Economic Development Corp a brilliant idea

by: Bill Liblick

Sullivan County Legislature Chairman Jonathan Rouis took a logical and realistic approach to his first State of the County address last week. He was honest and sincere in discussing our many problems, and has embarked on several unique initiatives as a means of beginning to attract new forms of economic development to our region.

Rouis acknowledged that we can no longer rely on casino gaming for financial recovery and that we have to begin to look elsewhere.

As a start, Rouis is placing several agencies under the banner the Sullivan County Economic Development Corporation (EDC). They include, the Partnership for Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce, Visitors Association, Industrial Development Agency and the Center for Workforce Development. Although they will continue to operate individually and their boards will remain intact, the master board of the EDC will set policy and direction for our economic development and growth, and will not cost the county any additional money.

This is a smart and bold move. Currently there is very little unity when it comes to these agencies they rarely act in concert. The formation of the EDC will stop that, and provide the opportunity for everyone to work on the same page with the same goals.

Rouis ought to be commended for going back to the Sullivan 20/20 Comprehensive model. Not only must we combine all of our assets in order to develop a strategic plan, but we also have to assess and build on an approach to utilize the talents and resources we have right now.

Rouis said the framework for the Sullivan County EDC will be completed throughout 2008. He told me, “Our message and goals will become more uniform and cohesive, particularly as we move ahead with the County Manager's proposed branding campaign.”

The branding campaign of County Manager David Fanslau’s is just as captivating as the EDC. Fanslau told me once a brand is selected; it will be used on all letterheads and in advertising by a County funded organization, similar to the “I Love New York” process.  “The branding of Sullivan County will also allow for the private sector to join in a partnership utilizing the brand to highlight the products produced within the County.”

I believe an avenue we can succeed in economically is the Internet. An Internet Hub can provide jobs for both college graduates and technical workers.  One business model I have been touting is my “All” concept. Towards that end, Fanslau told me a goal would be to include a broadband solutions component to encourage such an endeavor. 

“The County’s Grants Administration Department has been directed to seek federal and state grants for broadband implementation, with a goal of having the ability to realize a gigabyte Ethernet network.  There will also be research on the Wireless and satellite services that would be available to businesses in the County,” he added.

I am glad the reaction coming from Sullivan County Legislators both Democratic and Republican is positive towards the creation of the EDC.

Legislator Leni Binder told me this is about Sullivan County’s future. “The issues that are facing us are not partisan politics. I am very comfortable with the single-point of entry for economic development because I think we need that."

Kathleen LaBuda, Majority Leader of the legislature, said she was optimistic about the future of the county, and applauded Rouis for taking on economic development. “It has to be our primary focus because we cannot continue to raise property taxes."

Elwin Wood who chairs the Community & Economic Development committee and IDA said the EDC will not only streamline operations, but will also “insure that Sullivan County's economic development agenda is unified in message and goals."

Legislator Alan Sorensen who is a highly regarded urban planner told me he too supported the creation of the EDC within the Emerald Corporate Center, since it was part of the original plans for the business park.  

Sorensen said his only concern was that there was true consolidation of existing economic development entities. He did not want to see this result in the creation of another economic development agency and further duplication of services.  “If this proposal is going to be successful we must insist on consolidation - not duplication." 

Clearly it can no longer be business as usual for us in Sullivan County if we are going to stimulate our economy and prevent tax increases. We need to think out of the box, and I am pleased to say, that is just what County Manager David Fanslau and the legislature are doing.

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