Economic Development is not for Amateurs
Practical guide to professional economic development skills, strategy, and ethics.
Economic Development is not for Amateurs is a practical guide that frames economic development as a disciplined profession, emphasizing the skills, strategy, and ethics required to produce measurable community outcomes. Designed for economic development practitioners, local government leaders, chamber staff, and board members, it helps readers understand what high-performing programs look like and how to avoid common missteps. The book’s purpose is to clarify roles and expectations across stakeholders while outlining approaches to business recruitment, retention, and community competitiveness in a realistic, results-oriented way. Readers gain value through grounded perspective, actionable insights, and a clearer understanding of how to align planning, incentives, and partnerships to deliver sustainable growth.
