Monday, September 21, 2009

A recently published PayPal report on online consumer trends has some relevance for in-line retailers. The growth of online shopping might not be such a threat, and in fact, might be an opportunity.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

I was having a conversation with a gentleman the other day about Pittsburgh. He was arguing that Pittsburgh’s reputation as a down’n’out post-industrial town is not accurate. Instead, it is a hive of venture capital and innovation. This reminded me of how Pittsburgh will always be a topic of conversation with regards to economic development and the competiveness of regional economies.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

This point came up when I was living in Washington, DC. The Convention and Visitors Association was conducting a survey to solicit Washington residents’ ideas and feelings about what it means to live in DC. It was controversial in the economic development and cultural resources community because, maybe, the Bureau should’ve already known the answers to its own questions.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

I enjoyed discovering this graph in class today. It leads me to think about how some innovations and technologies become “un-deployed”, obsolete or unsustainable.

In the real estate and development field, we are currently transitioning away from business models built upon automobile dependency, a technology innovation listed on this graph. Housing and Commercial markets are beginning to realize the benefits of dense, pedestrian-oriented development throughout the United States. But what is the crash point for this un-deployment of automobile technology? And how long will it take?

Monday, January 05, 2009

Dear Readers:

This is a short note on the future of these articles.

Monday, January 05, 2009

When I picked up this flyer, I cannot remember where, I knew that I needed to write about it. Even though “Dive Bar” appears to be a lame club, and I will probably never go there, this flyer illustrates something very important about running a bar or nightlife business.

Sunday, December 07, 2008

Dudes, Sports and Hot Dogs are a classic combination for restaurant profits. But I was blown away on a recent trip to Atlanta, Georgia by the implementation of The Varsity’s restaurant layout.

Friday, September 05, 2008

Last week I made a visit to the Minnesota State Fair well known as one of the nation’s best annual state-wide fairs. It was attended by 1.7 million people this year, only the State of Texas has a State Fair that attracts more people annually. I learned a few things, ate quite a bit and left thinking that something was certainly missing.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

I have been living in Minneapolis for about three weeks. I am now settled enough to start “getting out there” and participating in my local community organizations. My first community meeting was Thursday night.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

I am fascinated by the competitive position of cities and regions within the global and American economies. When I was being recruited by the University of Minnesota to attend business school, they sent me the publication, You Are Here: Minneapolis – Saint Paul a sales piece published by Mpls.St.Paul Magazine. I was immediately struck by this graph.