Experts discuss the steps needed to grow the local economy

Local efforts to build the local economy were the focus of a panel discussion Saturday at the Oneota Film Festival, held following the screening of the documentary "What's the Economy For, anyway?"

Fairfield, Iowa entrepreneur Burt Chojnowski said the secret to building a strong local economy is building a strong local entrepreneurial class, one that creates new businesses and is self-reliant. "The companies that last are locally owned," said Chojnowski.

NICC economic development vice president Wendy Mihm-Herold agreed that "what has grown Iowa is small businesses." She said human capital and strong local leadership are needed to grow a local economy.

Writer Robert Wolf suggested a different course. He believes the current economy "is too corrupt to stand much longer" and recommends that people become self-reliant.

Filmmaker John de Graaf, who produced "What's the Economy For, Anyway?," said the public needs to get away from the idea that the economy is just the markets and focus on building community and reducing the number of hours people spend at work.

Filmmaker John de Graaf