He also pointed out key differences between traditional economic development and today’s modern community development (people-centered) approach, which included:
- Investments in job attraction ALONE typically is not successful
- Job creation does not equal population growth
- JOBS FOLLOW PEOPLE
- People live where they can find good schools and good amenities
- Companies will go to communities that are able to attract the people
- Communities will be more successful when they invest in projects and activities that attract and retain people (talent attraction and development)
While Pulaski County has been on a population decline, Terrell pointed out that the strong school systems, proximity to other urban centers, the growth of nearby Jasper and Porter Counties, and amenities like the Tippecanoe River, the state park, and the Panhandle Pathway all allow for growth opportunities.
The ability to recognize amenities like the park and bike trail and build other amenities around them are the types of natural assets which have allowed other counties to grow and could provide such an opportunity in Pulaski County.
Terrell recognized the challenge for community leadership to come together in reflecting upon and addressing these opportunities for the future as a united group.
“The idea of shifting our mindsets to a more community investment-oriented approach in economic development is sometimes a scary proposition. The business attraction strategy is easy to understand, but frankly, that strategy is not very successful over time. We all need jobs in our communities. The more effective long-term strategy is to be the best community you can be. That will attract the people – the people will attract the companies,” Terrell said when interviewed.
Wendy Rose, executive director of the Community Foundation, had this to say about the event, “David Terrell’s message was extremely valuable for anyone interested in moving our county forward. I was pleased that a number of elected or aspiring leaders were in attendance to learn about the modern approach to community development. He remarked that the Community Foundation’s Forward Thinking Leadership plan is a good starting point for change and encouraged the community to embrace it. Mr. Terrell laid the groundwork for future training with the Indiana Communities Institute as the Community Foundation’s three-year leadership initiative moves into high gear in 2021.”
Those who were not able to attend or who would like to review the event can find the recording and video now on the Community Foundation website at: cfopc.org/forward-thinking-leadership.
The event is the second effort presented under the Community Foundation’s Forward Thinking Leadership Initiative, launched in response to the community’s desire for visionary leadership and forward momentum for Pulaski County. To learn more, contact the Community Foundation at 574-946-0906.
