Chicken Little Was An Economist

As the economic maelstrom continues to spread doom and gloom, a surfeit of articles highlighting the power of innovation during tough times are pouring in. Reminding us that both Apple and Microsoft were formed during the recession in the 1970s is both hyperbolic and a bit misleading. Our current situation is infinitely more complex than the economic troubles of the disco days of before.

Clay Shirky, the author of Here Comes Everybody sums it up:

“The auto industry and the print industry have essentially the same problem…the older customers like the older products and the new customers like the new ones.”

The current economic downturn coincides with a tectonic shift in technology and demographics. NY Times columnist David Carr addressed this issue last week and he doesn’t paint a pretty picture.

We are standing on a precarious threshold right now and it is imperative that we split our vision. We should understand the past, who supports us and who champions our mission, while laying the foundation for a new baseline that is flexible and sustainable for years to come.

I’m happy to report that third parties are beginning to recognize our efforts. A recent post on MyJewishLearing.com describing the festivities at our 120th Gala event attests that we’re practicing what we preach.

Buckle up and enjoy the ride~