[Vision2020] Dispel the anti-growth myth

[Tom Hansen]

Jeff Harkins stated:

"New retail doesn't hurt us - in fact it may make the community more
attractive to potential residents, but it doesn't really mitigate our need
for new economic development."

Please enlighten us, Mr. Harkins.  How is retail going to "make the
community more attractive to potential residents" if the jobs are not here
to sufficiently raise a family?  That is unless, of course, your scope of
"residents" is limited to those between 18 and 22 years of age. 

Seeya round town, Moscow.

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

"We're a town of about 23,000 with 10,000 college students. The college
students are not very active in local elections (thank goodness!)."

- Dale Courtney (March 28, 2007)

-----Original Message-----

From: vision2020-bounces at moscow.com [mailto:vision2020-bounces at moscow.com]
On Behalf Of Jeff Harkins
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2007 7:54 PM
To: vision2020 at moscow.com
Subject: Re: [Vision2020] Dispel the anti-growth myth

The list provided by Brandy Sullivan is indeed good news, but as has 
been noted in all of the economic development forums the past couple 
of years, including last weeks' venue, (while providing more consumer 
choice) does little if anything to add "high paying" jobs to the 
area.  It appears that all of the businesses named are retail stores 
(I am not sure about Bio-Tracking) which do help to keep local 
dollars here, but they must compete with neighboring retail shops to do
that.

The expansion of NW River Supplies does count, but remember, that was 
a "dark store" that was put to use.  It is unclear as to whether Bill 
would have expanded if it weren't for the abandoned Tidyman's.

It is very helpful to have Alturis Analytics expand their 
operation.  Their ability to survive the early years and make it to 
expansion is a credit to the management.  And this is how a research 
park is supposed to function - help a firm get started and nurture 
them through the early years.

The most efficient and effective form of economic development is to 
expand our exporting capacity - thereby bringing new dollars into the 
community.  That means we need to encourage the production of 
something (goods and/or services) that can be sold outside of our community.

New retail doesn't hurt us - in fact it may make the community more 
attractive to potential residents, but it doesn't really mitigate our 
need for new economic development.

In any case, congrats to all those retail entrepreneurs - good luck to
you!!!