Mon 8 Sep 2008
Posted by John under Economic Development , Marketing for ManufacturingGreg Snyder will be the featured speaker at the Colorado Community Revitalization Association (CCRA) Conference in Steamboat Springs on September 18. CCRA is a nonprofit, membership association committed to building better communities by providing assistance to downtowns, commercial districts and town centers in Colorado.
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Wed 6 Aug 2008
Posted by John under Economic Development , Rebuilding American Manufacturing
The big news this summer has been sky-rocketing gas prices. While I can personally attest to the pain at the pump, there are some positive affects of $147 barrels of oil. Here’s a little silver lining to think about while filling up your tank.
High fuel prices are forcing the average consumer to rethink their commuting habits. Demand is going down. Retail sales of gasoline are at their lowest point in 12 yrs according to the Energy Information Administration. Everyday, I see more and more Scooters around town along with the occasional Smart Car. I’ve even been biking to work lately to help stretch each fill up. These high prices are good for the environment and our (at least my) health.
Thu 10 Jul 2008
Posted by Greg Snyder under Economic Development , Marketing for Manufacturing
Supply chains are becoming more continental and regional as soaring transportation costs outweigh relative labor costs worldwide.
This is the result of several factors:
Transportation (fuel) costs have become a larger factor than cheap labor. It is more economical to have suppliers re-locate near manufacturers and to invest in more numerous, smaller distribution centers than to chase low cost labor to distant locations.
An article on the front page of June 13, 2008 Wall Street Journal read:
Stung by Soaring Transport Costs, Factories Bring Jobs Home Again
Shipping cost per container has increased by 300% since 2000
Transit times are tied to inventory
People who devote themselves to Economic Development projects are near and dear to our hearts. Most work tirelessly in their communities to both retain and create primary jobs. They find time even in their busy schedules to volunteer for various boards and ED committees for the benefit of the community.
Greg and I attended the EDCC, Economic Development Council of Colorado 2008 Spring Conference in Burlington Colorado. We were delighted to see the progress Burlington is making in growing their community. America’s heartland has seen small towns shrinking and drying up all together. This is not the case in Burlington. It looks like they are building, growing and thriving!