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Community Capitalism: Lessons from Kalamazoo and Beyond
Community Capitalism is a fascinating book about how Kalamazoo, Michigan has leveraged community resources and spirit to revitalize its economy in the face of the massive forces of globalization. Weaving in compelling stories from around the world, the book outlines a revolutionary new economic development strategy that leaders of all stripes can embrace to re-imagine a better future for their communities and organizations.
- GenresNonfiction
111 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
22 people want to read
About the author
Ron Kitchens
5 books3 followersRon’s focus is to lift up leaders by accelerating their impact, influence and well-being in career, family and community.
Ron is the senior partner and chief executive officer of Southwest Michigan First, an economic consulting firm, which has grown compounded revenue at 20% annually during his 14 years as chief executive officer. In addition, Ron leads Consultant Connect and is the publisher of 269 MAGAZINE, a board member of Impact Athletic, the past chair of the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and a Trustee of Western Michigan University.
Ron is the founder of the leadership conference Catalyst University and the co-founder of NEXT, an invitation-only leadership symposium for global economic development leaders. He previously served on the staff of U.S Senator John Danforth, and he was an elected Alderman at age 21.
Ron and his teams have been extensively featured in over 100 national and international media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, CBS, NBC, Fox, USA Today, Forbes, Fortune, The Economist and National Public Radio.
In 2018, Southwest Michigan First has been recognized by Best and Brightest Companies to Work For and Outside Magazine as the best place to work in America.
Ron is author/co-author of three books, including the bestseller Community Capitalism and speaks globally on leadership, creating thriving, engaged, multi-generational teams and entrepreneurial cultures, and his new book Uniquely You will be released in 2019. He blogs and podcasts at ronkitchens.com and can be found on Twitter @ronkitchens.
Ron is the senior partner and chief executive officer of Southwest Michigan First, an economic consulting firm, which has grown compounded revenue at 20% annually during his 14 years as chief executive officer. In addition, Ron leads Consultant Connect and is the publisher of 269 MAGAZINE, a board member of Impact Athletic, the past chair of the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and a Trustee of Western Michigan University.
Ron is the founder of the leadership conference Catalyst University and the co-founder of NEXT, an invitation-only leadership symposium for global economic development leaders. He previously served on the staff of U.S Senator John Danforth, and he was an elected Alderman at age 21.
Ron and his teams have been extensively featured in over 100 national and international media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, CBS, NBC, Fox, USA Today, Forbes, Fortune, The Economist and National Public Radio.
In 2018, Southwest Michigan First has been recognized by Best and Brightest Companies to Work For and Outside Magazine as the best place to work in America.
Ron is author/co-author of three books, including the bestseller Community Capitalism and speaks globally on leadership, creating thriving, engaged, multi-generational teams and entrepreneurial cultures, and his new book Uniquely You will be released in 2019. He blogs and podcasts at ronkitchens.com and can be found on Twitter @ronkitchens.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 4, 2009
Boy, I wanted to like this book! It's themes are central to what I believe are needed for our communities, yet this book fails to catalyze the opportunity. It is hard to see the authors' examples as more than a string of activities and programs. No real clear outcomes -- "here is where we were ... here is where we are now." There are numerous examples of "things to do," but have they been transformative? Not published in the book but available off of state tallies: the number of jobs in Kalamazoo has dropped by 5% and unemployment numbers have nearly doubled in August 2009 to August 2008 comparisons.
The authors could have made the claim that the results would have been much worst without their "community capitalism" but by failing to give data and rigor to whatever their reality is, that argument seems moot.
The lead author, economic developer Ron Kitchens has been proselytizing throughout the country on one key element of their community capitalism: the "Kalamazoo Promise" scholarship program. Here too data is scarce. The price tag is interesting: $2-3 million in the first year raising to $10-12 million ANNUALLY once four years of students are up and running. Though there is no reported tracking in the book, many communities have found that getting kids to college -- especially 1st generation -- is significantly less difficult than getting them to their degree. In fact, many communities have found this outcome more impactful and perhaps a better use of resources.
In short, love the title -- regret that the book did not live up to it.
The authors could have made the claim that the results would have been much worst without their "community capitalism" but by failing to give data and rigor to whatever their reality is, that argument seems moot.
The lead author, economic developer Ron Kitchens has been proselytizing throughout the country on one key element of their community capitalism: the "Kalamazoo Promise" scholarship program. Here too data is scarce. The price tag is interesting: $2-3 million in the first year raising to $10-12 million ANNUALLY once four years of students are up and running. Though there is no reported tracking in the book, many communities have found that getting kids to college -- especially 1st generation -- is significantly less difficult than getting them to their degree. In fact, many communities have found this outcome more impactful and perhaps a better use of resources.
In short, love the title -- regret that the book did not live up to it.
April 19, 2017
I had high expectations for this book as a new resident to the Western Michigan area, but I found the writing style to be distracting. Most of the inspirational asides within the book were fine, but placed in a way that disrupted the flow of the main chapters, these may have been better placed at the beginning and end of the chapters.
Nonetheless, I still like the Ron Kitchens podcasts.
Nonetheless, I still like the Ron Kitchens podcasts.
July 11, 2010
Good history of Kalamazoo area businesses.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews