Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee (EDC) was created in 1993 to help generate community-based jobs and businesses in the Tillery area. The EDC has opened a convenience mart and cafe, and is creating an atmosphere for entrepreneurship at the community level. The EDC is aiming to create further development by establishing affordable housing, among other things.

Key Issues and Objectives

Communities are recognizing the need to make a fundamental shift in their approach to economic development to meet an equally challenging environment.

Communities are recognizing the need to supplement the traditional strategies for economic development that have focused on industrial recruitment with other efforts to ensure economic diversity.

Traditional economic developers are beginning to realize that previous community economic development efforts have utilized outmoded development approaches, provided unequal opportunity, excluded a large percentage of the population, and with major emphasis generated from the "top down."

A more realistic approach is the "holistic approach," in which one must realize that unless we are willing to address infrastructure, environmental/health issues, workforce preparedness and public-private investment in the community then survivability of the community is at stake.

These innovations require a special kind of leadership-- people with the capability and vision to size up a problem, design solutions, marshal resources, and motivate people to take joint action toward shared goals.

The experience of successful communities shows that when a rural community has a core group of these "change masters" in its midst, the future is no longer a threat; it is an opportunity.

How Does CCT Fit In?

It is a Model: Create Vision, Develop Plan, Build Partnerships

It is a Catalyst: Empowerment, Community Ownership, Self-sustainability

It Develops Leadership: (as defined by Warren Bennis, analyst of leaders)

--Leaders have vision- the ability to paint a clear picture of a better future.

--Leaders communicate ideas effectively, inspiring others to join the cause.

--Leaders cultivate 'trust' of others by making their actions consistent with their words.

--Leaders practice development of self by understanding and nurturing their skills and accepting and compensating for their weaknesses through partnerships with other people.

Role of the Economic Development Committee

Assess economic development needs in Tillery area.

Prioritize needs.

Define the role of CCT in relation to the development.

Accomplishments

The purchase and development of the Resettlement Community Restaurant and Store. Ownership and Empowerment.

The hiring of an Economic Development Coordinator to facilitate planning and coordination of community economic development projects. Create vision, Develop Plan and Build Partnerships.

Future plans for affordable senior and low-income housing, a Bed & Breakfast Inn, a Laundromat, gas station, drug store, and credit union. Vision of a totally sustainable community and community ownership.

Community workshops that provide education in creating a need for change politically, economically, and in/or leadership. Collaboration and Partnership Building.

Groups Worth Visiting

The Resource Center Online for People of Color

National Black Business Trade Association

Solid Africa (supporting the economic development of African-American women)

The Urban Reserve Foundation

North Carolina Council for Entrepreneurial Development

NC Cooperative Extension Service