States and Globalization

Considerable research over the past decade has consistently demonstrated that exports by manufacturers are responsible for many of the new jobs created in the U.S.. Firms that cultivate export markets grow much faster than those focused on the domestic market. Taimerica's associate Dave Kolzow calculates that states with significant global markets, such as Washington, have exports per manufacturing worker that are 4 times the median and 17 times those in Mississippi, the state with the least developed global markets. A contrast of the top and bottom 10 states shows the marked difference in state export performance (See tables below). On average every $212,000 of new manufacturing shipments created a new job in 1997.

The level of exports in an industry is an important measure of its competitiveness. Industries that thrive in the U.S. have a significant presence in world markets. How well connected is your community to global markets? Taimerica has completed global market assessments for various communities over the last three years. Based on our research and experience, we can identify concrete actions that will open global doors for your business community. We can also help you develop a strategic focus for your international trade and reverse investment efforts. Call us for details.

Strategic Planning Continues

Taimerica recently completed economic development strategic planning assignments in Madison County, Mississippi, southeastern Wyoming, and Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. An important component of strategic planning is good preparation. Our projects begin with a comprehensive economic and community assessment, a comparative strengths-weakness assessment followed by target industry recommendations. Recent plans suggest that communities are facing infrastructure, workforce, and education/training challenges that are more important to economic growth than marketing and promotion efforts. Taimerica has identified a growing need to assist with implementation and funding of these efforts, and we will focus additional staff resources on these areas in the future.

We specialize in helping communities prioritize their development programs. We are now launching strategic planning efforts in St. Tammany Parish, the fastest growing community in Louisiana, and in LaSalle Parish, Louisiana, a small agricultural based community.

What's Your IQ (International Quotient)?

Take the test on Taimerica's website under "News and Reports" to find out. www.taimerica.com

Kolzow will leave USM

"After four exciting years as Chair of the only graduate economic development department in the U.S., I felt it was time to get back into consulting", says David Kolzow, the father of strategic planning in economic development. Dave further explained, "As rewarding as teaching and mentoring students is, the enjoyment I found in my almost 30 years as a consultant has lured me back into private sector activity. I will be focusing on strategic planning, organizational management, economic development training, and New Economy research". Kolzow will become a full-time associate of Taimerica on June 1, 2003. "We're delighted to have greater access to Dave, an individual with such a dynamic and creative approach to economic development and site location", said Ed Bee, Taimerica's President.

Contact Information

Taimerica has active associates in North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana and Wyoming. Visit our redesigned web site to view resumes and to look at examples of recent projects. Feel free to contact any one of our four associates to discuss your needs: