2008 Regional Economic Development Conference

Sustaining American Prosperity:
The 21st Century Challenge

Held in New Orleans, April 16 through 18, 2008

The conference focused on innovative ways to sustain and improve economic growth in the American South in the face of globalization, technological shifts and geopolitical uncertainty.

The conference was hosted by the U.S. Economic Development Administration in partnership with the Regional Planning Commission for Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard and St. Tammany Parishes.

Opening Keynote Address: Steve Murdock, Director, U.S. Census Bureau

Steve H. Murdock has served as the director of the U.S. Census Bureau since December of 2007. The first official state demographer of Texas, Murdock headed the Texas State Data Center and Texas Population Estimates and Projections Program for more than 25 years taking a leadership role in the State’s activities in the 1980, 1990, and 2000 decennial censuses.

Population Change in the United States — Implications for Socioeconomic Resources and the 2010 Census

Luncheon Speakers

Sandy Baruah, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration

Sandy Baruah has served as the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development U.S. Department of Commerce – Economic Development Administration since December of 2007. Prior to this time he served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Program Operations and Chief of Staff at the Economic Development Administration (EDA).

Thomas DeFrank, Washington bureau chief, New York Daily News

One of Washington's most respected President-watchers, Tom DeFrank is a veteran political journalist and author. As Washington bureau chief of the New York Daily News, he directs coverage of the nation's capital for the country's third-largest metropolitan daily newspaper.

Workshop Narrative and Presentations

The Changing American Workplace

The American economy is inherently dynamic and our workforce is constantly evolving. What must we know about our next generation of workers to allow the 21st Century American workplace to thrive in a global environment? Panelists will discuss today’s American worker, projected trends and the challenges present day baby boomers may have in meeting the needs and expectations of tomorrows workforce.

Moderator: Robbie Vitrano, Co-Founder and President, Trumpet Advertising

Robbie Vitrano is Director Connection Design/co-founder and President of Trumpet, a recovering ad agency. Trumpet calls its work connection design – interdisciplinary teams connect business ideas with the right communities to build profitable/sustainable brands.

SPEAKERS

Bea Fields, Author, Millennial Leaders: Success Stories From Today’s Most Brilliant Generation Y Leaders

Bea Fields is the President of Bea Fields Companies, Inc. and the Founder of Five Star Leader Coaching and Training, a leadership consulting firm currently serving over 800 clients world-wide.

Millennial Leaders, Success Stories from Today’s Most Brilliant Generation Y Leaders — Focus on Generation Y

Roberto Carmona, Executive Search and Management Consultant, David Gomez and Associates

Roberto has over 15 years of experience in management, human resources, strategic planning and leadership development in the federal government, the private sector and the non-profit sector.

Chris King, Director, Ray Marshall Resources Center for the Study of Human Resources

Dr. Chris King is director of the Ray Marshall Center for the Study of Human Resources and the Mike Hogg Professor in Urban Management at The University of Texas at Austin’s Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs.

The Changing American Workplace: Trends, Challenges and Implications, Sustaining American Prosperity: The 21st Century Challenge

Rebuilding the City of New Orleans

Two and a half years later, visitors to the City of New Orleans can witness progress made since Hurricane Katrina. Though progress is evident, there is still much to be done. Come learn about the City’s rebuilding process and New Orleans’ bright economic future from the City’s Recovery Czar and other economic experts.

Moderator: Jeff Finkle, President & CEO International Economic Development Council

As an advocate of and spokesperson for economic development for more than 20 years, Jeff Finkle has built a reputation of leadership in the United States and abroad while working in both the public and private nonprofit sectors. He currently serves as President and CEO of the Washington, DC-based International Economic Development Council.

SPEAKERS

Dr. Edward Blakely, Executive Director, Office of Recovery Management and Administration, City of New Orleans

In January 2007, Dr. Blakely was appointed by the Mayor of New Orleans to head the recovery effort following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. He is Executive Director of the Office of Development and Recovery Administration.

