Small Business in a Big Government
After working for 10 years in public sector jobs at the federal and local level, I’ve discovered a first here in Loudoun County: I find myself employed in a county department that functions like a small business. It’s quite remarkable.
The Loudoun County Department of Economic Development has quarterly individual performance targets, quantifiable team metrics, and self-proclaimed “sales” people working hard on attracting, retaining and expanding businesses. We talk in terms of “wins” and “clients,” and have top-notch strategic, graphic design and marketing staff. The pace is fast, the department is nimble, and the work demands that we respond to market conditions and economic factors that change daily.
Sounds like a private-sector firm, right? Yes and no. While our business model may resemble the private sector, our mission and core values reflect what is intrinsic to many public sector employees: we are here to build a strong community and help people thrive. We’re not motivated by profit margins, but instead by the amount of new investment companies make in Loudoun, and the number of jobs created or retained.
The objective is that our “business-like” efforts will lead to a prosperous, world-class economy in Loudoun, which is one important leg of the three-legged stool of a sustainable community.