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CABARRUS COUNTY <br />BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br />REGULAR MEETING <br />SEPTEMBER 20, 2010 <br />6:30 P.M. <br />AGENDA CATEGORY: <br />New Business <br />SUBJECT: <br />BOC - Creation of the Council for a Sustainable Local Economy <br />BRIEF SUMMARY: <br />A sustainable community is prosperous because of a resilient and robust <br />local economy, where a balance is struck between self reliance and trade. <br />The purchase of local goods and services from independent businesses can <br />build a deeper economy where a greater proportion of money re- circulates <br />locally, rather than leaving the community and traveling to corporate <br />headquarters in another state or country. <br />Independent, locally owned businesses in communities that value and <br />encourage entrepreneurs and creativity not only provide jobs, but help to <br />define a community and give it character, differentiating it from others — an <br />important feature in an age of big -box homogeneity where all metro areas <br />have a striking similarity. This local differentiation, or place -based <br />character, gives communities a competitive advantage. In the global, <br />knowledge- based, creative economy written about by people such as <br />Richard Florida and Daniel Pink, place -based character is an asset, a <br />magnet. The Institute for Emerging Issues at NC State University raises this <br />important question: "How will North Carolina move from an economic <br />development strategy focused on company branch recruitment to one that <br />grows creative workers and entrepreneurs ?" Consistent with its vision and <br />goals, the Board of Commissioners seeks to engage the community to <br />identify and understand these issues and challenges, and develop strategies <br />that lead to success. <br />To be considered for appointment to this committee, citizens need to <br />complete an application. The applicaiton is included in the agenda, may be <br />completed on line <br />Page 372 <br />G -7 <br />