Strategic Planning Roundtable for Economic Development

Mission Statement The Northwest Roundtable is an organization of economic development partners who provide a framework that creates opportunities and resources resulting in improved regional prosperity and quality of life.

Parameters We will Always: Provide an equal voice to all members. Provide membership to those individuals involved in economic development upon the consensus of the organization. Provide professional development opportunities for our members. We will Never: Tolerate a breach in confidentiality among our members in matters relating to our organization.

Objective 1- We will develop a comprehensive program of professional development Strategies: 1. We will create opportunities for continuous professional development thru workshops, speakers, web-based learning, and seminars. We will provide orientation and mentoring for new members, especially those practitioners directly involved in economic development. We will create a calendar of programs which address contemporary topics of interest. We will investigate potential funding sources for scholarships for our members to pursue educational goals. We will encourage members to “report out” to the membership on conferences attended.

Objective 2- We will maximize networking opportunities to enhance our professional capacity. Strategies 1. We will create opportunities for designated group share times in each Roundtable meeting. 2. We will develop and maintain a website/blog to support an increase in communication and learning. Any idea where our website stands – I know we paid $$$ and got some from Aquila, too. 3. We will emphasize the importance of regular attendance. 4. We will create networking opportunities to include outside partners and agencies.

Objective 3- We will collect and disseminate relevant data based upon the consensus of membership Strategies 1. We will identify gaps in existing data. 2. We will identify funding sources to be used to support collection and production of pertinent data. 3. We will develop a methodology to collect and disseminate data.

Objective 4- We will create an organization which fosters collaboration and produces observable success. Strategies 1. We will define the boundaries of our region. 2. We will elect and develop responsibilities for the following officers: President, Vice-President, and Professional Development/Public Policy 3. All members will be assigned to committees by volunteer or appointment. 4. All members will be provide a Roundtable roster. 5. We will measure our success. Examples include attendance, participation in projects, community activity reports.

Action Plans A detailed description of the specific actions required to achieve specific results necessary to the implementation of the strategies. Step by step directions, time lines, assignments of responsibilities, and cost- benefit analysis.