Blog
Inflation, Cost of Living, Unemployment and Economic Development
These days it seems that nearly everyone has an opinion about the state of our nation’s economy, and the subject of inflation is at the forefront of these debates. The administration tells us there is no inflation. On the other hand the Federal Reserve says it’s just temporary. It does make you wonder how both can be true.
Is Big Tech A Threat to Economic Development?
Amazon has now surpassed Walmart as the nation’s leading retailer, purchasing more than 100 companies since its inception. They own portions of many other companies and have plans to purchase more in the future. It seems like they sell everything. We are addicted to ordering from Amazon due to low prices, vast choices and fast delivery.
History - Why It is Important to Economic Development
Why is history important to economic development? History is part of what creates a sense of place. You will often here that phrase in economic development. A community wants their place to be a desirable destination.
Borders, Immigration and Economic Development
Borders are organizational tools, aren’t they? Countries are defined by their borders on the map. They are also defined by their laws, government leaders at all levels and often language and culture. Governments control their borders and protect their borders.
Safe Neighborhoods and Economic Development
Safe neighborhoods and economic development are closely connected, as reducing violent crime through programs like Project Safe Neighborhoods fosters a stable environment for businesses and communities to thrive.
The Family & Economic Development
What does the family have to do with economic development? I will answer that question, but please bear with me for a moment. During this, very different, Christmas season, it is even more important to value and cherish our families.
Freedom and Economic Development
One could argue the United States has been a great location for economic development. It must be, since millions of people have always come from other countries to start a new life. This of course, includes starting a new job or business. We can look back to the Mayflower this Thanksgiving season to find an example of this travel to America to obtain freedom and the desire to have more control over one’s destiny.
Fair, Free and Democratic Elections
We are in the midst of our national election. As American citizens, we have the right and the privilege to vote. We need to feel confident our process is fair. Our freedoms are most evident when we exercise our right to vote. Our country is based on a government of the people, by the people and for the people. Economic development depends on these freedoms. There are plenty of examples where lack of fair and free elections prohibit freedom and economic development.
Is the U.S. Seeing a Manufacturing Renaissance?
October is Manufacturing Month. In that light, let’s take a look at how manufacturing is doing in the United States, Florida and Okaloosa County. In 2018, 264,000 new manufacturing jobs were added in the U.S. This represents the highest number of new workers since 1988. As a percentage of total workforce, manufacturing rose for the first time since 1984.
Socialism and Economic Development
Socialism is an economic system where the government or collective groups own and control the means of production, eliminating private property and free market competition. Without free markets, innovation, competition, and wealth creation are restricted, potentially impacting economic growth and service quality.