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amount of time in a community to become accepted leaders in their own
right. Furthermore, if the economic developer occupies a public sector
position, the role of leader will be subordinated to that of the mayor or city
manager.

One way to predict if the economic developer will be given the opportunity
to become an accepted leader in the community is by advocating that he or
she be a voting member of the Board of Directors and/or its Executive
Committee. The dialogue on this suggestion will usually be quite
revealing. Traditionally, the executive director is either not a member of

the Board or holds ex officio status. If the Board approves the suggestion,
it shows a degree of respect to the professional. It is clearly a compliment
and shows genuine interest in parity.

Conversely, a negative response makes an important statement, but this

should be viewed cautiously. A number of very valid reasons could exist
for this decision. One should listen very attentively to any discussion
among the Board regarding this point to help interpret expectations of the
leadership about the economic developer.

It is sometimes difficult for the Board of Directors of the organization to
determine whether the practitioner should assume the role as chief

executive officer (CEO) of the organization as opposed to chief operating
officer (COO), an important distinction. Often, representatives of
expanding or relocating companies prefer to deal with a CEO, knowing
that such a title should represent ultimate responsibility and authority
(within the policy limits established by the Board of Directors of the

organization).

Regardless of whether the economic developer is a CEO or not, it should be
very clear as to which person within the organization is the spokesperson
for the group and its programs. Many times it is appropriate for the
professional to assume this position, but it is often much more effective in

the long term to have key volunteer leaders perform this function. Since
the economic developer usually has the most expertise in specific issues
facing the organization, it is very important that the volunteer be fully

David Kolzow 308