CREATING SOCIOECONOMIC MOMENTUM IN COUNTRYSIDES A RIPPLEDIP RESOURCE BY K.H. KAYSER AND SAMUEL J. SLEGER TABLE OF CONTENTS THE AUTHORS 1 THE GROWING GAP 1.1 THE URBAN APPEAL AND THE RURAL DEPOPULATION 1.2 URBAN LEFT VS. COUNTRY RIGHT 1.3 URBAN INTELLECTUALS VS. COUNTRYSIDE YOKELS 2 BRIDGING THE GAP 2.1 LET CREATIVITY LEAD THE WAY 2.2 MARKETING: COUNTER TRENDS 2.3 MARKETING: CREATIVE & SOFT INDUSTRIES 3 MISSION MOMENTUM THE AUTHORS Prof. Kai H. Kayser supported the team in charge of the tent was born 1972 in hotel. Munich, Bavaria. He studied fine arts During this same 2014 to 2017 period in Spain with J. Kayser also taught art and design at the Torrens Lladó, and Anhui Xinhua University in Hefei, since 1994 has China. In 2015 Kayser founded the worked as an artist fashion brand Corzada in Beijing and and designer. From 1994 to 1998 Kayser expanded to Hong Kong, Germany in designed for Images Advertising GmbH. 2018, the USA in 2019 and Portugal in From 2000 until 2018 Kayser 2020. collaborated with Deko Design GmbH, Kayser currently lives in Portugal, designing for global powerhouses such where he established the Corzada Art as Siemens, Porsche, BMW, Heinecken, Gallery. JP Morgan, Oracle, Credit Suisse, the On January 1, 2021 Kayser released the city of Munich, and many others. first short movie of the “C5” saga, a 3D rendered animation project, that Kayser In 2011 Kayser moved his studio to created, designed, wrote and directed. Beijing, China, and held various art Kayser is the author of “C5. The exhibitions in China, the biggest one in semiotics, philosophy, art and design 2014, at the Hefei Kurume Friendship behind the phenomenon” Museum of Art, which is a Chinese- Japanese co-operation. Kayser's life is as unusual as his work, While there he became part of the to say the least. He has worked for 20 permanent museum collection, and in years in East Asia, 10 of them in China. 2015 CCTV (China's national TV) He designed fashion, accessories, introduced Kayser and his support of interior products and architectural the City of Huangshan in a prime time projects in Bangkok (Thailand), documentary. Huangshan is a UNESCO Asunción (Paraguay), Beijing (China), World Heritage Site and one of China's Tokyo (Japan), Palma de Mallorca major tourist destinations. (Spain), Houston (USA) and many other Kayser’s work in Hefei led him to places. become a consulting expert and His art has been exhibited and collected member of the jury of “China's Graffiti all over Europe, the USA, China, and Design Contest” of Hefei for two years in Japan. 2016 and 2017. He also consulted for the Kayser co-founded the US American “Hefei Design City” from 2015 to 2017, company Rippledip LLC, a marketing and in 2017 designed for the Anlong company he manages together with Limestone Resort Project, where he Samuel J. Sleger. Samuel J. Sleger the Good Men Project, a digital resource was born in 1987 platform, where he discussed business and grew up in Two topics. Rivers, WI. After studying English, Transitioning out of Colorado, Sleger economics and relocated to Oklahoma in 2019 where he philosophy he co-founded a slew of businesses. One of graduated from St. those companies is Crew CMD, a Norbert College and moved to Germany, business development and management where he worked at a U.S. based resort company, that managed a portfolio of in the Bavarian Alps. After returning to 40+ businesses. In his role as COO, the US in 2012, he decided to stay in Sleger ran operations for over 10 hospitality and tourism, so he co- businesses, managing onsite teams and founded a travel magazine and oversaw high level business direction. sales operations at a ski resort in In addition to these businesses, Sleger Colorado, which was subsequently co-founded a high end workspace in the purchased by Vail Resorts during his Oklahoma City business district, a tenure with the company. During his cannabis business, a real estate time as an ops manager he ran a call company, and a marketing firm named center, three sales locations, and Rippledip. managed a team of 30+ people. Rippledip LLC was created with Kai H. Kayser and focuses on online In 2017, he began consulting privately marketing. Rippledip made it their for the Colorado Small Business mission to help especially small and Development Center and teaching mid-sized businesses with the seminars throughout the Western Slope resources and know-how, to which they of Colorado on hospitality, employee typically have no access. retention and management, marketing and sales, and running successful Rippledip's instant success allowed operations. them to expand with Rippledip In 2018 he had a weekly column with Publishing LLC. FOR MORE ON RIPPLEDIP LLC AND RIPPLEDIP PUBLISHING LLC: WWW.RIPPLEDIP.COM WWW.RIPPLEDIP.COM/PUBLISHING 