By: Michael H. Shuman & Doug Hoffer, Training & Development Corporation (former affiliation)
August 2007

The Martha’s Vineyard Commission, acting on behalf of the Island Plan Livelihood and Commerce Work Group, asked the Training & Development Corporation (TDC) to perform a “leakage analysis” of the Vineyard’s economy. A growing body of evidence suggests that the best way to strengthen a community economy is by expanding locally owned businesses serving local markets. By studying leaks of dollars – that is, goods and services being imported that could be produced locally – a community can identify the most promising markets for new or expanded local businesses, and the best private initiatives and public policies to support this kind of economic development.

By: Ann Davis, Marist College
Melissa Everett, Sustainable Hudson Valley
Michael H. Shuman, Training & Development Corporation (former affiliation)
May 2006

Mindful of the need to chart a new course, the Northern Dutchess Alliance (NDA) of New York is developing an economic tool kit for its members with this report as a centerpiece. The goal of this analysis is to help the region, and the communities within it, seize promising homegrown business opportunities that are ecologically sustainable and reinforce the region's identity.

By: Michael H. Shuman
2006

This action list provides almost 100 specific suggestions to help you enhance local economic development in your area. Suggestions are grouped for consumers, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, community-builders, and 'globalizers' (those who promote the local at a global level). The list is excerpted from the book, The Small-Mart Revolution: How Local Businesses are Beating the Global Economy.

By: Michael H. Shuman, Training & Development Corporation (former affiliation)
November 2005

What is the feasibility of building a biomass-fired district heating system in Santa Fe? Under a contract from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Local Energy - a non-profit think tank based in Santa Fe - has prepared a detailed blueprint for such a system. This paper explores its public costs and benefits. The conclusion is that with expected rises in the price of natural gas, the project is well worth public funding.

By: Michael H. Shuman, Training & Development Corporation (former affiliation)
February 2004

The Worksphere Initiative for the Katahdin Region, led by the Maine-based Training & Development Corporation (TDC) and funded largely through a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, aims to transform an enormous economic crisis in Maine into a groundbreaking opportunity by mobilizing businesspeople, workers, policymakers, academics, and activists to work together on creating a new vision for the area’s businesses and work force. Katahdin First: Resources and Opportunities Guide provides an overview to the Worksphere approach; reviews indicators, assets and leakages for the Katahdin region; provides a range of sector-specific information; and suggests next steps for the region.

By: Michael H. Shuman, Green Policy Institute (former affiliation)
August 2003

If St. Lawrence County wishes to improve its economic prospects, it must change direction. This was part of the impetus for the Burt Family to create an endowment at St. Lawrence University to support an "Annual Symposium on Education, Environment, and Economic Vitality." This paper provided the first symposium with an outline of what this new direction might be.