Greater New Albany: "Pillsbury closing a symptom of failed economic development."

More comments can be found here. To paraphrase the axiom, if we don't learn from Pillsbury's departure, we're sure to repeat it. A prime point of discussion in New Albany during the year 2015 must be a reconsideration of the very nature of our "economic development" efforts. 

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PILLSBURY CLOSING A SYMPTOM OF FAILED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

NEW ALBANY, Ind. – The anticipated closure of General Mills’s Pillsbury manufacturing plant in New Albany exposes weaknesses in the city’s economic development program according to a newly-formed social welfare group called Greater New Albany.

New Albany city government has, according to public affairs director Randy Smith, rejected the advice of respected national organizations like the Institute for Local Self Reliance (ILSR.org), which endorses “local ownership [that] ensures that important decisions are made locally by people who live in the community and who will feel the impacts of those decisions.”

“We were just as blindsided by the announced closing as anyone,” Smith said. “In our discussions, the plight of those workers and their families is our first concern and we hope General Mills and the state of Indiana can step up to soften the blow.”

It’s not known whether the city has the tools to reverse the decision or to mitigate the negative effects, but Greater New Albany sees this moment as a good time to reevaluate the city’s efforts to sustain the local economy.

“Everyone with a heart for the welfare of our citizens needs to educate themselves on what governments can and should do to create a sustainable business environment,” says Smith. “Sustainability through local ownership can help us avoid the worst effects of closures like the one at Pillsbury.”

Influencing city elections by means of voter education campaigns is a primary goal of Greater New Albany.

The organization is currently evaluating potential candidates in the 2015 New Albany city elections and intends to work for the election of those whose positions align with Greater New Albany’s objectives.

CONTACT: randysmith(at)outlook(dot)com