“In the land of blindmen, the one-eyed man is king.” “To the man with a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” (that probably describes me) and, now, introducing my one liner: “In the land of thin skins, beware the paper…
Continue ReadingBoneheads abound
I usually don’t call people boneheads but come on: Jason Childs, an economist with the University of New Brunswick in Saint John, said the Bathurst call centre closure may be an indicator of a boom in the local or the…
Continue ReadingThe income measure that matters
I’d like to see us move into a new economic analysis model for economic development. The old days of comparing unemployment rates, average income level, etc. should be turfed in favour of new comparative measurements that matter. In my opinion,…
Continue ReadingAlberta brings out the big gun
An economic development consultant colleague of mind has landed some work on this and is moving to Alberta for a few months. The Alberta government has introduced a new $178-million plan intended to help the province diversify away from its…
Continue ReadingA good news story
I had a chat this weekend with a manager over at ExxonMobil. She is Columbian and was transferred here to help roll out a new function. ExxonMobil now has 1,000 people working in Moncton. One of the top five largest…
Continue ReadingHaving fun with numbers
The CFIB, it seems clear to me, is the organization that represents not entrepreneurs but self-employed people. For me there is a huge difference. The CFIB comes out with a study showing the strong growth of incorporated self employed individuals…
Continue ReadingBiofuels in the ‘Chi?
If this is for real, it sounds very promising for the ‘Chi. A Fredericton-based company has submitted a bid to purchase UPM’s New Brunswick operations for a $1 billion project to produce bio-fuel. In an exclusive interview with the Miramichi…
Continue ReadingRivals become collaborators
For this bid. This afternoon, Halifax — in partnership and in a coordinated effort with Moncton — presented its bid to co-host the 2010 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships. The bid committee is again led by Trade Centre Ltd. President…
Continue ReadingIt’s the economy, stupid podcast edition (June 9)
Here is the latest edition of the audio version of the blog. You will find in it commentary on political spin, taxation, the grand economic development bargain and not putting the horse in front of the cart, among other things.
Continue ReadingGeorge Soros…. hmmmm
Anybody know anything about George Soros. All I know is the guy has made billions through hedge funds that gamble when the market (or specific companies/sectors) are going to go down. Now, I have heard several interviews where he is…
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