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Chair's Column
Coordinated efforts will drive strategic
economic development
By Dave Rozenboom
2009-10 Chair of the Board
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Dave Rozenboom
2009-10 Chair of the Board |
The Future Sioux Falls steering committee recently put the finishing touches on the Implementation Plan — the fifth and final phase of the strategic planning process that will guide our economic development efforts in the Sioux Falls area for years to come. I would like to take this opportunity to share a few highlights of the work that has been completed over the past nine months.
The Future Sioux Falls planning process revealed five priority areas for the Sioux Falls region. They are: Workforce Pipeline, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Quality Growth, Visitors and Events, and Marketing.
Each goal area has several objectives and under every objective, there are multiple action steps. As an example, the Quality Growth goal contains the following four objectives: Build the capacity to effectively advocate for issues of concern in Greater Sioux Falls; Plan for and develop infrastructure needed for sustainable, quality growth in the Sioux Falls region; Provide business-friendly processes and policies to best facilitate economic growth; and Embrace and leverage Sioux Falls’ community diversity
Through it all, one thing is abundantly clear: For the Sioux Falls region to get to the next level of success, it will require the cooperation of numerous organizations and individuals. Representatives from local government, economic development organizations, major employers, firms in the target business sectors, educational institutions, civic leaders, major non-profit and philanthropic agencies, and minority leadership will all need to collaborate together to ensure we have a unified partnership for regional advocacy.
Because so much of what affects our region in the areas of transportation policy and funding, tax and incentive policy, etc., is dictated at the state and federal level, it will be critical that we are able to speak with “one voice” in order to provide the greatest impact for our region.
Throughout this issue of the Chamber News, we have highlighted several ways in which your Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce serves in an advocacy role for our membership, and for the priorities that we have established. Coordinated efforts with local public and private partners will help ensure that the dynamic quality of life and business climate that have fueled our growth in the past will be maintained and further enhanced.
Now, the real work of Future Sioux Falls begins. I invite each of you to be a part of it.
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