Good Morning! Here is Your Curated Morning for Thursday February 2, 2023
THE TOP FIVE
Economic Development--
What type of economic development project will improve an underused property, increase housing opportunities, and generate new tax revenue? Redeveloping a mall will. We have all witnessed the collapse of the big mall. As internet shopping, covid, and other factors have come into play, the great American Mall has likely seen its best day. Some communities are fixing the problem by relaxing zoning and development requirements, using creative financing, and giving malls new life as a mixed-use development. Read the story here.
TWO—Technology
Technology that connects operations to the internet can help reduce emissions. For example, using the cloud for data storage can reduce the need for excessive local cooling. Storing data on the cloud means using data centers optimized for cooling using green energy. Sensors using an Internet of Things (IoT) approach can provide a wide variety of data for cities, companies, and communities, thereby assisting in efficiency and reducing emissions. Read this article to learn more about how these technologies will assist.
THREE—Green Economy
Hydrogen keeps popping up as a solution to carbon emissions. The auto industry is working to develop new technology that will power our vehicles via electricity and hydrogen. Hydrogen was once considered as not being viable fuel to power automobiles, but technological advances have suddenly made it a darling of the low-carbon emission set. Even classic car buffs have gotten into the act. Read about how car classic car fans are powering up their oldies here.
FOUR—Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
The digital divide is real when it comes to Black Americans. Over 40% of Black Americans don’t have high-speed fixed Broadband, according to this McKinsey article. However, the Federal government has taken steps to fix this. Through ARPA and the Infrastructure Act (BIL), there is approximately $425 billion available to communities to bridge the gap. About $44 billion of that money is designated directly to create greater access to broadband to minority neighborhoods and populations. Read the article here.
FIVE—Being Your Best
Emotional Intelligence includes a high level of self-awareness. This self-awareness allows one to understand how their actions impact themselves and others. Self-awareness allows you to understand your weaknesses and strengths. Working to mitigate weaknesses and enhancing strengths can go a long way in leading your organization. As the article points out, it can also help you on your next date. Read it here.
The Main Thing :
Conference Notes -- I am at the IEDC Leadership Conference in Tuscon, Arizona. It is a beautiful place, and the surroundings couldn't be more perfect. Every morning I sauntered down to the patio overlooking the pool and the grounds and watched the sunrise while enjoying my first cup of coffee. I spent some time meditating and reading while being warmed by the sun's first rays.
There are others awake as well. They have come to enjoy the same experience or participate in the resort's “morning ritual,” as they call it, prayer and meditation with a Native American guide. Either way, it is a peaceful and pleasant way to start the day.
I have always found IEDC conferences fun, if not informative. I have always enjoyed the camaraderie and “esprit de corps” surrounding these conferences. I always felt I got more out of the one-on-one conversations with other economic developers than in some sessions. Although some of the most significant and effective programs I have implemented came from ideas first brought forth at a session and then riffed on.
I was impressed yesterday by a session on electric vehicles and the future of transportation. I think it could have gone longer and addressed more infrastructure issues. I have been disappointed in the past when the advertised session topic had nothing to do with what the presenters were presenting. I don't understand why more attention isn’t paid to this problem. The session on EVs didn't go that way. The folks here in Arizona seem to be on top of the EV game and are leading the nation in that area.
Recently IEDC, under its new leader Nathan Ohle has initiated a new strategic planning process. If you are a member, you should have been asked to complete a survey several months ago. I was sure to fill it out. I mentioned my conference “issues.”
A problem I have had at many of the IEDC conferences I’ve attended is the lack of strong keynote speakers. The IEDC and the local sponsoring community or region put together the speakers' agenda, and we rarely get a speaker of national stature or someone that can really inspire us. Occasionally, we have had top-tier people, like Richard Florida or a former governor or senator. One year, in San Diego, we had Bill Walton (old school basketball star, not affiliated with Walmart). He was so good he got a standing ovation, and I hired him a year later for my annual luncheon. I suppose it's a budgetary issue, and IEDC and locals don’t have or want to pay the expense. I hope this improves. We need to think bigger!
No matter what, an IEDC conference is a great way to see old friends, make new acquaintances, and learn new things. It doesn’t matter if you learn it in a session or at the bar. If you walk away with one new idea or program you can implement at home and improve the chances of local economic growth and prosperity, it is worth the cost of the trip.
Guest Article :
This week I have published the second in a series of posts about taking that first big job as a CEO of an economic development organization. The first post talked about knowing and understanding history. This weeks post is about understanding the financial picture. You can read it on my blog page here.
Whether you are seasoned pro, you are starting your career or you have just landed that new big important position, these series of posts will help you sort through the nuances and dynamics of leadership positions.
Overheard :
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
--Maya Angelou
Here is a similar one my friend liked to say:
“If you can’t get out of it, get into it.”
-- Brad Barth
Podcast I Listened to:
I am excited to let you know that I get to promote a podcast on which I am a guest this week. While I would like to think that I was Dane Carlson's best guest ever on his EconDev Show Podcast, I have to admit he has interviewed many great guests in the past.
Dane is a multi-media communicator. As noted on his website, "The Econ Dev Show is a podcast, weekday email newsletter, and blog of actionable strategies, fresh news, insights, and ideas from the economic development community and your host, Dane Carlson."
So go to this website to download the show. I talked about climate change and other topics and sounded a bit excited, which I was. You can also find his podcast on all the usual favorite podcast platforms available.
Something I read:
This week, I won’t have a book review, but I came across this funny blog post by prolific blogger Tim Urban. This is entertaining at best and in his own words, creepy at worst.
Read the blog post about Creepy Kids here.
Something to Eat or Drink:
I’m in Tuscon eating pozole. I have heard of Pozole but have never tried it. The version at the hotel was good, and it had some lovely pieces of pork and a slightly spicy broth. Next to the pozole crock was a bunch of condiments, and I didn’t realize until later that I was to add some of those condiments to my cup.
If you are interested and adventurous, here is a pozole recipe for you to try.
Whenever you’re ready, there are several ways I can help you:
1. Economic Development; If you are looking to supercharge your economic development organization I can help by strategizing and developing a roadmap to success. Set up a time to talk to me here.
2. Climate Change Economics; There is so much going on in this space and I can help you sort through it. Are you ready to develop a plan. or just need some coaching? Set up some time to talk about here.
3. Training and Coaching; I can train you and your team on high level productivity tools to get you into flow. Mindset, GRIT and flow come together in these sessions or through one-on-one meetings. Let's talk about your needs here.
If you have any thoughts or comments regarding any articles in this newsletter please feel free to contact me through email at martin@martinkarlconsulting.com.
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Economic development, business development or leadership consulting is available by contacting me via email (see above) or calling me at 518-450-3250.
You can review my services and offerings at www.martinkarlconsulting.com.
Thanks for reading the Curated Morning.