Today's business visit was to Lincoln Economic Advancement & Development, Inc. - LEAD. CEO Andrea Runge discussed the role of economic development and its impact, especially in rural communities. She described her role in terms of Economic Gardening in which LEAD helps entrepreneurs take an idea and make it grow.
Andrea also emphasized the concept of "smart growth" using a campfire analogy. If you try to feed a fire large pieces of wood before it's ready, you'll snuff it out completely. If you start small with kindling (small steps), slowly and steadily feeding an idea or business to grow incrementally, it can be a robust, sustainable business well into the future.
One goal that LEAD and CEO share is to prevent Brain Drain. This happens when educated or talented young people leave their hometowns for pursue opportunities in other locations. One of the reasons the national CEO program was created was to address this problem. When students have an opportunity to learn and make connections with area entrepreneurs, they see first-hand the value our local businesses bring to the area. Students are then more likely to choose to stay or return after college.
Andrea served as one of our judges at the CEO local pitch competition, so she spent a little time following up with students about their businesses. "Being an entrepreneur is incredibly hard. So you need to find your passion in what you do."
As a former CEO mentor and pitch judge, Andrea has invested a lot of time and energy into our program . We appreciate LEAD's support. Thank you!
