Specifics of the job creation process (Frank Owarish, Ph.D.)

The following case study provides a concrete example. What is the secret to the economic boost that placed Atlanta on the world map?

A public-private sector initiative is at the start of what proved to be a fruitful join-venture. Representatives from leading companies in the area and from local government entities headed by the Mayor met and created several working committees. Ideas were tossed around and proposals developed. Some of the proposals turned into projects, funding raised therefor and they were implemented. There were concrete results in a relatively short time.

Take the Peach Tree Center as an example. Hotels and conference centers were built and these provided incentives to companies nationwide to organize their meetings and conferences in Atlanta using these hotels and conference facilities. In the neighboring areas restaurants developed as well as small businesses. Were jobs created? Resoundingly yes.

Next, take the so-called Underground area; there was nothing in that area which was in fact depressed. Proposals were put forward to turn the situation around and these turned into projects. The main project was to develop the area with new infrastructure (buildings and roads); small  business entrepreneurs were provided with loans and technical assistance on setting up businesses. The projects turned the depressed area around and soon the area was in economic boom; yes, jobs were created.

Meanwhile another project aimed at renovating the Atlanta airport and Delta took the lead among airlines to service the area with growing number of passengers who came for business and/or tourism and … for jobs. Tourism grew. The movie Driving Miss Daisy provided an additional attraction. Martin Luther King Jr. as well, birth home and now the King Center.

The universities and colleges in the area received national attention and attracted the best students; more teaching jobs.

Meanwhile CNN grew into a world media giant and provided jobs and jobs.

Coca Cola grew and hired more employees.

Atlanta became the site for the Olympic Game and so on, despite the security incident.

President Carter went to Emory and set up the Carter Center which has been providing technical assistance since then to an ever growing number of countries in the world.

All the ventures in the areas grew and along came jobs and jobs. Of course there have been ups and downs with economic swings but there have always been more ups than downs.

Atlanta is famous for bridging the racial divide; Atlanta also proved that public and private entities can work together on win-win projects. A tribute here goes to Maynard Jackson; here is someone 'greater' than life. I remember his energy and enthusiasm and above all his leadership.

Could this experience be replicated in other parts of the US? Answer is obviously yes.

In New York City, the re-development of the lower Manhattan area including China Town has been following a similar track; perhaps the momentum should be enhanced.

Providence, Rhode Island is another case in point.  

We should have projects like these in all areas of the US.