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“In a world full of game players, the only way to set yourself apart is to be a game changer.” – Matshona Dhliwayo COMPETITION March Madness is one of America’s great traditions. 64 teams vie for the coveted prize of being crowned champion. It is an open competition, and while there are the powerhouse teams that are often at the top, 36 times in the past 50 years a unique champion has emerged. The parity is one of the things that makes it so fascinating. In the competition for jobs and investment by cities and states, there are clear favorites in each economic era. The Industrial Revolution created wealth in many areas of the country, and the technology revolution did the same for Silicon Valley. Who will win in the era of re-industrialization, de-globalization, and AI? There are many answers to this question. At a high level, the most organized, prepared, and well-resourced will be in the game. More specifically, the real contenders will be those who develop unique pools of talent, build and secure ample energy and utility capacities, and harness their political power to align government, business, and academia for the benefit of economic development. This begins with the recognition that we are indeed in a new era. Technology, global supply chains, commercial real estate, and infrastructure are all undergoing the biggest changes in decades. The champions who understand and are prepared for this moment are playing a new game. Is your community prepared to compete? Let’s have a great week, lift each other up, and move forward together. Kenny McDonald |
