Sunday, March 09, 2008

Terre Haute Globalization

Richard Longworth speaks to Terre Haute, Indiana:

Midwestern towns should also team up to lure industries, rather than duel with each other, Longworth said. Such regional partnerships make it easier for smaller cities to pool resources and lobby overseas companies. “You’re not in competition with Peoria and Milwaukee anymore,” he said. “You’re in competition with China and India and, apparently, Europe.”

The article covers substantially more of Longworth's message, but the need for communities to band together is what resonates with me. Demographics continue to favor established points of view in the Midwest. I expect Rust Belt states and shrinking cities to continue to adapt to globalization in isolation. I don't think a few more success stories will make much of difference in the Postindustrial Heartland.

The next stop in the Longworth book tour is Milwaukee.

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