Community Capitalism: Lessons from Kalamazoo and Beyond

by Ron Kitchens

Book Overview

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.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1434381730
• ISBN13: 9781434381736
• Release Date: April 2008
• Publisher: Authorhouse
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Fantastic summary of the magic taking place in Kalamazoo

Ron Kitchens' Community Capitalism ecapsulates the magic that has been taking place in Kalamazoo for years. The book covers all of the major events and turning points that the area has worked through together to become the powerful talent-based community full of innovative, entrepreneurial people and organizations. Community Capitalism presents an exceptional model for individuals, groups and organizations wondering what they can do to make a real difference in their communities. Don't just read this book alone; give copies to the leaders in your community, too, and make sure they read it with you.

The Time is Right for Community Capitalism

People in Kalamazoo are drinking the cool aid. They believe they can make a difference in their part of the world. They are making a difference by thinking big and taking personal responsibility. No white knight. No call for government help. No big study. No wringing hands. Just real people stepping up and taking responsibility. Leadership can make a difference. Community Capitalism by Ron Kitchens is an important reminder of the importance of community leadership. Want to make a difference in your community? Buy a dozen copies of Community Capitalism and start passing them around town. Then, brew the coffee.

Learn What it Takes to Create a Thriving Community

If I didn't already live and work in the Kalamazoo area, I'm pretty sure I'd want to after reading Ron Kitchens' book. Even long-time residents of our community will fall in love with Kalamazoo after reading this inspiring book. Those who don't live here can learn about what it takes to make a flourishing community. Community Capitalism shows us that Kalamazoo is a city with a history of refusing to give in to forces that are negatively affecting communities everywhere. This book explains the elements that have come together to make Kalamazoo a truly remarkable place. Those components have created a "whole" community with foreward momentum and energy to help us grow and evolve far into the future.

An Economic Love Story

Can a book on economic development also be a page-turner full of romance and heroism? Yes, in the case of Ron Kitchens' Community Capitalism. This book describes a new, synergistic approach to economic development, anchored by the success of Kalamazoo, Michigan's refusal to participate in the state and national recession. But it is so much more than that. It is the love story of local business and civic leaders who embrace Ewing Kauffman's assertion that "The best social program in the world is a well-paying job with health care benefits and a retirement program." Their passion for Kalamazoo is the motivating force in a combined effort to look to the future for a new approach to jobs in the region, in a conviction that the talent would come if the community is vibrant and infrastructure is in place (not roads, but wet labs), that availability of capital provides a fertile environment for growth , and that great educational opportunities lift the entire region. Ron Kitchens and Kalamazoo have made bold plans and shown the audacity to move forward when naysayers claimed Michigan's greatness was past. This "how-to" book explains ways to duplicate Kalamazoo's success in other cities and regions. Community Capitalism is an intriguing read, but to a non-economist like me it is a story of hope fulfilled, vision realized, and love of community channeled into effective initiatives that change lives.