1 THE GROWING GAP Rural areas find themselves suffering from an exodus of their brightest and smartest individuals to the shining city lights. Studies estimate at least 50% of people now live in cities, which is up 20% from 70 years ago. This is estimated to continue over the next 15 - 30 years, and as much as 2/3rds of the world population will be living in urban areas. By 2030 urban land is estimated to cover just under 10% of the planet. About 1/3 of the land on this planet is continents and islands. So, in the very near future, 3/4ths of people could be living on 1/3rd of the available land on the planet. To say severely increased crowding, traffic, housing, crime, fiscal, and pollution problems will arise is putting it mildly. Yet, people continue to go urban, especially younger demographics. The rural exodus has left many small towns wondering how they will survive, and where they will find the necessary economic stimulation. We typically react with endless discussions, and finally decide to blindly throw money at the problem. Discussions are necessary, and so is money, but if there is no clear concept, both are wasted, especially when discussions lead to hardened sides, stirred emotions and deadlocks. When we get frustrated, our expectations radicalize and we start looking for miracles. Then we move desperately and make things worse. Today, this is even more true because of the COVID impact, which will render a lot of well intended and thoughtful policies void. Rural households were deep in the red before COVID and are worse off now. Not only is there no end in sight, but we are completely out of solutions, even the most unimaginative ones like “tourism.” MOMENTUM is a program that creates pathways forward for individuals through solutions for entire infrastructures and vice versa. With infrastructure we refer to communities or areas that have fallen on hard times, mainly (but not exclusively) in rural areas. This approach distinguishes MOMENTUM greatly, as it is far more concrete and practical as opposed to purely abstract, macro-economic theorizing. MOMENTUM even implements existing programs, like that of the EPA and MAIN STREET, which focus on specific businesses or demographics. There is another novelty in tackling a severe problem, one we have derived in principle from Sun Tzu's “Art of War” and Von Clausewitz's “On War” because in war, love and economic revival everything is allowed. This principle is especially relevant when you're stifled by a virus and the entire Western Hemisphere is drowning in debt. It is certainly fair to say that MOMENTUM offers a very different, far more wholesome and highly flexible approach for your consideration. One driven by pragmatism and efficiency. One that doesn’t involve politics or excessive spending of money. Momentum also is not a magic pill, and does not rely on the benevolence of any deities, although we certainly welcome any help we can get. 1.1 THE URBAN APPEAL AND THE RURAL DEPOPULATION Superman lives in a metropolis. Batman lives in Gotham City. Godzilla attacks Tokyo. Big cities symbolize our desire for superlatives. Big cities have become a cult. Our perception of cities and urban life is fueled by myths and fairy tales. By ignoring facts and reality we hang on to an illusion that hurts us on all levels. Let us explain the first big con then show ways to counter it. The irony of large cities is most evident when you are in an airplane flying over a major metropolitan area at night. Fly over Chicago, Denver, San Francisco and other urban hubs and you’ll find thousands of lights smashed together and surrounded by darkness. Cities are nothing more than people deciding to cram themselves within the bounds of an invisible line, living, breathing, sleeping, and working practically on top of each other, while acres of space lie just outside. Young people, especially talented ones, leave rural homes as fast as possible with the hope and ambition of cutting their teeth in cool cities. If they returned after a few years all would be great. But, they don’t, and rural areas endure a terrible loss. If these bright, young ones would find happiness in LA, NYC, SFC, Miami or CHI, well, then great for them. But, that does not happen either. After several years of frugality and frustration in first tier cities they retreat to second or third tier cities, where they actually can make a decent living and have some sort of quality of life. Is it any surprise suicide and depression rates are through the roof in big cities? People, misinformed and not meant for city life, end up in city life. Despite the shortcomings of urban life, movies and TV shows still glorify the five big cities. Portland, Seattle, Houston, and Denver have also slowly gained recognition thanks to TV shows