What kind of companies should Erie rely on to carry its economy into the future?

In a recent post, I suggested we need to think about Erie as something more than a manufacturing center. We need to think about manufacturing as simply one part of a more complex economy.

I've been reminded of that fact repeatedly in recent weeks, as I've had the opportunity to attend the Small Business Administration's awards luncheon in Pittsburgh and Thursday's Gannon Small Business Development Center's annual luncheon at the Ambassador Conference Center.

Both of these events showcased some of the region's best and brightest small businesses -- and offered a glimpse at the kind of companies that we need to nurture and support if Erie is to grow.

Manufacturing companies -- most notably Excalibur Machine Co. Inc. in Conneaut Lake -- were among the local companies that drew raves at the events. But they shared the dias with high-tech consulting firms, retail businesses and high-end service firms.

Many of the most successful new companies are those who are taking a fresh approach to our region's traditional industries. Warren's Stone Consulting & Design Inc., for instance, has become a nationally known consulting firm for companies that want to develop historic railroad and trolley lines. Process and Data Automation of Erie has grown its young business by crafting software platforms for manufacturing companies.

Both of these businesses are growing quickly and adding creative, well-paying jobs. Both of these businesses speak to what Erie needs to become -- a place where technology and brainpower drive innovation and growth.

Manufacturing will -- and should -- still have a place at the head table. And it will still have its share of success stories.

One need only look at Excalibur. Owner Eric Hoover was recently named the SBA's 2006 National Small Business Person of the Year -- an honor that I don't think has been fully celebrated locally. He was deemed the nation's best small businessperson.

Think about that for a second.

Our region is home to the region's best small business person.

In short order, he has grown a manufacturing business that employs more than 100, covers more than 67,000 square feet and has spun off three additional businesses that are adding jobs in what has been a struggling community.

Hoover offers our region hope. We can still innovate. We can still grow. We can still be the yardstick against which others are measured.

But he cannot do it alone. And it cannot be done using the same old mindset.