Now that the city of Marshall has cut its economic development position it must talk with Lyon County about a shared economic development position. It must not only do that but it must also bring in business leaders from Marshall and surrounding cities to talk about a strategic economic plan and vision for Lyon County and the region of southwest Minnesota.

The county does not have an economic development director, and now, neither does Marshall. There is no better time to discuss how the county, Marshall and cities can better cooperate to retain existing businesses, encourage existing businesses to expand and attract new businesses in the county. It's also a good time to discuss how to retain and attract talent, i.e. a workforce that is needed now and in the future.

This does not mean economic development authorities or directors in cities such as Tracy or Balaton must be not be abandoned or dismantled but rather, they must be players at the discussion table.

Behind the scenes and in the public, representatives from the county, the city of Marshall and other cities have cooperated to help with business retention and expansion in the county.

But what seems to be lacking is a clear strategic vision and plan to move the county as whole forward as the regional leader we often say it is.

There is room for individual cities to work on economic projects whether it's specific business need or residential housing need but there is more room and need for a strategy and vision to truly make the county and its cities a regional leader.

The truth is, Marshall isn't really competing with business and industry in Tracy, Cottonwood or even Canby. It's not even competing with eastern South Dakota as much as we once were.

Lyon County and southwest Minnesota are competing with jobs and even retailers from around the world.

This is the best time to talk about how the largest city in southwest Minnesota and the largest county in southwest Minnesota can cooperate to make sure the region is a viable economic player well into the future.

And the talk should lead to a strategy and a plan.