the people champ
As a former member of local government, I recall being ask to meet with the head of a local bank who served on the EDC and was up for reaapointment. He told me that he desired to stay on EDC. I immediately affirmed that I would support this individual because he had the community at heart. Having read the article on the EDC's three Rs. What I found missing was the commitment of individuals like that banker, BD, LC, etc. What I did see was the absence of a commitment to meet with business and industry leaders in one on one session with the local leaders to discuss building from within and what was necessary to remain in Albany. Education, workforce , etc are that same as other cities but a genuine commitment is missing. In the days of economic growth we demonstrated to existing businesses ways to save and cut cost at the same time creating jobs locally that is missing. What I see missing also is the lack of the total community stakeholders whom I have had conversation regarding job creation and who can play a vital role in the same. Until the vision go beyond consultants and the 3 Rs as a basis, we will continue competing with every other state. Finally, during my journey and my love for my hometown, I recieved a call to inform me that Albany was losing another company as of 12/31/11. I immediately made a phone call to the company's CEO and discovered that it was true. I ask if any of the local leadership had been in touch with the company and the answer was no not one. That company went to a smaller town in another state and Albany lost $20,000,000. This company that has been in Albany since about 1955 was the "most productive " one of the parent company. A recruitment plan is as essential as a retention plan but I will venture to say that the 3rd R(relationship) is critical. EDC we have many untapped resources that I have not seen tapped nor invited to the table. So, who are the stakeholders not at the table?
