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the change is going to persevere. Programs to develop leadership should be
designed to ensure that learning and leadership capabilities are diffused
throughout the organization.

Following up on that thought, most economic development organizations
and chambers of commerce rely on volunteers for some aspect of their
work. Integrating volunteers into the organization is often difficult and
unproductive. However, the impact of these volunteers can be
dramatically improved if they have leadership capabilities that foster their
work as part of a well functioning team. Therefore, leadership training in

the organization should give some consideration to the volunteers as well
as staff.

Certainly, volunteers need to understand that they are sacrificing some of
their time, talent, and resources to be involved with the organization. On

the other hand, the possibilities of gain for both the community and the
individual leader should also be demonstrated clearly, and not limited to
financial benefits. According to Harry Clark, a former economic
development professional: If it were possible to make an inventory of dedicated
volunteer efforts in the industrial development field, it is doubtful that ½ of 1
percent of the population of any area could be described as having the necessary
motivation. Yet, even this small number, where it does exist, supplies the
leadership to guide and direct the less motivated and dedicated volunteers to

sometimes phenomenal action. 304

It is certainly important to identify the leaders that should be involved in
the local economic development program, but it is equally important to
consider the qualities of the volunteers. The most helpful will be those

individuals who:
 Are personally interested in economic development
 Are or will be affected by the development activities (i.e.,
stakeholders)
 Have knowledge of the community and its economic potential
 Will communicate with others in the community during their time
of service

304 Clark, Harry W. “The Roles of the Professional and the Volunteer in Industrial Development,” AIDC
Journal, October 1969, page unnumbered.

David Kolzow 278