Dave Ivan Community & Economic Development Specialist MSU Extension 1

Quality of Place Pillars to Community Success Strong Social Capital Regional Assets are Leveraged Environment that Supports Innovation & Entrepreneurship Capital Investments drive New Economy Growth 2

Communities Support Entrepreneurial Development Columbus, Indiana Creating “E-ecosystem” Networking events (TEN) Online biz resources Virtual E front door HS Business plan competition Viability Innovation 3

Communities Support Entrepreneurial Development Nacogdoches, Texas Special financing for SFA biz students Close integration with School of Business Beloit, Wisconsin Partnership with Beloit College Student business incubator in downtown building. 4

Communities Support Entrepreneurial Development Westphalia Faith community engaged youth group to create student-run business; Filled empty storefront; Gathering place for youth in community ; 5

Quality of Place Pillars to Community Success Strong Social Capital Regional Assets are Leveraged Environment that Supports Innovation & Entrepreneurship Capital Investments drive New Economy Growth 6

Human investments drive new economy growth Pella, Iowa “Positively Pella” campaign Strengthens social bonds of new residents Retain talent within community 7

Education Enhances New Economy Competitiveness Houston, Minnesota Grant provided computers to students district-wide; Utilizing online learning to enhance curriculum; Home to Minnesota Virtual Academy; Provides 70% of school revenue; Rochester, Indiana New Tech High changing preparedness of HS students. Superintendent attends econ dev conferences to expand boundaries. 8

Human Investments Drive New Economy Growth Zeeland Recognize importance of industrial design to future; Recruited/hired top international designer from California; Expanding connections with Saugatuck 9

Bothel, WA Community banners celebrate “youth”; New York Mills, MN Visiting artist program connects with HS Fine Arts Program Dowagiac, MI Dogwood Fine Arts Festival World-renowned artists and performers offer free clinics to community youth; Inspiring the next generation 10

Quality of Place Pillars to Community Success Strong Social Capital Regional Assets are Leveraged Environment that Supports Innovation & Entrepreneurship Capital Investments drive New Economy Growth 11

Define assets and opportunities broadly Oxford, North Carolina Kerr-Tar Mini-Hub allows technology firms to be near Research Triangle, but thrive where costs are lower. Brevard, North Carolina Retiree community establishes “Retiree Resource Network” to mentor local entrepreneurs. 12

Leveraging Regional Assets Kokomo, Indiana New civic regional networks Accessing new resources throughout northern Indiana; Regional entrepreneur training and networking; Connecting with other regions nationwide; Changing the “narrative;” 13

Leveraging Regional Assets Columbus, Indiana Regional initiative to advance individuals by at least one level in their education, training, job placement, and income. Working with 34 High School counselors on regional cluster opportunities. Regional Advanced Manufacturing Center for Excellence to serve 10 county network; 14

Questions? 15