Economic development: most of 2010 has been consumed with where should it be done (as if it is a specific action), and who’s responsibility is it? Should it be someone else’s? And the question continues to arise: what is economic development, what is that specific action or actions? We’ve talked fairly endless circles around who can do it best? I believe we have spent very little time talking about what we want Caribou to be, and how shall we work together to accomplish it.
Times are not prosperous, and economic development is indeed a nebulous “thing.” The last three years we have surveyed, pitched and solicited for input, thoughts and ideas from the entire business community, and the citizens. I would tell you we’ve received some input too. People travel in packs, something like lemmings at times, and so we’re either having large crowds of folks coming through, or somehow none. Last week was one of those weeks. Wednesday and Thursday, we had loads of visits, calls, e-mails and stop-ins, I expect the Board of Director’s decision to restructure voted on formally Tuesday and then announced in the newspaper was greatly attributable to this.
For my part, I would like to reiterate, our budgets, audits, book, and all other financials, except for specific loan files, are always available for anyone to come in and look at. Our plans of action from one year to the next, scope of work and my year-end review of those plans are also available. We have tried to not only be transparent but more importantly receptive, to suggestions, tips, pointers, and direct requests.
Also, from my admittedly biased perspective, I would tell you we have tried to never tell people “no”: No, that isn’t our job; no we don’t do that; no we won’t do that; no we can’t do that. I would also tell you, I believe whatever the specific task is which is economic development today, tomorrow, yesterday, next week, is better governed and shaped by a group of business people sympathetic, and more closely aligned to other business people. I would also tell you a bit of distance, privacy, and encouragement is a very good thing in business development.
I have never wanted anyone to think I knew best what to do with their business. How could I? I have never wanted anyone to think I was smarter, wiser or more savvy than they would be in their own business, and I do not believe there is any room for egos in economic development. Having stated all the previous items, I would gather lots of regular folks might be right there with the rest of us here at the CCC&I wondering well why hasn’t there been more development in Caribou the last 15 years or so?
And what is going to happen next? How are we ever going to get there from here? I do not have a magic wand, but I wish I did. Some weeks more than others.
I have occasionally been encouraged and simultaneously disappointed, to hear from many business people and former CDC board members things like: “these are the same discussions we had when I was on the CDC board,” or “we tried that” or “we did that 20 years ago.” The one which seems particularly relevant this week is “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” I don’t believe there is any one recipe, or any one specific desk, or location where economic development is going to happen in a vacuum, and things are going to come to Caribou. I do believe in lots of cooks, a variety of different ways to cook those potatoes, and most importantly an environment which is fostering and encouraging.
Finally, again, I know I speak for the ladies and myself when I tell you, we’ve had a great run, we’ve so enjoyed everyone we’ve met, worked with and gotten to know. We are better people for having been here with each other and with all of you. Remember Caribou Cares About Kids is just around the corner, and we’re having a bash in the downtown you won’t want to miss!
Wendy Landes, MPA, is the executive director of the Caribou Chamber of Commerce & Industry. She can be reached in person at 24 Sweden Street, Suite 101; by telephone at 498-6156 or via e-mail at wlandes@cariboumaine.net.
