Thriving Communities Start With Thriving Organizations

One of my biggest realizations while working in economic development for nine years was this: the best opportunities for growth aren’t just out in our communities, they’re actually inside our organizations.

As economic developers, we spend so much time helping businesses grow, supporting entrepreneurs, and strengthening local economies… but how often do we pause to ask “are we growing as an organization, too?”

You may not realize this, but so much of our success depends on what’s happening internally within our organization - our strategy, how we communicate, how decisions get made, how aligned our board and staff are, and how we show up as a team.

Organizational development isn’t separate from economic development.  It’s the foundation of it.

When our teams and boards are clear, connected, and confident, the impact of our economic development work in our communities multiplies.

That’s the work that excites me these days - helping EDOs, chambers and other community organizations strengthen the inside, so they can lead change on the outside.  

Because if there is one thing I’ve learned, it's that thriving communities start with thriving organizations.