One of the first steps that an economic development program must take is the preparation of an economic development strategic plan. Both the economic development professional and the Board must support both the idea of the plan and the implementation of the plan.

Also, key leaders in the community must support the plan, in both its development and implementation. Some of the key leaders you should gain support from are the city manager, the mayor, city council, the superintendent of the school system, and the leadership of the chamber of commerce. Other leaders that you may also want to include are the county commissioners, local bank presidents, the president of the local college/junior college, and the editor of the local newspaper.

The strategic plan is the control mechanism of your program. It determines your priorities and guides you in addressing those priorities. It sets your goals and strategies, outlines your action steps, and provides the timetable for the completion of each of these items.  

Our Board is committed to advancing the goals in this plan.