Since Steve Jobs and Michael Dell’s initial offerings, the New Economy has made its way to the forefront of our nation’s financial focus, and has become the key topic of interest to the many metro’s absorbed in an evolutionary struggle to stay in the game.

The rapid pace of change inherent in a globally focused marketplace demands expeditious results, however, organizational and cultural change—the integration of a multi-generational span of progress—requires creative, yet pragmatic, leadership. The commitment to change at a most fundamental level is an important prerequisite for any city seeking to author its own future.

Metros with high concentrations of knowledge workers have a myriad of interactive opportunities within the professional and academic communities—these multi-stranded networks span university rich programs which draw professionals on a regular basis, “think tanks” which allow knowledge workers to share experience and information on an informal and regular basis, routine executive forums which offer, again, a vital network for professional colleagues, and mentoring programs which allow seasoned executives to support the upward mobility of the next generation. All provide a catalyst for developing deep and rich social capital that supports the intellectual, professional, and relationship needs inherent in the new economy workforce.

IEM helps communities shape a platform for economic diversification, primarily with a shift in industry focus and the acquisition and development of key talent to support this outcome. With years of experience leading both business and non-business professionals to improved operating practices and bottom line performance, IEM works with organizations and agencies to improve financial, market and leadership performance, and lead large scale projects to promote overall economic improvement and viability. This has translated directly into working with cities seeking to reinvent themselves through economic diversity.The Talent Acquisition Plan™ (TAP) was developed by IEM to help metropolitan communities build an adaptive culture that attracts and retains top talent.

Further, IEM created the Executive Human Resource Forum, a think tank for senior human resource professionals to discuss ideas for developing and implementing organizational strategies that mesh with bottom line corporate goals and objectives.EHRF has proven to be extremely fruitful and has created ‘social capital’ among peers, strengthening the executive community and enhancing human resource leadership across the country.