By Annette D. Giacomazzi
This is in response to last weeks’
”
Thumbs Up
”
position and article regarding the City of Hollister council
action approving the job description and recruitment of an economic
development manager. In light of today’s challenging economic
environment, I presented the option of developing a plan first, and
structuring the plan as a collaboration
– financial and otherwise – with cities, county and private
industry within San Benito County.
This is in response to last weeks’ “Thumbs Up” position and article regarding the City of Hollister council action approving the job description and recruitment of an economic development manager. In light of today’s challenging economic environment, I presented the option of developing a plan first, and structuring the plan as a collaboration – financial and otherwise – with cities, county and private industry within San Benito County. In addition, I stressed that the City of Hollister alone should not bear the financial and procedural burden of economic development.
But by approving their resolution, the council members put the cart before the horse.
Primarily, the scope of the job of an economic development manager should not be determined until the needs are identified. A business plan must be conducted to identify our collective strengths and weaknesses. All successful business people know that you must have a plan to strategize and prepare for the future. A public entity is no exception.
For example, if the plan, which the city is prepared to conduct after hiring an economic development manager, identifies that the airport is our jewel, the city would recruit a professional with airport experience. If tourism is where we need to hang our hats, then an individual with rural tourism experience would be necessary.
Imagine how land use goals, economic development materials and other mission-critical objectives changed when Sonoma County conducted a study identifying the equine industry – breeding, boarding, training of horses – was second only to the viniculture industry
Additionally, I am disappointed with the collective opinion that, “the County has their projects – DMB was mentioned – so we need to do our own thing,” and the sentiment that if collaboration materialized how could the council just focus on Hollister? In other words, and for lack of a better word, be selfish? Sadly, this is more of the same us versus them mentality that kept us, and keep us, in a defensive, reactive position.
This leads me to believe the election platforms of working with the county and the other municipalities are fading. We need to remember that all municipalities have new board members and staff, offering us an unprecedented opportunity for new attitudes, leadership and vision.
Finally, I sincerely hope this is not a shell game using Redevelopment Agency funds to provide City Manager Clint Quilter the staff he badly needs. We must keep a vigilant eye on the process to ensure the professional economic development manager hired will be performing economic development duties and not assisting Mr. Quilter.
Overall, the council made a reactive decision that unintentionally isolates them, the very thing they, and we, can’t afford or repeat. Despite this misstep, the city council’s and Mr. Quilter’s spirit and intent were in the right place. And because we all want Hollister, San Benito County and private industry to thrive economically, collaboration and thoughtful planning are still possible.
Annette D. Giacomazzi, is the principal partner in RURALnomics.
