Whatcom County Commercial Real Estate
Looking at the overall “Big Picture” of Whatcom County’s economic growth, provides insight into the community and the environment. Whatcom County commercial real estate is a part of the local economy.
Economic goals can go beyond growth
DAVE GALLAGHER
With the economy humming along and business people busy handling the challenges of an ever-changing economy, it’s good to take a moment and think about the big picture.
That’s what Bill McKibben provided as the keynote speaker at the fourth annual Spring Business Conference and Expo, held Friday at Depot Market Square. McKibben, author of “Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities & the Durable Future,” spoke to more than 200 people about the overall economy.
McKibben talked about the big picture of the economy and the impact the current model is having on our society, as well as the environment.
As the economy has continued to grow since the end of World War II, he said, it has led us down a path where we are less connected as a community and are using way too much energy creating a global economy, shipping things across the world.
McKibben praised the strengthening of local economies, including the growth across the country of farmers markets. He called on business people to continue to strengthen the local economy and create business models that create more opportunities to have people interact with the community.
"There is an assumption that the goal for the economy is all about growth and nothing else, but maybe there is more than that to it,” McKibben said.
This is the type of conversation that seems to be taking place much more often in the business community, and not just around Earth Day.
While I think there is value in a growing, vibrant economy, McKibben makes a good point, suggesting growth shouldn’t be the end-all, exclusive goal of businesses. Economic growth is great when it comes to creating innovation and advancing our civilization; however, good ideas become bad when the idea becomes all-consuming.
What will be interesting to see in the coming years is what kind of balance will be struck between the market forces that drive community and global economies.
As a consumer I appreciate the efficiencies grocery stores and national chains have to offer; the variety of products and the prices that are available are amazing.
I also enjoy visiting the Bellingham Farmers Market, buying Whatcom County products and catching up with people I bump into. There is a sense of community that takes place at a farmers market or a small business that just can’t be duplicated in a traditional chain store.
I’m glad there are options available; if people enjoy those options, they’ll continue to coexist.
McKibben concluded his speech by saying that the question, “What is our economy for?” is far more interesting to him than “How do we make this economy grow?”
With all of the discussion about our planet this weekend, the former is something worth pondering. |