and media. As long as the media continues to build a fairy tale narrative where big cities are the places to unabashedly realize yourself and your dreams the rural exodus will continue. Society will sink deeper into unhappiness, which sounds harmless, but translates into frustration, depression, addiction, and suicide. These byproducts of city life have terrible economic consequences that compound and accelerate over time. Today, people are far more likely to “make it” in niche markets, and that requires cheap and ample space. Many online celebrities and entrepreneurs have bought ranches and vast slabs of land where they produce blogs and podcasts. They see something that isn’t depicted in the media, mainly that the pollution, crime, traffic, logistical challenges and crowding might not be worth the politics and culture of big cities. 1.2 URBAN LEFT VS COUNTRY RIGHT One reason young people leave rural areas is politics, or what is perceived as the political situation. Throughout all of history the current generation bucks the system their parents embrace. Just like the hippy generation rebelled against their parents, so do the youth of today. “Progressive” and “woke” are the new identifiers, and they are propagated by academia, which in turn is in or near big cities. Speaking of academia, another reason people leave rural areas. How much is a graduate degree worth today? How readily do graduates find jobs after training in their specific fields? How high is the entry salary for graduates? We have some of the most educated entry level job holders around, with master and PHD program graduates working at jobs that require bachelor degree, or less, qualifications. Technology has also ensured that one’s formal education level is no longer a barometer for the level of success, as measured by society’s traditional standards, that you will reach. There are teenagers making millions of dollars online by doing stunts, wearing bikinis, painting, playing instruments, and giving “life” hacks. So, who is the beneficiary of all this academia? Certainly neither students nor the economy, and there is a strong case to be made that with our snaps, tweets, tik toks, and posts we aren’t any more intellectual as a society today than we were a few decades ago. Broke graduates with near zero chances of making a living, in deep, unforgivable debt, rely on parents and grandparents to help them out with rent in overpriced cities, where they work at jobs to scrape by, in industries being overtaken by automation and algorithms. But who can blame the youth? Aren't all countryside folks racists and rednecks? If we still haven’t hammered in yet how cliche and inaccurate such a view is, consider this. In their haste attempt to escape the unfairly perpetuated stigmas placed on rural folks, maybe those rushing to cities for opportunity and education have miscalculated the value of such things. In doing so, aren’t they just as close minded and ignorant as the ones they attack? How necessary is, and what is the return on investment for, expensive post-secondary education in urban settings? If our current situation has taught us anything in the education world, it’s that learning, even at graduate levels, can occur from a laptop screen and a zoom class, and this transformation of education to a virtual setting further questions the high costs of education. We need to reconsider educational alternatives, and help young people understand that college isn’t a one size fits all. There are more paths to success, and other options out there, many of which exist in rural settings. When you think about it, subjects like biology, science, and most of the arts need not be taught in urban area colleges. IT, architecture and sports can also be added to that list, which seems to grow longer and longer the more we think about it. 1.3 URBAN INTELLECTUALS VS COUNTRYSIDE YOKELS Cities charm us with a vast array of cultural offerings from theaters to museums, opera and concerts, clubs and art house cinemas. Cities attract the performing arts through sheer volume. Entertainment must make a living, and in a city of 5 million inhabitants you have a better chance of finding 1,500 people to see your play 3 times a week than in smaller locations. Cities also have a higher concentration of wealth, so those looking for entertainment can afford it. This is a large difference from the countryside, where the numbers of inhabitants and their spending power are typically lower. This means you shouldn’t build an opera house in a rural setting just yet, as it may not work too well. Well, most opera houses are in metropolitan areas anyway, but you do find exceptions like Bayreuth with its highly successful Wagner festival. If the concept is executed well culture can go to the