| What's a
Gazelle?
Eric P. Canada © Blane, Canada Ltd. Published in: "The Economic Development Marketing Letter," an e-mail marketing letter for professionals involved in economic development. 28 February 1998, Volume: 1, Issue: e/2 SPECIAL EDITION Think of your community's economic base as an investment portfolio. Which companies will be your long-term producers, growing, creating jobs and increasing economic prosperity? Which companies are "rock solid," churning out product year after year making few demands on the community, but offering little or no incremental growth? Finally, which companies are the dogs that will cause concern, aggravation, and even losses? Gazelles are growth companies with a special flair for fast growth. Growth companies are a critical building block for every community. While most communities will not have a gazelle, they need to understand how to identify a growth company. The factors affecting growth are important indicators to help executives direct program activity and resources. In the article, we explore growth factors other than total employment and tax impact to determine a company's value to a community. Why? To help development professionals influence policy decisions on factors other than total employment. If we are to help "manage" the local economy, how can we do a responsible job if we don't know where the growth is likely to come from?
|
