The economic development environment at times can be tough and create miscommunication and bruised egos. One thing is certain: the overall goal of development must be kept in mind during and after a recruitment project.

The November PM cover story “Confidentiality and Complexity: Unlocking the Subplots of Economic Development” by Patricia Mitchell and Charles (Chuck) Abernathy, both North Carolina managers, includes these five broad management principles designed to help bring thoughtful consideration to the competing interests that are at work in the recruitment and expansion process.

1. Educate elected officials and economic development commission board members on how the economic development process works, including the competitiveness that can be involved.
2. An economic development strategic plan can help ensure clear direction and allow residents to contribute.
3. The economic developer needs to understand how far he or she can go in discussing incentives in a recruitment project.
4. The manager and elected officials need to carefully consider the composition of the economic development policy board.
5. The economic developer must directly communicate with the manager regarding industry visits, obligations that were made, and any issues surrounding the industry visit.

For complete details on these principles and other information included in the issue, read the November PM.