countryside, after all. But, let’s not give up on culture in rural areas so fast. Generally speaking, the production of art and tech need space, and both of those creative endeavors have culture, a lot of it. From Richard Serra to Enzo Ferrari, great minds go rural, and they bring their culture with them, which shapes the rural areas they escape to. Few artists and developers stay in cities, as the environment is not conducive to their needs. Cities are for real estate and finance industries, for investors and venture capitalists, those that need to haggle with big banks and corporations, strike deals over $14 cocktails, and stay better connected to the business world. Let’s be honest anyway, how often do you go to the theater? Do you have season tickets to the opera? When was the last time you went to a museum? Do you go to every basketball game, or are you more likely to watch it from home? Are you really spending your time absorbing all the intellectual and entertainment culture a city has to offer, or are you enjoying the culture of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants? The urban dream has a lot working against it because few can afford city expenses while also battling inflation and job displacement. Many ultimately find themselves dissatisfied, unhappy, and blaming those around them. The answer is not a violent riot or revolt but a simple move: GO RURAL! Be creative, go rural, and find a far better work environment and quality of life, and just as many opportunities for culture. 2 BRIDGING THE GAP LET CREATIVITY LEAD THE WAY As technology continues pervading more and more aspects of business and our daily lives, we need to help people understand that living in cities will continue to grow in to a liability. Entrepreneurship has always been more challenging in heavily urbanized areas due to the cost of entry, space, and competition. City life is more suitable for employees than entrepreneurs. Jobs and pay will continue decreasing, as specialized machines and technology take over more and more job processes. The choice between a low paid, highly competitive job, and entrepreneurship will continue rising, although few avenues in large cities for self employment will exist. Individuals will find themselves trapped by the cities they were swayed into loving. We must help people understand the growing perils of city life, especially the ambitious and talented youth. The pursuit of happiness can be facilitated by, or might even require in the not to distant future, leaving the city traps behind and seizing opportunities that only rural areas offer. Rural environments, as compared to large cities, have: - Lower risk of infection and sickness (COVID is a prime example) - Less risk of unemployment through AI and automation advancements - Better chances of entrepreneurial success thanks to IT and internet advancements 10 years ago our argument to go rural already made sense for those who needed space to produce. This was mostly artists (painters and sculptors first and foremost), but also: - engineers, - architects (who build and test structures and objects), - alternative and independent car makers (not too long ago TESLA was among them), - inventors, - researchers, and - scientists Those are only the most obvious. Today, the argument of leaving the city with all of its obstacles and problems, its dangers and hindrances, is valid for many more. Two huge groups join the ranks of city evaders: - those who wish to live healthy - those who work intensely with or from computers The first group is rather obvious, the second not so much, at least not right away. Laptops and notebooks are small and easy to handle, and very unproblematic in urban environment with its lack of space. However, serious computer equipment, as architects, graphic designers, or 3D designers use, are spacious and expensive. You have to answer two questions for yourself then: 1. Would you rather invest in rent or the tools you need to make your living? 2. Even if you can afford both, do you want to work in a crammed and noisy environment and spend time in traffic on the way to work and back? In 3D rendering your equipment can grow to a significant size, which is easily underestimated. 