This document focuses on the role of community college presidents in the varied activities entailed by economic development. Specifically, the paper addresses those activities that involve the political, financial, and economic aspects of regional or county planning, marketing and financing. First, definitions are provided of two types of economic development: overt development, which involves attracting new industries to an area or stimulating the large-scale expansion of existing businesses; and the more low-key creation of a climate that enhances the efficiency, effectiveness, and competitiveness of a few new businesses. Next, the assertion is made that economic development is as much a political process within a community as a series of business decisions, and therefore, specific needs will be determined by local conditions. Also, the point is made that college presidents must establish strong ties with other local educational institutions in order to attract the business community. To support the assumption that presidents need to know what kind of environment they are in and what kind of growth they seek to foster, three situations are described with recommendations for presidential actions, namely: a rural community with an agricultural economic base; a suburban community; and an area recognizing the need for economic development, but with a college not traditionally involved in such activities. Finally, six elements required for economic development are described; they are: a broad-based mechanism that brings the community leadership togther; availability of competitively priced capital; access to Private Industry Council training opportunities; the availability of prime, competitively priced land; the provision of funds from state economic development initiatives to area businesses; and the establishment of a forum where regional business and economic issues can be addressed. (JMC)