Walter Brooks, Executive Director, New Orleans Regional Planning Commission

Mr. Brooks is the Executive Director of the Regional Planning Commission for Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard and St. Tammany Parishes. He has been with the Commission since 1976 and holds degrees from Tulane and the University of New Orleans.

The New Orleans Regional Planning Commission: A Survey of 2008 Special Projects and Programs

Ivan Miestchovich, Director, The Center for Economic Development at the University of New Orleans

Ivan Miestchovich has been the Director of the Center for Economic Development at the University of New Orleans since 1979. The Center is a state and federally funded program providing technical assistance to local business and community organizations and government agencies focused on economic development throughout Louisiana.

New Orleans Economy and Real Estate Market Redevelopment and Rebuilding

Tomorrow’s Economic Drivers: Realities, Trends, and Impacts

The traditional American manufacturing economy is changing. Globalization and changing demographic behavior are forcing economic development practitioners to re-assess yesterday’s manufacturing practices in favor of tomorrow’s economic drivers. What are our future economic strengths, where are these economic assets locating and what impact do these trends have on localities attempting to retain and attract generations X and Y?

Moderator: Bob Farley, President of Economic Development Angelou Economics

As President of Economic Development, Mr. Bob Farley leads Angelou Economics' economic development department, including activities in the areas of strategic planning, economic research, entrepreneurship and R&D, workforce development, and marketing. Bob has extensive experience in economic development and has worked with notable communities and companies around the world.

SPEAKERS

Kurt Weigle, Executive Director, City of New Orleans Downtown Development District

Kurt Weigle is President & CEO of the Downtown Development District of New Orleans (DDD), where he has been instrumental in attracting over $2 billion of new investments during the last two years.

Tom Ballard, Director, Oak Ridge National Laboratory Partnerships Directorate

Thomas B. (Tom) Ballard was appointed the inaugural Director of the Partnerships Directorate for UT-Battelle, the managing contractor for Oak Ridge National Laboratory, on January 1, 2008.

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Edward Uhlir, Executive Director, Millennium Park Incorporated

Ed Uhlir was Director of Architecture and Engineering and then the Director of Research and Planning at the Chicago Park District until his appointment in 1998 by Mayor Richard M. Daley as the Director of Design of the Millennium Park Project. He is now a consultant and the Executive Director of Millennium Park Incorporated.

Millennium Park: Creating a Chicago Landmark

The American Manufacturing Sector in the 21 st Century

The American manufacturing sector has dramatically increased its overall efficiency in recent years, primarily due to innovations in technology, transportation and communication. Still, manufacturing jobs are declining as a share of the U.S. economy, which contributes to a growing unease about America’s ability to compete in the manufacturing sector. Speakers will discuss today’s manufacturing trends, demographic changes and the inherent urban-rural divide associated with this industry. Speakers will also discuss how these factors play out in establishing State wide economic policy.

Moderator: Robert McKinley, Associate Vice-President, Institute for Economic Development at the University of Texas at San Antonio

Manufacturing Sector Dynamics

SPEAKERS

Guillermo Dillon Montaña, Director, Chamber of Industry, State of Nuevo Leon, Mexico

Guillermo Dillon currently serves as General Director of CAINTRA, Chamber of Industry for the state of Nuevo Leon (Mexico). Nuevo Leon is considered to be the industrial capital of Mexico and CAINTRA is one of the most influential trade manufacturing associations in Mexico with over 5,000 manufacturing companies as members.

Manufacturing in Nuevo Leon, Mexico

Garrett Hinshaw, President, Catawaba Community College

Under the leadership of Dr. Hinshaw, the CVCC created a new strategic plan, a 28.000 sq. ft. simulated hospital on the campus, a research and development center called the Center for Emerging Manufacturing Solutions (CEMS), a partnership with Noel-Levitz to become a “student facing” college, and a reorganization of the college that emphasizes accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Transforming Through Innovation: The Catawba Valley in the Western North Carolina Foothills

Mike Oatridge, Vice-President, Honda Manufacturing of Alabama

As the Vice President of HMA, Oatridge provides daily leadership for HMA’s overall operations, including vehicle and engine production and parts procurement from more than 250 suppliers to the $1.4 billion manufacturing facility. HMA is the global production source of the Odyssey minivan, the Pilot sport utility vehicle and the V-6 engines that power both vehicles.

