1. Job Creation and Retention In a Changing Energy Landscape: Lessons From Virginia
Presented by Thomas C. Tuttle, Ph.D
President, Tuttle Group International
Additional Speakers:
Tom Dick, MEPAV
Alice Wolfe, BRPA

2. Why We Have A Distorted View Of Economic Development
Gordon, 67, helped lure 10 Fortune 500 companies to Fairfax and more recently played a key role in positioning the county as a potential host for both Amazon.com and Apple.
10/2/2018
Presentation to VML by Tuttle Group International

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Presentation to VML by Tuttle Group International

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Presentation to VML by Tuttle Group International

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AGE OF ACCELERATIONS
CLIMATE
GLOBALIZATION
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
The Age of Accelerations
10/2/2018
Presentation to VML by Tuttle Group International

6. Presentation to VML by Tuttle Group International
Impact on Virginia
Between 2010 and
Almost 1/3 of Virginia’s 95 Counties Have Lost Population
14 out of 38 Cities have lost Population
Based on Data from the Cooper Center and the University of Virginia
10/2/2018
Presentation to VML by Tuttle Group International

7. What is Economic Development?
Jobs
Process? OR
10/2/2018
Presentation to VML by Tuttle Group International

8. Economic Development Definition
“Economic Development is the expansion of capacities that contribute to the advancement of society through the realization of individual, firm and community potential. Economic development is measured by a sustained increase in prosperity and quality of life through innovation, lowered transaction costs and the utilization of capabilities toward the responsible production and diffusion of goods and services. Economic development requires effective institutions grounded in norms of openness, tolerance for risk, appreciation of diversity, and confidence in the realization of gain for the public and private sector. Economic development is essential to creating the conditions for economic growth and ensuring our economic future.”
Maryann Feldman, Ph.D., Professor, UNC-Chapel Hill
10/2/2018
Presentation to VML by Tuttle Group International

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Strategy 1 – Engage Citizens To Create a Compelling Vision That Will Unify the City
10/2/2018
Presentation to VML by Tuttle Group International

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“I really felt that if we were going to do anything significant, we better get the community to buy-in. They had to lead or be a major part of the discussion. You can make all the policy you want but if citizens don’t want it – long term it is not going to go anywhere. Everybody should have a voice – you don’t have to agree, but you have to listen and understand their perspective. Ever since I first ran for the Council I was always focused on engaging citizens as partners. When we involved them to develop the sustainability plan, they hit it out of the ballpark.!”
Mayor Roy Buol
Dubuque Mayor Since 2005
10/2/2018
Presentation to VML by Tuttle Group International

11. Presentation to VML by Tuttle Group International
Dubuque Vision
“Dubuque is a viable, livable and equitable community. We embrace economic prosperity, environmental integrity, and social/cultural vibrancy to create a sustainable legacy for generations to come.”
10/2/2018
Presentation to VML by Tuttle Group International

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Strategy 2-Make Business Retention and Growth the Fundamental Pillar of Your Economic Development Strategy
10/2/2018
Presentation to VML by Tuttle Group International

13. 6 Elements of A Comprehensive Business Retention and Growth Strategy
Responding and Reacting to Business Requests for Help
Business Promotion and Awareness Building
Proactive Outreach to Businesses – Executive Interviews
Providing Services or Financial Assistance to Businesses
Make the Jurisdiction a Better Place to Do Business
Directly Helping Businesses Increase Sales
Adapted From Eric P. Canada, BR|E Coach’s Playbook:Elevating the Game, 2017
10/2/2018
Presentation to VML by Tuttle Group International

14. Info-Action Approach to Retention and Growth
Systematic validated business retention interviews with CEO’s
Every Wednesday morning from 10:30 to 12:00 the EDO Director, his staff, the City Manager and the City economic development director meet…..Someone needs a pothole fixed, someone needs a stop sign, someone is contemplating a $30 million expansion of their business. The CEO’s want to have these conversations with the Info-Action Sessions because someone is listening and things get done. (City Manager comments)
In their info-action process they ask “what is working”; “what is not working”, “what do you worry about”, etc. They compile that information and use it to look ahead and use the data as input to their strategic plan to address the issues and concerns. (Comments from a CEO).
10/2/2018
Presentation to VML by Tuttle Group International

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Strategy 3 – Expand Public Power’s Role As A Strategic Partner in Economic Development
10/2/2018
Presentation to VML by Tuttle Group International

16. Presentation to VML by Tuttle Group International
Municipal Electric Systems: A Strategic Asset for Job Retention and Growth
Municipal electric systems are owned by their customers
Municipal electric systems in Virginia are small enough to be nimble organizations
Municipal electric systems have close contact and relationships with existing businesses
Municipal electric systems and the city own their poles, streets, and right-of-ways
They can address a number of the 6 elements of business retention and growth
10/2/2018
Presentation to VML by Tuttle Group International

17. Presentation to VML by Tuttle Group International
To Enable Municipal Electric Systems to Realize Their Potential As A Strategic Asset
Utility Leadership Must Choose to Be A Strategic Asset for Job Retention and Growth
Governance System for Municipal Electric Systems Must Understand, Appreciate and Support Municipal Electric Systems Playing a Larger Economic Development Role
10/2/2018
Presentation to VML by Tuttle Group International

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Summary
In the Age of Accelerations Communities Must Be Learning and Adapting Systems or Else They Will Be At Risk Of Falling Into A Death Spiral
Both Economic and Community Development Are Essential to Enable This Learning and Adaptation To Be Sustained
Citizen Engagement and Business Retention And Growth Are Two Key Strategies To Help Communities Remain Viable
Municipal Electric Systems Can Be a Strategic Asset In Maintaining Community Viability If They are Appropriately Governed and Effectively Managed
10/2/2018
Presentation to VML by Tuttle Group International