149: Mastering Community Events and Economic Growth with Lynn Fuhler

Focus on sustainable tourism initiatives rather than just chasing big industrial projects

Ensure four key elements are in place: government support, infrastructure, community support, and proper planning

Use events and festivals as consistent economic drivers rather than relying solely on large, unstable employers

Implement thorough post-event evaluation processes to continuously improve

Build strong volunteer networks and management systems for community events

Create infrastructure that serves multiple purposes (like transportation routes that benefit both tourism and industry)

Recognize the role of arts communities in revitalizing declining areas

Document processes and maintain organized records for event planning continuity

Consider tourism as a reliable employer for entry-level and service industry workers

Foster collaboration between government, business, and community stakeholders for successful tourism initiatives

Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers