Today, more than 70 years later, our world faces a different kind of enigma, but one that is equally challenging to forecast – a global economic struggle that is dramatically redefining our collective prosperities as countries, as companies, and as citizens. While we cannot predict with certainty when or how we will emerge from the economic malaise, I believe there are several axioms we can employ that will help our nation prepare for better days ahead. • First, talent drives innovation, which then drives economic growth. The single most important economic performance “input” is a smart and talented workforce. • Second, successful “organic gardening” is the most significant contributor to sustained economic growth. Moreover, small businesses have historically been the key drivers of the vast majority of job creation and investment. • Third, the speed of globalization is rapidly forcing the need for specialization and a focus on core regional competitive advantages