3D rendering for movies requires a chain array of computers and servers from the size of a car up to a big bus. For those that have the resources to purchase such equipment, we can assume they perceive their time as valuable. When ones time is valuable and requires huge amounts of computer work cities become inefficient due to crowding and congestion. Going to and from the office is slow, so too is getting around to all those in person meetings. But, COVID has shown us that the world continues on. We find ways to move forward, and in this instance we’ve adapted to meeting in ways that don’t require face to face contact. This adaption renders one of the biggest arguments for moving to a city, mainly meeting important people and partners, void. What creative isn't working with rather large equipment? What rural area doesn't have internet? COVID has provided rural areas with an unprecedented chance, and we apologize for sounding tactless. The truth is, we, Rippledip LLC, are advocating that businesses go both online and to rural areas for a long time. COVID has simply opened eyes to new ways of doing things, which render large city offices and work environments obsolete. Large companies are already cancelling leases and shutting down offices in large cities around the US. Business models and operations have jarringly shifted, and will not return to what we had once considered normal. We have entered a new world, and in doing so many of our idiosyncrasies have been exposed, such as urban environments serving as inspirational, hip, exciting, must-be places for artists and entrepreneurs offering limitless potential and the American Dream- start with nothing and build something great. Just look at all the skyscrapers as evidence of how high you can rise. These plots lines were great story bits by the media, by Hollywood, by celebrities of a bygone era, and do not remain relevant for the majority of people today. Today, neither LA nor NYC really mean much anymore. Palo Alto and Silicon Valley represent the real America today. Wall street is still powerful, but has nothing to do with the working, or producing America. If anything, wall street is the opponent of modern day, producing America. If cities are perpetuating a dead story line about their ability to help people succeed and make it big, about the excitement and adventure, the culture and sophistication how do we help people understand that these things also exist in rural areas, and, in some instances, in great capacities? People are attached to the ideal of city life, and emotions are a very difficult thing to sway. We’ve got to help people fall out of love with cities, and in love with rural life. This is no easy task. 2.1 MARKETING: COUNTER TRENDS At the risk of sounding cynical, we’d like to suggest that people don't dream their own dreams. We dream the dreams implemented by others. Now, bear with us here, as we are not talking about a sinister invasion from outer space, or evil overlords. We are referring to television, movies, magazines, shows, games, advertisements, billboards, and posters. There is no big bad genius behind all of this, and no master plan. Instead, it is capitalism, the free world, market economy...call it whatever you may. We don't strive to achieve things we invent. We work hard to get things we see via role models. In 1931 James Truslow Adams published “The Epic of America,” which solidified the concept of The American Dream. His book was a comprehensive American narrative, and he envisioned the dream as a land that allowed a richer, fuller, more complete life for everyone. It was not a dream of high wages and “motor cars,” but an opportunity for men and women to achieve according to their capacities. Well, it wasn’t long before businesses saw a clever way of marketing the opportunity for achievement as the opportunity to achieve things. They went to work selling us a thousand varieties of The American Dream through movies and advertisements. The chance to live a rich and unforgettable life was replaced by being rich and unforgettable in life. When Tom Cruise portrayed Maverick the Air Force got a huge image boost and many young men wanted to become fighter pilots. When Tom Selleck became Magnum Hawaii became a dream location once again, Ferraris iconic and countless men tried sporting a mustache. Who did not think of New York as the center of the universe after watching “Wall Street” in 1985? On the other hand, we look down on small town folks (which is funny because most of us are born in small towns) for how they are depicted in movies and reality TV. Talk about an easy target. But, which hero lives in the countryside? Today, that is. Look back a few decades and most heroes did live in the countryside, John Wayne & Co. for example. And as a matter of fact, thanks to the Western genre, Texans struggle less with the country bum image than other areas. We need heroes, cool guys and gals, strong and smart men and women, role models that solve crime, do the impossible, and reach the amazing then look out upon beautiful landscapes from their ranches, farms, countryside lofts and rural estates, not walk filthy streets with trash on the sidewalks and bumper to bumper traffic. Magnum PI shoots the breeze on beautiful beaches, goes for a swim or takes the canoe for a spin, and nobody thinks “what a