Development is Still a Priority

A recent edition of China Daily included an article and an editorial, both in praise of former Chinese paramount leader Deng Xiaoping, that captured my attention. The first article, “Entrepreneurs benefit from legacy of Deng” discusses Deng’s “reform and opening-up” of the Chinese economy in the ’70s and ’80s. The first sentence sums up the pre-Deng environment – “In 1963, businessman Nian Qiang’s father was caught selling fish on the streets and sentenced to a year’s imprisonment for ‘speculation.’”

The editorial served as an even more poignant reminder. The headline, “Development is still priority,” is not one that you would often see in a U.S. publication. Of course development is a priority. When it ceases to be a priority and when communities and people cease to pull together in order to grow their economy and improve their standard of living, they move backward – and backward is almost always dangerous.

This week let’s commit ourselves to forward movement, and the development of more prosperous and inclusive communities. With so many places across the world moving in reverse, let’s remember that development is still a priority in the United States of America – the greatest country in the world.

–Kenny McDonald

One Columbus Update

• This week, the One Columbus team will attend COTA’s 2014 Luncheon Meeting. Click here to learn more and register for the event, which will include a keynote address by Therese W. McMillan, acting administrator of the Federal Transit Administration.
• The Ohio State University will hold its Columbus Welcome Event today. The 7,000 first year students will experience a high energy, multi-media production featuring key community leaders, alumni and current students who will encourage students to take advantage of the opportunities beyond campus.