I read with interest the Biz Journal’s interview with Piedmont Triad Partnership president and CEO Don Kirkman, who’s no doubt still adapting to the recent corporate restructuring.

Note Kirkman’s answer to a very straightforward question from Justin Cantanoso about PTP’s $15 million federal WIRED grant:

What’s the most significant thing achieved through Wired funding?

From the beginning, I felt that the leadership-engagement aspect of our grant application was key. Without a paradigm shift of the region’s leaders to a regional model, we would spend the $15 million over four years and we would do some good things, but we would not move the needle on regional competitiveness. It is only through a shift in the mindset of our legacy leaders that we can scale our resources and move away from a fragmented model of economic development.

Interpret for yourselves, dear readers.