It’s graduation season! As college graduates are saying goodbye to their college years and joining the workforce, how can we get them interested in careers in economic development?
Often, people associate economic development solely with economics. So, how can we effectively explain to newcomers what economic development is?
To capture their attention, we need to highlight economic development as a dynamic and rapidly evolving industry.
At PPR Strategies—Places Reimagined, we’ve found the video below is very helpful in demonstrating what economic development is and why it’s so important. We often share this with new employees and interns. Click below to watch!
“What Is Economic Development”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRPioDFGWRQ
In this video, Dayna the tutor shows how an ice cream shop IS economic development. The shop uses local milk from area farmers. As tourists and locals shop there and they make money, the business can pay employees, and that money goes back into the community. The video even demonstrates business retention and expansion and talent attraction, as the business opens an ice cream factory and attracts employees from around the world. By the end of the video, the young mentee understands that economic development is about “making the place you live awesome!” We agree! 🙂
Once someone understands what economic development is, they’ll see that it’s everywhere. It’s the expanded interstate, the new water and sewer lines, and the increased taxes businesses are paying to support and expand the public school system. It’s the local small businesses on Main Street, the tech company working out of the coffee shop, the brewery, the state parks, and the farmer selling to the local grocery store.
As you look for new great employees to join your organization, be prepared to educate them about the value of a career in economic development and how exciting it can be to make a difference in the community.
We’d love to hear about your experiences explaining economic development to young graduates or those unfamiliar with the industry. Send us a message to share!
Reimagining Places With You,
The PPR Strategies Team
