeper into this topic, so we invited Dr. Laura Ullrich, …
“What skills should I be learning right now?” is a question we have been asked by several economic developers. We have all been thrown into a new work environment that requires a new set of skills. We believe virtual meetings, collaboration, and site visits are here to stay to some degree. Companies and organizations have …
Top 10 Skills Economic Developers Should be Honing Right Now Read More »
By Leigh Howe, Applied Marketing One of the best ways for communities to grow the regional economy, increase wages, and create new jobs is to support supply chain development. There are three legs to the cluster development stool – talent, innovation, and supply chain. Manufacturers rely on raw materials, components, and parts, as well as …
Using Supply Chain Analysis to Attract and Retain Businesses Read More »
