About the Project

> Competitive Realities Report
> Stakeholder Input Process
> Target Business Analysis
> Consensus Community Strategy
> Implementation Plan

Competitive Realities Report

TIt is essential that the process of developing a strategy is based on a clear, honest assessment of current realities.  Therefore, the first stage of Market Street’swork for Caldwell 20/20 will be a Competitive Realities report.

To create a Competitive Realities Report, Market Street will utilize official local, state, and national data sources to conclusively analyze the key indicators illustrating what has happened in the community in the recent past.  All data will be analyzed in the context of state and national trends to provide perspective on key strengths and challenges for Caldwell County.  This data will be supplemented by our own independent research, to take a new and different look at the community.

Specifically, the Competitive Realities Report will include:

I. Demographic Trends Analysis

This section of the assessment will examine current and recent dynamics affecting Caldwell County citizens of all ages, races and incomes.  This analysis considers indicators that depict “how well people are doing.”  We will incorporate the most recent state and national data available into this report.  This analysis will examine how Caldwell County’s current demographics help or hinder its ability to develop into the future.

II. Economic Trends Analysis

This section will focus on the realities of Caldwell County’s economy, including an analysis of current and recent economic structure and employment dynamics.  This analysis will serve as the foundation for assessing key challenges and opportunities for growth in the region. 

III. Competitive Position Analysis

This component of the report will assess a combination of factors that determines Caldwell County’s competitiveness as a place of business for existing, expanding, and relocating companies.  Ultimately, the strengths and weaknesses identified in this analysis will be an integral component of the Consensus Community Strategy.

Market Street will also analyze the competitiveness of the Caldwell County community versus three comparison counties. The comparison counties are Martinsville-Henry County, VA; Paducah-McCracken County, KY; and Tupelo-Lee County, MS.

Indicators to be studied in the Competitive Position Analysis include:

Education and Workforce Development Indicators

In today’s economy, competitive advantage is based heavily on education and a skilled workforce.  Therefore, it is essential that the Caldwell County community make investments in both.  States, regions, and communities that do not focus and commit resources to the changing nature of work and the increasingly high educational requirements are not headed in the right direction. 

Infrastructure

Investments in infrastructure such as telecommunications, airports, roads, and bridges provide significant benefits to the local community and its overall quality of life.  A clear priority for communities that seek to compete globally is developing telecommunications infrastructure.  These investments will ensure a locally competitive edge as technologies continue to advance.  Market Street will review the current and future capacity of the Caldwell County community’s infrastructure in relation to the impact it has on the area’s overall competitive position.

Business Costs and Capacity

Taxation, regulation, and other costs of doing business in a community have a tremendous impact on business climate. Market Street will review factors relating to the bottom-line cost of doing business in the Caldwell County community.  Whether it is tax incentives like sales/use exemption, non-tax incentives like customized worker training or key regulatory programs, these elements individually, and as a group, affect bottom-line business costs.  While some of these measures are difficult to quantify, they are necessary for a complete assessment.

Quality of Life