Discussion (continued)
The task force believes, based on the results of all its investigations and consideration of current developments, that Estes Park could derive substantial benefits from participation in the evolving economy based on utilization of information technology. If the Town were to attract individuals and small businesses of that type, the resulting year-around economic activity would be a positive complement to the seasonal nature of tourism. As pointed out by Phillip Burgess of the Center for the New West, the typical "Lone Eagle" brings with them revenues of $50,000 to $150,000, and that to attract ten such individuals adds a million dollars to the yearly economy of the area. Such business activity is clean, quiet, and has a small "footprint"; that is, it typically does not require lots of space as compared to manufacturing or retailing.
One thing we noticed was that even though the task force is starting to tell us they are interested in encouraging "Lone Eagles" to the area, we noticed that when the "Lone Eagles" started to integrate themselves into the "pattern" of the Estes Park community; the "pattern" started to change. No surprise to the "Lone Eagle"; the very expression applied to this type of person gives us a clue to their basic nature.
However, changes to the "pattern" of the community can make the long time residents uncomfortable. I suggest that early on we should begin preparing the community to changes in the pattern. One idea would be to communicate a desire to change the existing "pattern" no more than 20%. This design criteria for social re-engineering might help the long time residents be more comfortable with integrating the new members of their community.
We also need to be sensitive to not changing the core 20% of the "pattern"; which the Rademacher 80/20 rule teaches us would in fact change 100% of the "pattern".
"Sensitivity to the needs and desires of each other will determine the success of a social re-engineering effort"
Back to the report, thanks for listening...
Although other communities have taken highly aggressive approaches, involving participative financing by the municipality, the Estes Park task force does not see this as necessary here. Neither does the task force recommend pursuing the placement of the "very latest" in technology and facilities; throughout our investigations it has become obvious that although leading edge technology is exciting to talk about, it is usually well ahead of the actual market demand for its utilization. The task force believes that the proposed technology that will be provided by US West will be quite adequate for the next few years, and that Estes Park should adopt the strategy of being a careful follower with regard to new technologies. Being the technology leader may be glamorous, but it is also expensive and inefficient.
Clearly, an opportunity exists for Estes Park to be a successful participant in the knowledge based economy. The area has all of the characteristics looked for by Lone Eagles, as contained in this list compiled by task force member Rich Widmer:
Same-day delivery of Wall Street Journal, NY Times
Access to good health care, resident physicians
Cable TV, including CNBC, CNN, CSpan
Good bookstore
Good K through 12 education
Good weather
Amenities - scenery, recreation, cultural activities, etc.
Good telecommunications - digital switch
Access to science and technology talent
Access to express mail
Proximity to major airport - 60 to 90 minutes
Proximity to an Interstate Highway
Good Public Library
Small town atmosphere, community feeling
Proximity to public lands
The task force notes that the Estes Park area is highly qualified for selection by "Lone Eagles" in all the above areas of desirability.