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Teach Oregonians how the profit motive makes us all better off

Fred Meyer’s big idea (his retail stores) made Oregon consumers better off, and generated profits for himself, which he then donated to help future generations through MMT. MMT should encourage future Fred Meyers by using its $1 million to teach Oregonians the value of the profit motive and how it makes both sides of economic transactions better off. This could take the form of finding the best curricula on the free enterprise system (or creating such a curricula) and encouraging its adoption in public and private schools throughout the state. Remember, MMT is a non-profit but its funding stems from meeting Oregonians’ needs in a for-profit world. Leverage that concept and you will truly fulfill your mission.

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    Steve BucksteinSteve Buckstein shared this idea  ·   ·  Flag idea as inappropriate…  ·  Admin →

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      • Steve BucksteinSteve Buckstein commented  ·   ·  Flag as inappropriate

        m8and8t , I agree that teaching school kids the value of the profit motive will not necessarily have short-term benefits, but it is very important to do. Finding ways to educate adults on this concept may pay-off quicker, but finding the best ways to do so will be the trick. Also, realize that while only a small percentage of our population may be entrepreneurial enough to become future **** Meyers, all of us are potential customers of those few, and most of us are voters who, through our elected officials, can make it easier or harder for those few to start their businesses and succeed.

        The more that all of us understand that the profit motive benefits everyone, the easier it will be to start new businesses in Oregon, and the easier it will be for existing businesses to stay and prosper.

      • m8and8tm8and8t commented  ·   ·  Flag as inappropriate

        Wow -- the dearth of comments here, esp after the discussion on OPB is amazing. I think this is one of the best ideas in this forum. A drawback seems to me that it would be difficult and/or ineffective to target any specific group besides children in the public education system. In addition to being difficult to inject into the school systems' curricula, it would take too long to have have any result on Oregon's economy. I.e. school kids would take many years before they are starting their own businesses and the most capable would be those that go to college, taking several more years. That doesnt mean we should not do it though, as one of many initiatives. Any ideas on who to target for this and how, besides school kids?

        What about promoting an "entrepreneurial" magnet school in Portland and other localities with magnet programs as well?

      Million Dollar Ideas: Economic Development

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      Guidelines for Posting Ideas

      Oregon was once known as a place where new, creative thinking flourished and people weren’t afraid to face hard truths and take bold steps. But lately Oregon conversations are full of pessimism and cynicism. We all know Oregon is in a world of hurt. We’ve grown accustomed to hearing what’s wrong here.

      Meyer Memorial Trust wants to help change the tone of the conversations and jumpstart action that again makes our state a place where ideas begin and grow. But we need your help. Tell us what you think is the most pressing issue facing Oregon that an investment of up to $1 million from MMT could provide meaningful support and leverage over the next two years. Give us your best ideas about the form that support and leverage might take.

      This is not a time for faint hearted suggestions. We're looking for bold and innovative approaches. And while the nonprofit sector is proving itself to be resilient, innovative and inspired in these times, we need to move beyond categorical thinking and invite all sectors to work together to address the issues we face before it's too late. This is not the place for an organization to make a pitch for funds on its own behalf. We’re looking for ideas that rise above individual organizations and constituencies.

      Asking for public input in this kind of forum is new for us. Frankly, we don’t quite know what to expect. But we have faith that Oregonians will take this process seriously and contribute their best thinking. We believe Oregonians are ready to reengage and stay engaged and work together to find solutions. But awarding the million dollars depends on the quality of ideas—if we don’t have sufficient participation or we don’t find a good match with MMT’s mission and values, we reserve the right to find another route to helping create a better future for Oregon.

      We are confident Oregonians won’t let us down. We expect lively—but civil—discussions. We desire innovative, entrepreneurial ideas…the kind Fred Meyer might have had.

      Thank you for jumpstarting a better future for Oregon by submitting your million dollar idea below and/or commenting on ideas already suggested.