COMPETITION AND COOPERATION IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: EXAMINING THE PERCEPTIONS OF PRACTITIONERS IN ONTARIO,CANADA

This article reports on a study that explored economic development practitioners’ perceptions of competition and cooperation in economic development. The study was conducted against the backdrop of (1) an increasing advocacy by scholars and policymakers for cooperative policy practices in economic development instead of competition and (2) the restrictive institutional environment within which practitioners operate in Ontario. The analysis in the paper is based on in‐depth interviews with eighteen economic development directors from a wide range of communities in the province of Ontario, Canada. Findings indicate that practitioners had a strong positive view of regional approaches in the present global economy. These findings contrast sharply with prior studies suggesting that practitioners are unwilling to cooperate in regional economic development. The study offers several possible reasons for a change in thinking. Practitioners also supported restricting financial incentives to businesses in Ontario, arguing that restrictions provide a more even environment for economic development activities in the province. Interestingly, practitioners’ support appears to contradict doubts about the global competitiveness of Ontario communities in such a restrictive environment. In light of practitioners’ positive cooperative attitudes, study findings suggest areas for policy interventions to enhance practical cooperative policy making.     

Enterobacter sakazakii survives spray drying

Four strains of Enterobacter sakazakii were inoculated into 35% reconstituted skim milk at 10⁷ and 10² cfu/g dry wt. After spray-drying in a Buchi mini spray drier (inlet 160°C and outlet 90°C), the resulting powders were analysed for E. sakazakii by enrichment and enumeration. In all cases, E. sakazakii survived the spray drying process and were detected in the powders with a low inoculum and enumerated in all the powders with the high inoculum for at least 12 weeks. The results emphasize that the controls in place to prevent E. sakazakii from getting to the spray drier are essential.     

Effects of Freezing on Physical Properties and Sensory Characteristics of Meat from Fryer and Senior Rabbits

The effects of age (fryer vs senior) and freezing (fresh vs frozen) on the physical properties and sensory characteristics of loin meat from domestic rabbits were examined using a 2 × 2 factorial experiment. Freezing resulted in a decline in moisture and an increase in protein. Total cooking loss tended to be greater from carcasses which had been frozen. Shear values of fresh meat from fryer carcasses were significantly less than those from senior carcasses. Water-holding capacities exhibited no differences. Taste panelists judged meat from fresh fryer carcasses more tender and juicier than that from senior rabbits. Flavor differences were not detected.     

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND THE INFLUENCE OF NEW FOOD RETAIL SOURCES ON THE PRICE AND AVAILABILITY OF NUTRITIOUS FOOD

Studies have demonstrated links between the accessibility of food and multiple health outcomes. Policymakers engaged in local community development may use public health concerns as a strategy to procure funding for food retail initiatives. Few studies to date have demonstrated the impact that a new food retailer can have on geographic and economic access to nutritious food in a community, evidence which could support the case for new food retail. This paper examines the price and availability of food before and after the opening of two new grocery stores in a former food desert in Flint, Michigan. The results indicate a substantial improvement in both geographic and economic food accessibility, and show no statistical difference between prices at average grocery stores and the new stores. Discussion suggests that investment in poorer neighborhoods can be beneficial to the local population and the community at large by creating a local multiplier effect through increased spending in the community.