 | Summer 2007 |
Perspectives: Harry Leaver, Executive Director, Center for Business & Economic Development
Regionalism and SVSU's Impact
Frequently, two questions arise when a discussion about economic issues in any of our communities comes up. These are: "What is the value of regionalism, if any?" and "What role does or should SVSU play in regionalism?"
Let's start by defining what regionalism is and what it is not:
Regionalism is:
- A collaborative interaction of communities for mutual benefit. Collaboration for our purposes is defined as the interaction of discrete agencies (businesses and organizations) where by the total impact/output is greater than the sum of the individual efforts
- A process that allows for leveraging of unique strengths and offsetting of recognized weaknesses
- An effort which requires a long term strategy
- A commitment by individual businesses, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce or others, to share efforts and rewards
Regionalism is not:
- The "Flavor of the Month"
- A convenient platform where partnering only occurs when it is in an individual's best interest
What is the value of regionalism, if any?
Regardless of what community you live in, you are impacted by what happens in the surrounding communities. Whether it is good or bad, you are definitely effected. We can point to examples of this everyday. A recent positive example is the announcement by Hemlock Semi Conductor regarding their $1 billion expansion. Whether you live in the immediate area or a little further out, chances are this expansion will have a positive impact on your life. Maybe your business is an upstream or downstream supplier. Or perhaps your business is a service provider. Announcements of this type also serve as excellent business attraction tools for local economic developers.
SVSU, Delta College and MBS Airport are outstanding examples of regionalism. Think about it, during the 20th Century visionary individuals from around the region recognized the need and value of higher education and of a sound transportation infrastructure.
What role does or should SVSU play in regionalism?
Many experts refer to today's new economy as the "knowledge economy". How do you best position yourself to take a leading role in this knowledge economy? The obvious first consideration is to figure out how to create a better educated workforce. Delta College and SVSU can meet these needs through our quality education programs. SVSU also recognizes that the education programs we offer need to be dynamic and that constant evaluation is necessary to insure what is offered aligns with the changing demands.
A key area where SVSU plays a role in regionalism is through the Center for Business & Economic Development. We engage with businesses, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce and a variety of other groups throughout the region. We are recognized as being neutral, not tied to or favoring one community, but instead, focused on the greater good. SVSU is located in University Center not Bay City, Midland or Saginaw.
About one year ago, SVSU in partnership with MSU, Kettering, Lansing Community College, Mott Community College and a number of other organizations was awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. This Wired grant (Workforce Innovation Regional Economic Development) encompasses a thirteen county area. The SVSU portion of the grant focuses on six counties: Bay, Huron, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac and Tuscola. Additionally, regular interaction with partner organizations in the rest of the region occurs. Sparing the details about the grant, it suffices to say that it has allowed SVSU to accelerate regional activities.
I believe that regionalism is not a natural act today. In fact, it is often counterintuitive to most traditional thinking. Businesses and communities in this region have historically regarded others as competitors. Even today, the embracing of regionalism is very inconsistent. SVSU will continue to be a leader in encouraging all parties in the region to collaborate and institutionalize regional thinking in our local culture. An aggressive regional approach allows us to compete with anyone. Without one, our opportunities are more limited.
Think about how you can help this transition. Contact us if you want to discuss other ways in which SVSU can help. Call (989) 964-4047 or go to www.svsu.edu/cbed.