Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game.
-Michael Jordan
We have some enormous challenges in the world. Public education, transportation funding, geopolitics—and yes, economic development. So it can be easy to lose sight of just how much fun it is to work together, and how enjoyable it is to do the work of growing our communities. Addressing big problems and the myriad of little ones that pop up each day is not only challenging, it is worth all the hard work.
People who are committed to the economic development of their states, cities and neighborhoods are fun and motivated, and they bring energy and passion to their work every day. If only every workplace were like that! The work itself has great purpose, to increase the quality of life for other people. Ask an economic developer what gives him the most satisfaction and he will tell you that the payoff is when he sees something he has worked on come to life. That might mean visiting a company you helped and seeing people working in the jobs created, or seeing a dilapidated area rise to become a thriving neighborhood. Those things are well worth the late nights and early mornings.
Let’s remember to enjoy the economic development professionals and the volunteers we work alongside this week, and let’s remember our greater purpose to create opportunities for individuals and families.
–Kenny McDonald
One Columbus Update
- Last week, our team joined JobsOhio and regional network partners from around the state at the SelectUSA Investment Summit. To see highlights and conversation from the event, check out #SelectUSA. You can also watch President Obama’s remarks here.
- This week, our team will attend the IEDC 2015 Federal Economic Development Forum in Arlington, where we’ll gather with federal economic development policy makers and fellow economic development professionals. We’ll also be in Toronto meeting with companies and consultants.
- Back at home, we’ll see you at the Ohio Food Industry Summit and the MORPC 2015 State of the Region.