Brian Cole, a veteran of economic development efforts over the past 22 years, has authored a new book: Building Communities: 25 Strategies to Advance America.

Cole utilizes his background as an economic development professional both at the local and state levels, as well as his leadership position as a rural county commission chairman, to present 25 strategies, 85 key success factors, over 100 essential action steps, and three new theories as to how economic development can work in American communities of all sizes.

Cole holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration for Business, Government and Not-for-Profit Management from Willamette University.

Since January 2003, Cole has operated a community and economic development consulting company with a mission to help communities, businesses, and organizations to succeed.

Cole’s interests in community and economic development date back 25 years when heattended his first city council meeting in Kelso, Washington.

“I really did not have plans to go to that city council meeting that August evening,” said Cole. “But when I arrived I was total fascinated with the thought that people have the ability to envision and enact the future of their community.”

From discovering his passion for community and economic development at age 22, Cole has had the opportunity to lead economic development at the state and local levels and then to serve in a broader governmental context as county commissioner.

“I have seen economic development from all sides,” said Cole. “It has been fascinating to see the differences in communities as they work—or don’t work—to advance their future,” said Cole.

Cole is looking to launch a nationwide economic development consulting practice in 2010 based uponthe Building Communities methodology. Cole attended the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Annual Conference in Reno in October 2009 and received immediate interest from economic development practitioners across the nation and continent.

“This is not time for business as usual in America,” said Cole. “I believe that the Building Communities methodology is ideally timed to help communities bounce back form the most severe economic recession since the 1930s. Now is the time to plan and act.”

Comparative Advantages of using the Building Communities Economic Development Strategic Planning Metholodogy vs. traditional planning methods

Are you ready to begin the Building Communities planning process? Building Communities is ready for you!