The Morrison Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Dinner and Meeting at Cross Creek Golf Course, Morrison, IL, on Thursday, February 4, 2010.  Guest speaker was Dr. Norm Walzer.  His PowerPoint presentation was "Revitalizing Local Economies:  Opportunities in [the] Morrison Area."  Some of his data was specific to Morrison; some applied to Whiteside County.

He drew information about Morrison from MAPPING the Future, 2007.  We have a stated vision:  "Morrison is a culturally strong and growing family-oriented community known for energizing business, promoting economic growth, cultivating investment, and is recognized as a choice visitor destination."  We have in place "High Priority Strategies" and an "Active Working Team."

There are six "next steps" to build on this preparation:

• continue to build on Morrison's progress;
• examine regional opportunities;
• determine the next competitive advantage;
• identify resources to implement strategies;
• lead a regional effort based on our local plan;
• continue to pursue an action plan or plans.

Several screens under the subtopic "Region Matters" proved interesting, provoking a need for further discussion.  Dr. Walzer showed 2000 to 2009 declines in Morrison population; the percent of our working population; the percent of workers age 65 and over; total people employed; per capita income.    He then discussed Whiteside County trends in business establishments and number of employees and business startups and closures.

Maps displayed surrounding towns where Morrison residents GO TO WORK and towns where Morrison workers COME FROM.  The task is to provide more jobs to keep our residents employed in town and, conversely, to encourage "inflow" workers to purchase local goods and services.

Dr Walzer concluded with six final goals for Whiteside County :

• evaluate economic options;
• identify unfilled local markets and leakages of workers;
• help local businesses expand their markets on websites and with possible new markets;
• work on a marketing plan for the entire region;
• expand entrepreneurship practices;
• succession planning.

There was much for the Morrison Chamber of Commerce members to ponder and develop from these analyses.

Dr. Walzer earned his PhD in Economics from University of Illinois (Urbana.)  He is founder of the Western Illinois University, Institute for Rural Affairs, where he was also a professor of economics, including graduate classes.  His specialties include urban and regional economic analysis, state and local public finance, entrepreneurship, infrastructure and various issues in rural economic development.  He has written many books and papers on local economic development, transportation, partnerships for economic development, and local public finance.  Currently Dr. Walzer is Senior Research Scholar for Northern Illinois University, Center for Governmental Studies.

Photo courtesy of Robert Wood