yokel.” People follow idols, idols create images and define what is cool and desirable. The TV series “Miami Vice” made Miami cool. Miami Vice “revived” Miami. Today Miami is a hot spot for the rich and famous, but it really wasn't so before Don Johnson and Phillip Michael Thomas1: “It showed Miami as the capital of cool. It oozed glitz and glamour. Fast boats and flashy cars… Miami Vice had it all. Too bad the city itself back then (in the ’80s) had a murder rate more than quadruple the national average. Tourism revenue was at rock bottom… But when Miami Vice was canceled, a funny thing happened to the real Miami: It started to look more and more like the TV show.” And with “Miami Vice” we have an interesting segway into the next chapter... 1 https://therake.com/stories/icons/the-miami-vice-effect/ 2.2 MARKETING: CREATIVE & SOFT INDUSTRIES “The mayor of Miami Beach compared the economic impact of Art Basel to hosting the Super Bowl each year. It brings hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy2.” When we think of art, we think of cliches such as long haired, bearded bohemians obsessed with women and red wine. We are not thinking of museums, fairs and festivals. We do not think of the art market or those that dabble in it. That is a mistake. Because for one, very few painters have long hair and only some sport beards. Although there may be some truth to the women and wine part of the stereotype, the far more important issue is understanding why artists matter to society and why art is important to cities and communities. HNWI, high net worth individuals, spend enormous amounts of money on art, sometimes seemingly arbitrarily or downright frivolously high amounts. But no, there is pure calculation behind such spending. Money is not a good investment. As a form of currency, which can (meaning does constantly) devalue, the return is low. Of the many things you can invest in, art is a solid investment3. Art strength as a commodity makes it investment worthy4. Art is a collectible like rare old watches, special cars, and coins but better, since for 4000+ years art hasn’t gone out of style. Every culture, every epoch, every dynasty and every empire loves, or simply invests in art. From that perspective it is not hard to see why the rich and ultra rich are keen on keeping the art market going, and for that they need museums, fairs, festivals, auction houses and galleries. There is a lot of money in the periphery, just like in popular sports, where clubs invest in gifted players, great arenas, light shows, merchandise and paid TV. What does that have to do with rural areas, you may ask, and quite rightfully. Rural areas are in no position to build a Guggenheim museum (that was an enormous spark to Bilbao's economy) or have an Art Basel, which benefited both Hong Kong and Miami in countless ways and spurred an economic uplift that baffled experts. Art benefits cities through culture, quality of life, entertainment, income, and jobs, but can art benefit rural areas too? Yes, very much so, actually! Artists need places to live, work, and produce. And artists have a tendency to attract colleagues, collectors and patrons to their residences. Artists 2 https://insights.som.yale.edu/insights/the-art-world-in-the-age-of-covid 3 https://www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/08/fine-art.asp 4 https://www.thebalance.com/does-investing-in-art-make-financial-sense-4158889 are often like scouts, and in their discovery and exploration of places 5 they serve as a first wave of talent to an area. Where they settle more investment is bound to come 6. Nowadays, the big and important art festivals tend to be on the outskirts of big cities, which makes sense, since buyers come by airplane. But there still are events of international importance that were founded in rural areas and, despite the missing infrastructure, have kept their status. Maybe nearby airports aren't too far away, for starters, and also because if something really works you are willing to travel a bit further and embrace the “adventure.” With the right idea, the right niche, rural areas still stand a good chance when it comes to successfully starting a festival of the cultural sort. The trip there may be a bit longer but then at the premises you can score big points by having a unique environment that large cities cannot offer. Besides art and art fairs there are other arts and festivals that should be seen and considered. Movie festivals. Animation festivals. Video games events and fairs. 3D rendering is an industry of enormous growth and offers great opportunities to smart and fast communities. All you need is space and internet, and well, event coordinators with imagination, skill and experience doesn’t hurt either. 