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Other efforts go beyond those directed within the county organization itself. Land use <br />regulations are in place that encourage development in areas with existing infrastructure and <br />provide for the preservation of farmland and rural areas. An incubator farm was opened to train <br />new farmers to help meet the demand for fresh, local food and to keep land in agricultural <br />production. <br />A food policy council was appointed by the Board of Commissioners and charged with <br />performing research, educating the community, developing strategies and making policy <br />recommendations that will encourage the development of a robust, sustainable local food <br />economy and a healthier population. <br />A Resilient and Robust Local Economy <br />A sustainable community is prosperous because of a resilient and robust local economy, where <br />a balance is struck between self reliance and trade. The purchase of local goods and services <br />from independent businesses can build a deeper economy where a greater proportion of money <br />re- circulates locally, rather than leaving the community and traveling to corporate headquarters <br />in another state or country. <br />Locally -owned businesses are more likely to be rooted in the community, and less likely to <br />relocate as a result of global economic pressures, as compared to publically traded national or <br />multinational companies. And, a community where independent businesses prosper is likely to <br />be a community where entrepreneurs and creativity thrive. <br />Independent, locally owned businesses in communities that value and encourage entrepreneurs <br />and creativity also help to define a community and give it character, differentiating it from others <br />— an important feature in an age of homogeneity where all metro areas have a striking similarity. <br />This local differentiation, or place -based character, can actually put a community at a <br />competitive advantage. In the global, knowledge- based, creative economy written about by <br />people such as Richard Florida and Daniel Pink, place -based character is an asset, a magnet. <br />The Institute for Emerging Issues at NC State University raises this important question: "How <br />will North Carolina move from an economic development strategy focused on company branch <br />recruitment to one that grows creative workers and entrepreneurs ?" <br />Consistent with its vision and goals, the Board of Commissioners seeks to engage the <br />community to identify and understand these issues and challenges, and develop strategies that <br />lead to success. <br />Council for a Sustainable Local Economy <br />Charge <br />The Board of Commissioners establishes the Cabarrus County Council for a Sustainable Local <br />Economy (CSLE). <br />The CSLE is charged with performing research and analysis, educating the community, <br />developing strategies and making policy recommendations that encourage the development of a <br />AOY4&" number 1 <br />G -7 <br />