...that is the Rodney Dangerfield of Economic and Community Development.
Just returning from an all too brief visit to the simply sensational Charleston SC, where I had the chance to meet PlaceEconomics' Donovan Rypkema at the International Heritage Development Conference. And, not just meet...but hear one of the most fiery, call-to-action keynotes I think I've witnessed in years.
The preservation and sustainable development of heritage sites throughout America has been decimated by ham-handed federal budgetary policies...and for pretty much the same reason that Destination Marketing Organizations across the land have seen their budgets slashed. Our relevancy is being challenged at every step.
Despite the hard, cold research that proves that most Destination and Heritage Development increases property values (even in a recession), it's just easier for for our elected officials to opt for the quick, dismissive sound byte than do what's right for our collective future.
Donovan was crystal clear (as has been Roger Dow) on what needs to be done next.
Or we should all just go home.
Donovan graciously allowed me to video his comments. I hope to have clips up on our site in the next couple days.
I look forward to the video posts. Thank you!
Posted by: M.A. | July 01, 2010 at 14:19
We've posted the clips on Donovan on the DMOpro YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/DMOprofessional
Posted by: Bill Geist | July 11, 2010 at 21:56