|
Establishing oppor- Brooklyn, New York, is experiencing an economic
<br /> KEYPOINT #4: tunities for partner- transformation as a result of food. A growing gas-
<br /> Planners can ships among various tronomical entrepreneurial energy is transforming
<br /> make deliberate economic sectors and once industrial, underutilized pockets of Brooklyn
<br /> connections creative professionals is into culinary oases. Entrepreneurs in their 20s
<br /> between the a way to promote eco- and 30s,who often have a strong sense of com-
<br /> arts and culture nomic development. munity and creativity, are opening restaurants,
<br /> sector and other The talents of artists bars, pubs, specialty shops, butcheries, coffee
<br /> sectors. (especially related to shops, and other food production and processing
<br /> design and communica- facilities throughout the borough.These busi-
<br /> tion) can enhance the nesses are not only meeting the growing local
<br /> value of local products and services and increase and regional demand for locally produced and
<br /> their dissemination. wholesome foods but also creating an incubator
<br /> for culinary quality, craftsmanship, and artistry.
<br /> Partnerships often begin with economic clusters For example,the outputs of Cut Brooklyn, a knife-
<br /> that are closely related to or dependent on the making business, become the inputs for Brooklyn
<br /> design field; examples include marketing,tourism, Kitchen, a specialty store;cacao nibs, a product
<br /> high-end manufacturing, and filmmaking.These of Mast Brothers Chocolate, and Ethiopian coffee
<br /> economic clusters are groups of organizations beans from Gorilla Coffee are added to beer at
<br /> with related producers, suppliers, distributors, and Sixpoint Craft Ales;and root vegetables purchased
<br /> intermediaries. Proximate organizations can take from a nearby farmers market are combined with
<br /> advantage of shared interests, relationships, and wort from Sixpoint to make relish at Wheelhouse
<br /> economies.10 Pickles.
<br /> Deliberate team building by planners can help This new collaboration between business own-
<br /> artists, designers, and people in related economic ers is resulting in increased economic vitality and
<br /> clusters to their shared advantage. Connecticut, sense of community between merchants as well
<br /> for example, has recently instituted Cultural and as residents.13 In February 2010, recognition of the
<br /> Tourism Partnership Grants that encourage in- economic, environmental, health, and social im-
<br /> terdisciplinary collaborations among tourism, pacts of food production, processing, access, con-
<br /> historical,film,and arts organizations."The goal sumption,and waste disposal prompted residents
<br /> is to help localities develop relationships and of New York City and the Manhattan borough
<br /> strategies to improve tourism, an important goal president to develop"FoodNYC: A Blueprint for a
<br /> in economic development.12The grants support Sustainable Food System,a report that establishes
<br /> projects such as film and arts festivals, develop- goals and provides recommendations for improv-
<br /> ment of garden and museum trails, seasonal crafts ing and balancing the health, economic, and envi-
<br /> and events, and theater packages. Lead applicants ronmental needs of the city.This report recognizes
<br /> must be nonprofit organizations, but they can the untapped economic potential of the region's
<br /> partner to seek funding for both profit and non- food system, as well as the health, equity, and en-
<br /> profit ventures. vironmental challenges of this economic sector.
<br />
|