The American Worker: Trends and Analyses

The American economy is creating jobs at a faster rate than that of new workers entering the labor force. Not surprisingly, labor economists are forecasting a shortage of workers to fill these jobs in future years. Equally important, a growing, sustainable economy faces shortages in critical skill areas such as engineering, science and high tech vocations. Will the next generation of workers have the skill set needed to retain America’s competitive advantage? What will tomorrow’s American workforce look like and what can we expect in terms of changing workplace dynamics?

Moderator: Brett Mann, Executive Director of CoSERVE at University of Texas
Pan-American

SPEAKERS

Max Hernandez, Director of Federal Programs, The Hispanic Institute

Max Hernandez is the Economic Development Program Director for The Hispanic Institute (THI). The Institute, based in Washington, D.C., provides a forum for discussing issues effecting Hispanic-Americans and empowers all Americans through education and sound analysis of these subjects.

Mark Lautman, Director of Economic Development, Mesa del Sol

Mark Lautman is the Director of Economic Development for Mesa del Sol, a new master planned community of 100,000 residents being developed in Albuquerque New Mexico by Forest City Enterprises and Covington Capital.

Stanley Suchman, Regional Commissioner, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Stanley W. Suchman is the Regional Commissioner for the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Dallas-Kansas City Region. Mr. Suchman is responsible for Bureau activities over an eleven-state region, including the Consumer Price Index, the Employment Cost Index, the Current Employment Statistics Survey, and the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses.

Employment Outlook, 2006—2016: The American Worker in 2016

Growing Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs

America’s newest entrepreneurs will drive tomorrow’s economy. An array of not-for-profit organizations are attempting to target these non-traditional individuals. Identifying those talented individuals, and providing business and technical support to a vast array of start-ups, is a significant challenge which will be more thoroughly discussed by this panel. Panelists will discuss the opportunities/challenges of self-sufficiency for a variety of socio-economic groups. Discussion will further touch on the significance of creating a culture of entrepreneurism, and what this means for sustaining America’s competitive advantage in a myriad of growth industries.

Moderator: Teo Tijerina, Executive Director, EDCO Ventures

Teo Tijerina is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of EDCO Ventures. EDCO Ventures is 501 (c) (3) business development organization that partners with universities, government laboratories, risk capital, and individuals to discover and commercialize technologies and launch innovative business ideas. EDCO Venture’s mission is to create companies and jobs with living wages in economically distressed areas.

Growing Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs

SPEAKERS

Agnes Noonan, Executive Director, Women’s Economic Self-Sufficiency Team Corporation

Agnes Noonan has served as the Executive Director of the Women’s Economic Self-Sufficiency Team (WESST Corp), a statewide economic development organization in New Mexico, since 1991. She has over 30 years experience in small business development and management. Previously, she served as the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt, where she worked with local, regional, and international agencies on issues relating to economic development.

The Place to Start and Grow Your Business, New Mexico

Tim Williamson, President and Co-Founder, Idea Village

Tim Williamson is the President and Co-Founder of The Idea Village, a 501(c) (3) economic development organization whose mission is to ignite innovation by providing strategy, talent and resources to entrepreneurial ventures. Since 2002, The Idea Village has been the primary driver of business innovation in New Orleans.

The Idea Village: Innovation through talent and collaboration (New Orleans)

Aaron Miscenich, Executive Director, New Orleans BioInnovation Center

Aaron Miscenich has a work history tied to entrepreneurship and growth-oriented companies. Working for nine years in the capital industry, Miscenich handled equity investing, alternative finance/mezzanine lending, and senior debt. Currently Miscenich is the Executive Director of the New Orleans BioInnovation Center, a biotechnology-focused business incubator under development in downtown New Orleans.

