Amidst a tumultuous economy which is taking a huge bite out of
City Hall, the Gilroy Economic Development Corporation is without a
leader for the first time in years.
1. Gilroy Economic Development Commission hiring interim leader
Amidst a tumultuous economy which is taking a huge bite out of City Hall, the Gilroy Economic Development Corporation is without a leader for the first time in years.
But the volunteer board which governs the GEDC, a partnership funded by the city, the Chamber of Commerce and the business community, is taking a step back. Board members Kurt Michielssen and Susan Black from South Valley and Pinnacle Bank, respectively, said the decision to seek and hire an interim director is reflective of the Board’s desire to re-evaluate the role of the EDC director and the skill set necessary to increase and support the local economy.
It’s a very opportune time to do just that. It’s extremely unlikely that in this economic climate any “big fish” company with 800 jobs will come knocking on Gilroy’s door. Moreover, it’s time to ditch that “big fish” mentality. It’s not the key to Gilroy’s future economic vitality.
2. Trying to land the ‘big fish’ is no longer a winning strategy
As we watch local auto dealers close up shop and jobs in Silicon Valley whither away, the key is going to be to take care of our own – shop local, network close to home, incubate businesses here so that job growth occurs and a loyal connection to the community develops. It’s not that Gilroy won’t answer if a “big fish” comes a knockin’, it’s just that landing that “big fish” can no longer be the focus nor the measure of success.
3. Economic gardening: nurturing the positives in a services-oriented way
There’s a concept emerging called economic gardening. Gilroy has plenty of fertile turf to till. Besides a key geographic location which feeds retail cash cow receipts from a regional basis, there is a burgeoning wine industry which can become the fertilizer for a blossoming tourism industry. There’s also a downtown currently in limbo but brimming with future possibilities. We just have to nurture what’s here, recognize its potential and make it happen.
Capitalizing on the positives currently in place – like the brain power and energy available on the Gavilan College campus – is where the focus should be. Assisting businesses through the often-laborious and intimidating planning processes at City Hall is another.
Existing businesses should be surveyed: How can the GEDC help them? Local networks need to be strengthened and resources in the form of business services need to be made available. That’s economic gardening, and though it’s a flowery term, it’s a path that makes dollars and good sense.
The fact, for example, that more than 60 percent of local customers who bought a car available for purchase locally last year did so out of town drives home what needs to be changed.
Our vision must be fresh. Gilroy is well positioned to succeed and leave this economic malaise in its past, but the new GEDC director should be able to navigate the new reality and nurture business close to home.
