Bruce Corrie
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Cultural Destinations
Conference Participation
Examining Inequality through Diverse Lenses
Paper: Cultural Destinations: An Economic Development Strategy Based on Joy
Abstract: Cultural Destinations are places where the cultural assets, creativity, and traditions of people and communities become foundations for entrepreneurship, wealth creation, and stronger community relationships. They offer visitors distinctive and joyful cultural experiences while generating economic opportunities for local businesses, artists, and cultural organizations.
This paper examines Cultural Destinations as a practical community and economic development strategy, particularly in diverse and lower-income communities whose cultural assets are often overlooked or undervalued. Examples include Little Africa, Little Mekong, and Rondo in Saint Paul, Minnesota, as well as the Cultural Destinations Boutique at the Minnesota State Fair.
The author presents the essential elements of the Cultural Destinations model and considers its relevance in communities across the United States and globally. The strategy connects cultural identity, business development, place-making, and community belonging.
This model has been inspired by the global conversation on remedies to racial and ethnic economic inequality organized by the Wilkins Center.
The Cultural Destinations platform, available at www.culturaldestinations.org, connects culturally inspired businesses with people seeking authentic cultural experiences. At its core, Cultural Destinations is an economic development strategy based on joy—the joy of sharing culture, discovering new experiences, building community, and creating wealth.
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Biography: Bruce P. Corrie, Ph.D. is an economist, educator, and a recognized leader in inclusive economic development whose work has shaped public policy, business development, and community prosperity across Minnesota. An Emeritus Professor of Economics at Concordia University–Saint Paul (Ph.D., University of Notre Dame), he also served as Dean of the College of Business, Associate Vice President for Government & Community Relations, and Director of Planning & Economic Development for the City of Saint Paul. His pioneering research has documented the economic contributions of Minnesota's ALANA (African, Latino, Asian, and Native American) communities, helping reframe public policy around opportunity, entrepreneurship, and shared prosperity.
Throughout his career, Bruce has been a trusted bridge-builder, bringing together government, businesses, higher education, philanthropy, and diverse communities to solve complex challenges. His leadership has helped shape state and local policy, strengthen relationships across cultural and political divides, and create partnerships that expand economic opportunity for all Minnesotans. He has advised leaders through service with the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, the U.S. Small Business Administration, gubernatorial initiatives, and numerous statewide and community organizations.
Today, Bruce is the founder of Cultural Destinations, an innovative strategy that leverages culture to drive entrepreneurship, tourism, wealth creation, and community belonging. Through initiatives such as the Cultural Destinations Boutique at the Minnesota State Fair and the Cultural Destinations Network, he continues to connect communities, cultivate cross-cultural understanding, and build a stronger, more competitive Minnesota economy. His work is guided by a simple belief: when we recognize every person and every community as an asset, we unlock extraordinary opportunities for economic growth, stronger communities, and a more united Minnesota.
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