Next steps for a thriving local economy

Submitted by Mickki Langston on Thu, 06/11/2009 - 12:25pm

Things have really been busy around here for MHBA and our work to build a thriving local economy. Thanks to all of you who participated in our May 20 event, Partnering for a Thriving Economy. We then hosted the 7th Annual BALLE conference, which brought together 400 local business owners and leaders of networks like MHBA from around the world.

We'd like to share a few highlights of the events as well as next steps for taking the great conversation forward into real strategies for our local economy.

Partnering for a Thriving Economy - Event Highlights

More than 75 local business owners, community partners and representatives of local government joined us at the Tivoli on May 20 for our event, Partnering for a Thriving Economy. We were joined by special guest State Rep. Andy Kerr, who spoke about the need to hear from all of you about what local business needs to be successful.

The most interesting part of the evening was our group brainstorming and planning session about what makes a thriving economy. Collectively, we distinguished what is a thriving economy (as well as what it isn't). Amazing local artist Kriss Whittmann was on hand to visually record our conversation (photos of the finished piece below)

A few major themes emerged, especially these:

A thriving local economy is:

Collaborative, wherein neighbors are connected and actively engaged in strategic, long-view planning and decision making.
Marked by a vibrant arts community, local transit, available health care, livable wages, healthy food and good education.
One that serves our neighborhoods, is environmentally responsible, and self-reliant; looking at our own capacities to create real solutions to obstacles.

A thriving local economy is NOT:

Short-sighted, ignorant, or isolated
Filled with homelessness, economic disparity, stripmalls
Concentrated on developing only one sector, or lead only by business profits
Predatory, greedy, fraudulant, or fearful

For us to have a thriving local economy, we must start:

Understanding community needs
Valuing our local resources
Developing partnerships and creating new ideas, solutions and businesses
Spending our money consiously and supporting local institutions

For a thriving local economy, we must stop:

Subsidizing outside businesses and bailing out banks
Exporting our jobs and chasing lower prices
Avoiding responsiblity, blaming others, or pointing fingers

It was truly amazing how quickly and easily it was for all of us to contribute our own values and vision to the emerging blueprint for Denver's economy. We have more in common than we realize, and an important first step is to start talking about what we value and what we must do to have a healthy local economy.

Special thanks to the members who provided delicious food and drink for our event, including The Appaloosa Grill, Coda Coffee, The D Note, The Hornet, Oogave Soda, Pajama Baking Co, and Urban Pantry.

Another part of the evening was our Resource Marketplace, where eight local organizations were on hand to connect their programs and resources to local business owners.

Next Steps

We heard from you at the event, "This is great, so what's next?" and we agree that for our work and conversation to be truly meaninginful, we must translate the insights and ideas into actions that help support a thriving local economy.

There are two things we've identified as important next steps:

The Local Capital Summit - We need to continue identifying and connecting our local resources that directly impact the needs of local businesses. On August 31, we're hosting a full day conference on the ideas, solutions and resources for addressing the financial, human, and other capital needs of businesses. Please join us for this event and help spread the word.

Develop a Strategic Plan for Denver's Economy - Through our work advocating for local businesses with policy makers and local government, it's clear to us that we must take responsibility for writing the agenda for our local economy. We're working inside a huge system of policies and rules that are much bigger than any one of us or our politicians. We must approach one another as allies who share common concerns and values regarding our community. And, if we want to see the rules change, we must provide an alternative to business-as-usual.

This is a huge undertaking, but we think it's a vital one if we are to have the kind of economy that provides for our needs. Our economy is in our hands, and we must work together to provide solutions for our problems.

We're willing to take on such a challenge, but we can't do it alone. We'll be scheduling the next event to deepen this conversation and begin producing a strategic plan for Denver's local economy. Please join us for this event, and help keep the conversation going now by sharing your ideas, insights and response to the question: What is a thriving local economy and how do we get there? on Facebook, Twitter, or Linked In. You can also comment on this blog with your ideas.

And finally, we invite you to join the Mile High Business Alliance now. All of our funding and resources come from the local businesses and indviduals who care about the future of our economy, and we can't continue our work without your participation. Membership is just $17.50 per month for local businesses, so join today. (and thanks!)