Roundtable: Acquiring Venture Capital and Private Equity

Location, location, location is the mantra of real estate. Capital, capital, capital is the greatest asset to emerging entrepreneurs as location is to real estate. Panelists will discuss current market conditions and the challenges/opportunities of attracting and retaining capital in today’s marketplace. Panelists will further discuss the concept of social entrepreneurism and the opportunities of investing in not-for-profit activities that result in significant economic return.

Moderator: Sherman McCorkle, President and CEOTechnology Ventures Corporation

Sherman McCorkle is a native New Mexican from the pioneer New Mexico family of John Robert McCorkle, Sherman has spent most of his life deeply involved in the New Mexico business community, and is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of Technology Ventures Corporation.

Phillip Singerman, Senior Vice President, B & D Consulting

Phillip Singerman is a recognized national innovator in public/private partnerships to promote local economic development. His thirty-year career includes positions in the public — local, state and federal levels — and private sectors.

Everything You Wanted to Know About Venture Capital But Were Afraid to Ask!

Shyla Sheppard, Fund Associate, New Mexico Community Capital

Shyla joined New Mexico Community Capital in 2005. She was promoted to Fund Associate in 2007. At NMCC, she performs an array of activities including deal sourcing, community outreach, providing value-added assistance to portfolio companies, managing portfolio company and deal flow information, assisting the Managing Director with investor relations and making investments for the NMCC funds.

New Mexico Community Capital: A Community Development Equity Fund

Elliott Bouillion, Affiliate Partner, Murphree Venture Partners

Elliott Bouillion joined Murphree Venture Partners as a Venture Partner in May 2000 and works out of the Boulder, Colorado office. Since 1997, Elliott has served as a technology and business advisor providing consultation to early-stage growth companies and venture capitalists.

The Role of Non-Profits in the Economic Marketplace: the Microloan Phenomena

It is difficult to sustain a prosperous national economy without recognizing the role of the not-for-profit in addressing community-based economic needs. Not-for-profit organizations and microloans have enhanced economic access to many minority and/or socio-economically segmented groups. Speakers will discuss the role and function of the microloan in today’s marketplace and how the not-for-profit community continues to impact economic trends in the national and global marketplace. 

Moderator: Janie Barrera, President & CEO, ACCION Texas

Ms. Barrera is Founding President and Chief Executive Officer of ACCION Texas. ACCION Texas began in 1994 and now has the largest microloan portfolio in the United States. Ms. Barrera has received recognition for her accomplishments including the Small Business Administration Financial Services Advocate of the Year, the Minority Enterprise Development Consortium's Corporate Advocate of the Year, and in 2007 was inducted into the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame.

SPEAKERS

Robin Barnes, Senior Vice-President of the New Orleans Office, Seedco Financial

Robin Barnes is Senior Vice President for Seedco Financial and oversees the organizations regional activities in the Gulf Coast, Louisiana and Tennessee. Louisiana programs include a $20 million small business assistance program for businesses affected by Hurricane Katrina, a $2.5 million small business loan fund in Baton Rouge, and Fisheries Assistance Center in Plaquemines Parish.

Seedco Financial: Impact Lending

Patricia Williams, Executive Director, Georgia Microenterprise Network

Patricia Williams, Executive Director of the Georgia Micro Enterprise Network (GMEN). She is a retired telecommunications executive, with over 20 years experience in finance and business operations. She has made community service a key part of her life, working with over 30 not-for-profit organizations.

The Role of the Nonprofits in the Economic Development Marketplace: The Microloan Phenomena

Vaughn Fauria, Executive Director, NewCorp Business Assistance Center

Vaughn Fauria is the Executive Director of NewCorp Business Assistance Center. At NewCorp Vaughn works with minority, disabled, and women owned businesses to secure capital for them to grow and prosper. In addition to microloans, NewCorp facilitates relationships between institutions choosing to obtain goods and services with minority and women owned businesses.

