Using local resources develops partnerships and sometimes unexpected opportunities. Investing in the EDC has benefitted not just the Sequim community but our entire county, sometimes in subtle ways, sometimes with state and federal officials, many times with business leaders and always in bringing local leadership together. Being committed to using local resources should apply to local government just as much as we try to hammer home the idea of spending local first to our fellow citizens.
all contribute and all benefit, some might call this ‘Smart Leadership’. What kind of partner will Sequim be for the future? Will respect and personal values drive city government or will the concern be to make the next sound bite or photo opportunity. Time will tell what type of leadership and economic develop you will allow for our community.
Motivations for Partnership In writing about economic development over the past several weeks, the word partnership has crept up in most of my interviews with business leaders and government officials. Historically organizations are motivated to pursue partnerships, but it’s the motivation that often varies. Organizations seem to seek out relationships for two key reasons. One, they see the value of partnerships and collaborate to benefit the entire community. It’s embraced in their mission and vision, which the organization lives. Other partnerships and this is where leadership and character come into play are motivated on obtaining something from the other. We’ve all seen that kind of partnership at some point in our lives whether it’s in personal relationships, business operations or in government.
Robert Spinks is former Sequim chief of police and Interim City Manager. He is a member of the Board of Directors for the Sequim Senior Activity Center and the Olympic Community Action Program (OlyCAP) and is a volunteer Manager at KSQM 91.5 FM. Reach him at Robert.Spinks@alumni.uc.edu .
Partnerships that last are those that are built on a strong foundation of trust and mutual respect where
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