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Adams and Reese Government Affairs Advisor Laura DiBella was published in a newsletter by the Harvard Kennedy School Taubman Center for State and Local Government. DiBella authored “Part-Time Economic Developer and Conductor – How Growing an Economy Can Resemble Leading an Orchestra.”
DiBella’s article was a follow up to her serving as a guest speaker at the Taubman Center for State and Local Government’s Economic Development Seminar.
“A good metaphor for economic development is one of a symphony, a harmonious blend of disciplines that needs to be led by a dialed in, professional leader – a ‘conductor’ if you will,” writes DiBella. “No matter the position, be it local, state, or national in nature, it is an exceptionally dynamic job that over the years has developed into something much broader, involving the synthesizing and integration of the interpretations of all verticals and supporting programs that support the economy into a bigger picture.”
DiBella added: “Getting everyone to agree on that interpretation and its implementation is where it becomes a bit tricky, and incentives are often the lightning rod involved in the discussions. That is where a conductor in the form of an economic developer comes in. You see, it’s not just about the creation of jobs, it’s about how they contribute to and add to the fabric of a community and develop it to shape the overall ecosystem, a skill which involves psychology, emotional intelligence, knowledge of history, and a sensitivity to everything that makes us human.”
DiBella has more than 25 years of experience in economic development and government relations strategy, lobbying for clients at the legislative and executive branches with knowledge of state and local government processes, and assisting them in site selection, recruitment, and retention project assistance. She works with domestic and international businesses looking to maximize their investment opportunities.
Before Adams and Reese, DiBella was Florida’s first female Secretary of Commerce, the former Florida Commerce President of Business Development and Enterprise Florida President/CEO, a certified maritime port executive, the former Florida Harbor Pilots Association Executive Director, and Fernandina Ocean Highway and Port Authority Port Director.