Midwest Development Manifesto

The longer I live in the Midwest, the more I like it. While most of my business is still in Asia, I realize that I  have something to offer that will bring the region out of economic doldrums. 


The Midwest has many remarkable companies, and should not concede to foreign competition. The tide is turning back in our favor.

People in the Midwest are smart, industrious, and prudent. Through those traits, we have built lasting companies. 

Our remaining need is to capture insight and skills the companies need to progress to the next level by hiring from outside the region. 

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The first question that every executive needs to ask is: "Do you have an Asia strategy?" If you do not, your days are numbered. 

Community Development

The Nauvoo Commuter spent last week in Moline, Illinois learning ways that Nauvoo can improve. It was the Midwest CDI Conference.

First impression: clever sayings on power point presentations... I've seen this about 10,000 times.

Final impression:
all these community leaders, who to some degree compete for resources, were helping each other. Both leaders and participants were tremendously generous with sharing ideas from the lessons they have learned in each of their towns. Coming from the private sector, the Nauvoo Commuter was impressed by the openhanded view that the CDI system encourages.

Being allowed to participate in this whole event was humbling.