Released July 17, 2008
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. -- Joe Sumners, director of the Economic and Community Development Institute, recently authored a chapter in a new book published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia. “Building the Local Economy: Cases in Economic Development” presents a new look at the powerful role of local governments in economic development.
Sumners' chapter, “Strategies for Small Town Success,” uses case studies from Uniontown, Demopolis, Eufaula, the Coastal Gateway region of Alabama and Tupelo, Miss., to promote a holistic approach to economic development.
Sumners suggests that small towns are best served by promoting strong and diverse community leadership that is inclusive, collaborative and connected; an engaged citizenry and a community mindset of pride and optimism. According to Sumners, these characteristics of strong communities actually form the foundation for prosperous small town economies.
He also recommends that small towns identify their unique assets, create and implement a strategic plan based upon a shared vision, and engage in internal and external partnerships. Finally, Sumners suggests that leaders in small communities must create community and regional crossroads -- organizations and structures that allow leaders to connect regularly and assess, plan and work together -- for their efforts to be sustainable.
Sumners concludes, “The irony is that strategies emphasizing community development (over industrial recruitment) ultimately make small towns much more attractive in the competition for large manufacturing plants they so often covet.”
“Building the Local Economy: Cases in Economic Development” was edited by former Auburn City Manager Doug Watson and Auburn alumnus John Morris. The book presents stories from 15 communities across the United States to illustrate best practices in the evolving field of economic development.
Other chapter authors with Auburn connections include Auburn alumnus Donna Milam Handley, former assistant director of economic development for the City of Auburn and Wendy Hasset, who received her doctorate from Auburn.
The book is intended for use as a desktop reference for public officials and as a textbook for both undergraduate and graduate level courses in local government administration, urban studies, planning, economic development, privatization and public governance. The book is available online through the Carl Vinson Institute Bookstore at http://www.cviog.uga.edu/store.
The Economic and Community Development Institute is a partnership of Auburn University and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. ECDI is committed to promoting economic prosperity and improved quality of life for communities throughout Alabama through education and training, research and communication, partnership and connection, and consultation and engagement.
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http://www.aces.edu/department/extcomm/npa/newsline/archives/003686.php
Contacts: Amelia Hall Stehouwer, (334) 844-5394, hallame@auburn.edu
Jim Langcuster, langcjc@auburn.edu
