Bruce W. Kendall

Bruce is the president of the Tacoma Development Board. What really sparked my interest was the fact that the Economic Development Board was a non-profit organization and only had 6 people in it. I really wanted to know how the board came to be and how it was given the authority to make deals with corporations. Does the government give them that power? If so, what is the extent in which they can negotiate?

His discussion and study about primary and secondary jobs was very interesting in the terms of their effect on the local economy. A primary job was defined as making products or service and selling to outside market. With primary jobs the circulation of money in a city increases. Knowing this was very helpful in understanding why cities spend so much effort attracting large businesses to the city.

Though there is lots of time spent on attracting established large firms, I see a sort of bias against small businesses and entrepreneurs. I think more time and effort should be made in the locals of Tacoma. Having the backing of the government and all the incentives will help many small businesses flourish.