5 https://mellon.org/shared-experiences-blog/demonstrating-social-impact-arts/ 6 https://www.americansforthearts.org/2019/05/15/americans-speak-out-about-the-arts-in- 2018-an-in-depth-look-at-perceptions-and-attitudes-about-the 3 MISSION MOMENTUM In conclusion, let us point out that MOMENTUM is a fluid concept, highly flexible and adaptable with time, place and people. Just like in the before mentioned “Art of War” MOMENTUM looks at terrain, climate, obstacles and possibilities of all sorts. Mentality, language, customs, nature, land, water, farming, fishing, wood, live stock...every place is different, and offers specific opportunities and chances. Most of the time, if not always, it is crucial to understand the potential that creatives have and how to implement a plan that connects with the right talent in the right way. “The people make the place” is therefore an aspect that holds true in many ways, and sometimes you need to add just a few individuals to the mix for great things to happen. Unfortunately, the list of successful revivals is not a long one, while the list of failed attempts seems endless. The reasons for failure are always the same though- miscommunication and shortsightedness. You may think that's a harsh judgment, and it admittedly is. The bitter truth is that shortsightedness virtually always means: 1 – thinking tourism can save the day 2 – betting on tourism alone 3 – letting big businesses run the show, ransack funding, grab benefits and take a hike as soon as no more subsidies or tax cuts exist To successfully revive or establish a community the value of creativity must be leveraged on all levels: - be creative or hire creatives - work with creatives for solutions - open to unusual ideas and projects, because those are affordable and work - don't copy others, but learn from others and let learning influence your way - don't offer yourself to the sharks, and stay clear of big businesses. Big business has NOT ONE TIME EVER revived or established a prosperous community. They can't, and it is against their nature. Their DNA is set on profit, which comes off as abuse and exploitation to many small towns and locals. So far that sounds somewhat abstract. Let's put it more concretely, with the example of MOMENTUM2R: The location is at a gorgeous lake, and the place is not far from two major cities, that are easily reached by car. Therefore, that place is ideal to establish: 1. an economic impulse by attracting creative talent 2. helping existing local businesses go online and widen their sales radius 3. help form new local businesses 4. connect local talent with demand from nearby cities Here we are referring to growing the existing local egaming culture, and connecting it to arts, IT, 3D rendering and animation, video game development and testing. In the next step we attract architecture, grow local construction, local timber, local organic farming and fishing. After that an automatic, non-subsidized tourism will establish itself and give a strong push for local hospitality businesses. Before you reject MOMENTUM's solutions as outlandish and unrealistic consider that MOMENTUM is based on facts, and facts only. MOMENTUM is not a theory but exactly how Louis XIV turned a corrupt, impoverished France in to an economic powerhouse. He left Paris and moved the court to Versailles (countryside). He brought in artists and designers who in turn established France as the most advanced and sophisticated country in Europe, intelligently stealing that crown away from Italy. Targeting creatives to build a trend back towards the rural works only in the past, you say? Well, just recently Beijing did the same thing in China. In 2006 Beijing baffled the world by sporting an amazing art project called 978 Art Park. An abandoned industrial area outside of Beijing was given to artists, who were given complete artistic freedom (until 2013 anyway, when China decided to go time traveling). Economic success and art go hand in hand, anywhere and anytime. From Egypt to Ancient Greece, from Rome to Byzantium, from the Persians to the Huns, from Madrid to Lisbon, from London to New York, from Tokyo to Shanghai. In every single one of these situations, when you look closer, you'll find artists and creatives looking for SPACE and moving away from city centers. With them the money follows. Much is done by creating a nice downtown where visitors can enjoy a pleasant walk, shop, discover local foods and specialties. But, that alone is not sustainable. You need more than 3 cafes and a food truck festival to jumpstart an economy and save people from bankruptcy. You need ideas, artists, creatives, an open mind and you must be careful, alert, and persistent in your approach even when things start going well.
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