In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson interviews Andrew Miller, a multi-faceted leader who serves as CEO of both the United Way of Skagit County and Tupe Valley Farms, as well as commissioner at Skagit PUD. Miller shares his unique journey from working at major tech companies like Amazon and Expedia to returning home to Skagit County as an economic developer, only to eventually become the entrepreneur he had been encouraging others to be. The conversation explores the challenges economic developers face when advocating for entrepreneurship and innovation, the resistance to change in established systems, and Miller's decision to "walk the walk" by purchasing a farm business when others wouldn't take the leap.
Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers
- Look for gaps in existing industries where innovation can create new business models (like adding U-pick to traditional tulip festivals)
- Study successful elements from adjacent industries and adapt them to your community's assets
- Create bridges between urban and rural communities through experiential tourism
- Focus on finding and selling what's remarkable about your community to people willing to pay for it
- Combine unexpected elements (like Scottish Highland cows with tulips) to create unique attractions
- Make agriculture and rural life accessible to urban neighbors who lack farming connections
- Consider compound risks when developing agritourism ventures (weather for growing AND weather for visitors)
- Use personal availability and storytelling to create authentic connections with visitors
- Help passionate people in your community turn their interests into viable businesses
- Remember that credentials matter less than passion and willingness to learn in entrepreneurship
Special Guest: Andrew Miller.
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