Determining your region's economic function in the global economy is the first challenge for government and business leaders in creating an effective economic development strategy for your state or region. This strategy will grow out of looking at your unique industrial structure, economic assets, limitations, and business culture, and it will answer the question, "In what areas can we compete?" This is the question community-wide and metropolitan-wide leaders are asking all around the country, and indeed the world. How can we best maintain or raise our standard of living, while protecting our environment?" Even school districts across the country have adopted more rigorous standards to prepare students to compete in a global economy, with greater accountability for school systems, teachers and students alike. In this effort to become more competitive, it has become clear that taking regional governance seriously will be an important part of any successful strategy to expand and diversify regional economies.

In addition to working toward a regional approach to governance, creating a skilled workforce, investing in an infrastructure for innovation, creating a great quality of life, and fostering a dynamic, innovative business climate has been pretty well established as where communities need to be going to be prepared to prosper in the new global economy. But, while communities may know where they need to go, getting government agencies, authorities and businesses to work together on shared goals and strategies for getting there seems to be the greater challenge.

Here is a summary of important creative concepts for communities to take into consideration when Crafting a Regional Economic Development Strategy in an economy that is becoming more and more global and increasingly less predictable. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see where communities need to go, but it does take the right people dedicated to working together to craft unique solutions that will maximize a region's potential. This takes lots of homework in an ongoing effort. Reports are coming in that this is starting to happen in Florida and the Big Bend Area. Below are Tallahassee Democrat Newspaper article headlines about ongoing and recent activities that are very encouraging for the North Florida Regional Area referred to as the 'Big Bend.'

"Economic Leaders Ready with a Plan"

"Planners, Leaders Stress Regional Approach to Government"

"Leaders Call for Regional Cooperation"

"Wanted: Cooperation Among Governments"

"Developing Skilled Workforce Remains Key Focus"

"Tallahassee Positioned to Become Health Care Leader"

"Transportation Projects Expected to Spur Growth"

The good news that North Florida residents and government and businesses leaders can celebrate today is that their journey toward a regional perspective on community and economic development has begun - and it is opening up a whole new world of possitilities! If you would like to learn more about what your community can do to prepare for the new global economy, visit our neighborhood at Creativity Corner - a Neighborhood for Creative Growth Here you'll find insights and information to get started helping to prepare your regional neighborhood for the challenges of the new global economy. Share these ideas at home with your community leaders and get the ball rolling. Remember, your choices matter and your voice makes a difference. So choose to make a global difference today!