Following the example of Phoenix

The chambers of commerce in the Phoenix region are launching a sensible economic development strategy during the holidays. They are urging residents to shop locally. Although it's too late for this year, maybe our NEO chambers could launch a similar marketing effort next year.

One of the simple lessons of economic development comes in reducing the "leakage" of money outside an economy.

Read more [1] about what Phoenix is doing.

In South Dakota, economic developers have taken a slightly different approach. They are focusing on arts and crafts produced in the state. They have launched a web site to market these products. Read more [2] or visit the site [3].