Regionalism: Base of the new economy

The world is in turmoil.

Every time you read the news or tune in to your favorite news program it seems the past is fading away even faster.The truth is that we are moving into new and unchartered waters.The new economy is emerging, and one of the only things certain is that it is going to be very different than what we had all grown comfortable with.

Many of us created personal and business strategies based on what we believed would endure. It is a hard thing to finally accept, but those days are gone. One thing that is becoming clear is the role of regions in this new landscape. More important than national, state or county boundaries, regionalism is now how economists measure things. Businesses seek out regions which, by their very nature, promote business success.

Recently, I had the opportunity to have a discussion with Kaushal Chokshi, chief executive officer of Quick Start Global, a major player in the integration of companies into the global economy. Here is his view on regionalism and its importance:

"In the 21st century, as various technologies are converging and singularity is approaching the concept of city-state, regional economic areas will play a key role in how we live. Regional or city-state models of economic development are critical for sustainable development. The understanding of trade balance at the city-state level will be the foundation for policy makers and business communities. The city-state will offer a powerful business model for growth. For example, the greater Tokyo area has a GDP of $1.5 trillion, which can be treated as the world's fourth largest economy. In the U.S., we have huge advantages of abundant infrastructure, talent and financial resources. If we focus on well-identified business clusters which make sense at the city-state level, we will be able to attract global companies to the region, creating smart jobs and sustainable economic development."

Steve Neighbors, CEO of Strategic & Operational Solutions and a trustee of the Hop and Mae Adams Foundation, clarifies it even further:

"The world is changing. Forget the past. Find what works today and in the future. What that will look like is a consolidated effort around people and effort that works - not the old ways of doing things. The global world is aligning into powerful fronts. Those who consolidate both their effort and their interface with an aligned common front will be more effective and powerful in the new global world. It behooves city and states to work together with one face and with a common objective and message.This will create a united house that will stand whereas those who work independent will be ignored and will fail. Those who continue to fund old structures and ways will also fail."

So how does the Sierra region of Nevada rate? In my role with the Northern Nevada Development Authority, I am privileged to meet with many economic experts.These folks travel around the world in their work and see many regions. I am happy to report that they are genuinely impressed with our region. In fact, many of them say they have not seen many regions that are as cohesive and properly oriented for success in this "new economy." There is something magical about the Sierra region.

In December, NNDA led an event with David Beurle of Innovation Leadership. The event was hosted by the Carson Nugget and funded by the counties of the region and the Washoe Tribe. The participants in this event were the counties of the Sierra region (management, elected officials, planning directors, other staff ) and tribal leadership. It was a tremendous experience for all participants. It was another step in allowing the region to work together in new and significant ways.

At this event, the concept of regionalism was explored. We talked about what makes a region great. The following list of the top 10 attributes of successful regional communities was developed by Beurle:

1. Evidence of an inclusive regional culture: Successful regional communities are often showplaces of care, attention, history and heritage.They celebrate their success and have a strong and positive local attitude and support a culture of risk-taking and innovation. Diversity is often celebrated and people are welcomed.

2. Invest in the future - built to last: People believe that something worth doing is worth doing right. In addition to the brick-and-mortar investments, all decisions are made with an outlook on the future. Expenditures are considered investments in the future, including investments in people.

3. Participatory approach to regional decision making: Even the most powerful of opinion leaders seem to work toward building consensus. The emphasis is on groups, organizations and communities working together toward a common goal.The focus is on positive results. People, groups and communities collaborate and share resources.

4. Creatively builds new economic opportunities: Successful regions and communities build on existing economic strengths in a realistic way, and explore new economic opportunities provided by the "new economy." They actively seek out new opportunities and ideas for new businesses.

5. Support local businesses: Local loyalty is emphasized, but thriving regional communities know who their competitors are and position themselves accordingly.

6. Deliberate transition of power to new leaders: People younger than 40 regularly hold key positions in civic and business affairs. Women and people from minority groups often hold positions as elected officials, plant managers, and entrepreneurial developers.

7. Strong belief in and support for education: Good schools are the norm and centers of community activity.

8. Strong presence of traditional institutions that are integral to community life: Churches, schools and service clubs are strong influences on community development and social activities.

9. Willingness to seek help from the outside: People seek outside help for local needs, and many compete for government grants and contracts for economic and social programs. They seek out the best ideas and new people to help build their local community and regional strengths.

10. Communities and regions are self-reliant: There is a widely-held conviction that, in the long run, you have to do it yourself. Thriving regional communities believe their destiny is in their own hands. Making their region a good place to live and work is a proactive assignment, and they willingly accept it.

I challenge each of you to think about these attributes. How do we rate? How can you, your family and your business contribute to increasing our rating as a region?

This is important, folks. It will take all of us working together to continue improving our "regional IQ."

Rob Hooper is executive director of Northern Nevada Development Authority, headquartered in Carson City.