What can Economic Development Agencies do to promote the local community public relations? Often they go out of their way to promote the community itself to potential business corporate suitors. May I suggest that Economic Development Associations join in the fight against crime? Why not allow them to participate in Neighborhood Business Watch Programs. Why you ask? Well consider if you will the following;

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION: This group has no choice but to help. They rely on low crime rates to attract great companies to the area to promote economic growth. Not only will they be all for your program, they may even use the existence of the program to promote their own recruitment of companies to the area. They also are on a first name basis with the decision makers of the largest corporate players who may help donate money to the program after it gets going and you need more signs and other materials.

A community, which works together in full cooperation stands a better chance of maintaining unity. This will assist the Economic Development Association with its standing and goodwill in the community making its efforts serious and taken seriously. It makes perfect sense indeed. Consider all this in 2006.