Community Capitalism

EPILOGUE:

COMMUNITY CAPITALISM

THE CHALLENGE

Community and economic growth is often discussed in terms of sole strategies. These strategies are often based on the latest perceived fad. While the majority of these strategies are correct, they were never intended to be sole solutions to growing and developing an economy.

THE RESPONSE

Community Capitalism, using Kalamazoo, Michigan as the primary example along with stories from regions around the world, represents 20 years of study and observations about what the crucial elements of successful regions are and how those elements are delivered. 

THE FINDINGS

Community Capitalism will surprise many with its simplicity and how easy it can be for nearly every community around the globe to achieve success with this approach. The stories contained within the book demonstrate that a community need not have access to great wealth to succeed, but only a commitment to success itself. The key findings of Community Capitalism include:

Place:  More than any other time in history, people have the choice to live where their surroundings meet their cultural, civic and human needs. Increasingly, communities that succeed are those that develop a sense of place for those who currently live there, as well as those they hope to recruit.                       

Capital:  It is about money. Companies cannot grow without it. People will move to access it. Communities that succeed will find ways to ensure the flow of capital is maintained to meet the needs of individuals and companies.

Infrastructure: The infrastructure of growth is no longer water or sewer lines. Today, the infrastructure of growth is engineering schools, high-tech incubators and research institutions.

Talent:  Gone are the days when advanced economies can focus on natural resources or low cost.  The number one indicator of sustainable success is now the creation, development and development of talent.

Education: Great minds do great things. Communities that succeed will increasingly focus on access to education that is relevant, lifelong and delivered in a manner that encourages the recipient to make the community home for life.

Many of the findings of Community Capitalism fly in the face of those who want to believe there is a “white knight” of an economic development strategy that will bring prosperity into their community. By investing in the five Community Capitalism strategies, communities will ensure their ability to not only prosper, but also to thrive in a changing economy.