George M. Okantey of Purdue University Extension on the WealthWorks Training

I think the most powerful statement is this-- a new way of doing economic development that connects a community's assets to market demand, for lasting livelihoods. The WealthWorks approach brought three things into better focus for me. My work with “Strategic Doing” that focus on new ways of using intentional networks to think, behave and do economic and regional development differently. Second, my understanding of the ABCD and asset mapping and Cornelia’s 7 capitals has been helpful. The difference and focus that WealthWorks brings is the use of the capitals concept to create market demand and thereby foster sustainable prosperity. Since the course I have found myself focusing more on value and value chains not assets and I have shared the approach with a few of my colleagues. I intend to offer a couple of workshops to introduce this concept and begin to assemble and coach a coordinator team.

George M. Okantey, Economic and Community Development Educator
Purdue University Extension

Note: George M. Okantey is a participant in the second WealthWorks Training session, which runs April 2014 to February 2015. We're delighted to share the perspectives and experiences of our colleagues and partners participating in WealthWorks Trainings. You can read more about the trainings at our WealthWorks page.