Study: Talent capacity is biggest issue

By Rob Swenson
Sioux Falls Business Journal


A study recently conducted for Forward Sioux Falls identified workforce development as the highest priority challenge facing the local economy.

The Sioux Falls area economy and population are growing economically at levels greater than state and national averages. However, if the availability and skill levels of workers are not enhanced, continued growth might not be sustainable, according to the study.

Forward Sioux Falls is a community-development program created and jointly administered by the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. To explore workforce challenges and help develop a course of action, Forward Sioux Falls engaged Market Street Services to assess the area’s competitive position and workforce training needs.

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Did Birmingham follow its Blueprint?

By Brent Goodwin and Ty West
Birmingham Business Journal


Five years ago, business and community leaders from around metro Birmingham gathered at Railroad Park for a day they hoped would change the region forever.

With signs proudly declaring that the Magic City was open for business, Birmingham Business Alliance leaders and elected officials rolled out Blueprint Birmingham -- a five-year strategic plan for the metro area.

The plan aimed to help metro Birmingham shed its longtime image as the city of perpetual promise, better compete with regional peers and, ultimately, create more jobs.

More than $22 million was raised for the plan, crafted by Market Street -- an Atlanta-based economic development firm that had worked on strategic plans for more than 100 areas. Birmingham's top power brokers, from mayors to high-level corporate executives, signed on.

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New University of Iowa president to help lead Creative Corridor 'vision strategy'

Business Record


University of Iowa President Bruce Harreld has agreed to co-chairing the Iowa's Creative Corridor work on a five-year action plan, the Cedar Rapids Gazette reported. Harreld agreed to join Rockwell Collins Inc. CEO Kelly Ortberg and U.S. Bank regional President Nancy Kasparek to lead the committee, which is working with Atlanta-based Market Street Services. Market Street Services is the consulting group that helped Des Moines put together the Capital Crossroads vision plan. Iowa City Chamber President Nancy Quellhorst said UI's involvement will help in developing a global strategy for the region.


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UI president to tri-chair Creative Corridor strategy

By Vanessa Miller
The Gazette


Nearly four years after branding the Cedar Rapids-Iowa City area as “Iowa’s Creative Corridor,” economic leaders across Eastern Iowa are looking to launch a “vision strategy” for the region aimed at creating an actionable five-year plan.

[. . .]

“While we have made progress with our regional brand, we must develop a regional economic development strategy as our common denominator.”

To that end, Baird said, “We are ready to launch an actionable, consensus-based, five-year vision for Iowa’s Creative Corridor.” The group is using Atlanta-based consultant Market Street Services Inc. for the project.

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