Free Trade, the Global Marketplace, and the American Economy

As time zones and political borders continue to lose their relevance, how does America retain a competitive advantage in the global marketplace? Come hear what panelists have to say regarding current national and international trends affecting American business investment abroad and at home. Panelists will touch on questions such as: how are businesses adapting to meet global workforce and workplace needs? How have border issues impacted investment, trade distribution and workforce dynamics? Are current national border policies providing America with a competitive advantage to sustain investment opportunities at home and abroad?

Moderator: Erin Butler-Mueller, Commercial Officer, New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center

Ms. Butler-Mueller is a Commercial Officer at the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center, located in the World Trade Center. Her focus is on helping international companies invest in Hurricane Katrina and Rita-affected areas. From 2005-2007, she served as the Commercial Attaché at the American Embassy in Prague, Czech Republic.

SPEAKERS

William “Bill” Cummins, Senior Vice-President of Global Trade Services, JP Morgan Chase

Bill Cummins is a twenty-year veteran of international banking and joined Bank One in 1998 as the Market Manager -- Trade Finance for Louisiana. In 2000, he was promoted to first vice president for Global Treasury & Trade (Southeastern Market Manager).

The Declining U.S. Dollar and Implications for Economic Development

John A. Adams, Jr., President and CEO, Enterprise Florida

John Adams serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Florida (EFI) – the public-private partnership responsible for leading Florida’s statewide economic development efforts. EFI’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy and create better-paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create businesses in innovative, high-growth industries.

Enterprise Florida

Barry Lawrence, Director, Supply Chain Systems Laboratory at Texas A&M University

Dr. Barry Lawrence is the Program Director of the Industrial Distribution Program, the Director of the Thomas and Joan Read Center for Distribution Research and Education, the Director of the Supply Chain Systems Laboratory, and an Associate Professor at Texas A&M University.

U.S. Trade Relationships and Regional Manufacturing

America’s Physical Infrastructure: Meeting the Challenge

The American economy is dependent on robust and reliable physical infrastructure to facilitate the transportation of commerce.  As the country’s population and transportation needs evolve, how do current investment trends impact the distribution of commerce, such as port containerization, highway transport and airport utilization? Can America’s infrastructure support and compete in the logistical marketplace?Panelists will discuss the overall state of America’s infrastructure and the impact this has on economic development practices.

Moderator: Matt Chase, Executive Director, National Association of Development Organizations

Matthew Chase has served as the Executive Director of the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) and the NADO Research Foundation since October 2003. From March 1997 to August 2000, he served as the association's Director of Legislative Affairs until he was promoted to Deputy Executive Director.

SPEAKERS

Bill Marcuson, Former President, American Society of Civil Engineers

William F. Marcuson III was President of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) in 2007 and is one of the nation’s leading civil engineers. He holds degrees in civil engineering from The Citadel, Michigan State University and North Carolina State University.

America’s Infrastructure: Where Are We Headed?

Paul Latture II, Executive Director, The Port of Little Rock

Paul Latture is the Executive Director at the Port of Little Rock. He has held this position for the past eight years. Prior to joining the Port he worked as the Executive Vice-President for Economic Development at the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce for six years and President of the Jackson, Mississippi Chamber of Commerce for ten years.

Pat Forbes, Infrastructure Policy Director, State of Louisiana Office of Community Development

Pat Forbes is currently the Infrastructure Manager for the Disaster Recovery Unit of the Louisiana Office of Community Development, where he is responsible for implementation of the State’s $1.3 billion CDBG infrastructure rebuilding program.

Concluding Plenary: Sustaining American Prosperity

Eliza Evans, Program Manager for Research, IC2 Institute, University of Texas at Austin

Dr. Evans manages the research program at the IC2 (Innovation, Creativity, and Capital) Institute, where her research interests focus on technology-based economic development, innovation systems, venture creation, technology strategy, and workforce development.