·        TOURISM INITIATIVE

Chinese and International Tourism to Southeastern Iowa

                Largest Growing Tourism Dollars – Target China and International Tourists

                Agricultural Experiences and Tours

                Recreational, Rural, Cultural and Ag Experiences.

                IWC -     Two Chinese Sister Universities

                Create Internships in United States and China

                U.S. Internship Creates Tourism packages. Collaborate within region

                China Internship targets Tourism Agencies who cater to Chinese tourists

                Mississippi River is a significant part of study of U.S. History. The
                significance of placing hands in Mississippi River.

                The American Experience – Lt Governor Robert Anderson

·         DATA – MINORITY & IMMIGRANTS ENTREPRENUERAL INITIATIVE

Establish Outreach programs to minorities and immigrants in Iowa, United States and international communities. Set up Ambassadorships.

Immigrant and Minority businesses increasing. In Iowa as well. See data in booklet.

·         DATA – HENRY COUNTY ENTREPRENUERAL INITIATIVE

Business Environment of Henry County. Mapping.

Research Henry County Data: Present and Historically

Research Data: Fastest Growing Counties in Iowa and Region

Know and understand - what is the nature of Business within the fastest growing counties in Iowa and in the Region.

Visit and examine the fastest, growing counties in Iowa and Region

What growth can be targeted and sustained?

What assets can be sought, developed, expanded?

·         VISIONING, STRATIGIC PLANNING & BRANDING

The Big Picture – Create a Better Business Model for Economical Development initiatives, inclusive of:  (see Heartland Partnership model)

§         Mt Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance

§         Area Economic Development Commission

§         South East Iowa Regional Planning Agency

§         Tri-State Development Summit – Entrepreneurial Taskforce

§         Great River Economic Development Foundation

§         South East Iowa Regional Economic and Port Authority

§         Great River Partnership

§         Southeast Iowa Regional Economic Development Consortium

§         Regional ED Agencies

§         Private Enterprises – Micro, Minority & Immigrant, Large & Small Business  Entrepreneurs

§         S.C.O.R.E.

§         Small Business Development Centers

§         MICRO Enterprise Organizations

§         SBA

§         SouthEast Community College and Iowa Wesleyan  College

It is recommended that an Economic Development Summit be initiated which is inclusive of all ED agencies and organizations, as well as any small or large business or public institution or organization choosing to participate.

It is further recommended that the development of a Strategic Planning model needs to include a visioning, branding and mapping process. Its outcome will be goals, objectives, action plans and initiatives which are comprehensive, collaborative and supported by a community citizens and business people who have not been part of the SP process in the past.

It is recommended that this Strategic Planning process be Transparent, Visible and communicated to the public.  Our communities deserve no less. 

·         ASSETS

We have Technology, Healthcare, Natural Resources, Historical Locations, Recreational and Transportation assets, to name a few.  Individual, Business and Community Assets.

o        Appreciating and mobilizing individual, business and community talents, skills and assets (rather than focusing on problems and needs)

o        Community-driven economic development rather than development driven by external agencies. It builds on:

o        Appreciative inquiry which identifies and analyses the community's past successes. This strengthens people's confidence in their own capacities and inspires them to take action

o        The recognition of social capital and its importance as an asset. Focus on the power of associations and informal linkages within the community, and the relationships built over time between business and community associations and external institutions

o        Participatory approaches to economic and community development, which are based on principles of empowerment and ownership of the strategic and visioning development process

o        Community economic development models that place priority on collaborative efforts for economic development that makes best use of its own resource base

o        Efforts to strengthen civil society. These efforts have focused on how to engage people as citizens (rather than clients) in economic development, and how to make local, county and regional initiatives more effective and responsive.

        This is a process of self-mobilization and organizing for change. This process has happened spontaneously in many communities. The challenge  is to stimulate this process in our communities without having the opposite effect of creating dependency. There are a set of methods that can be used, but it is important not to consider this a blue-print, but more as guidelines for achieving  community-driven economic development. 

1.        Mapping the capacities and assets of individuals, businesses, associations
        and local institutions

2.        Building a community economic vision and plan

3.        Mobilizing and linking assets for economic development

4.        Leveraging activities, investments and resources from with outside the
        community.

·         TECHNOLOGY – SOCIAL AND BUSINESS NETWORKING

Communities are built on connections. Better connections usually provide better opportunities. But, what are better connections, and how do they lead to more effective and productive communities? How do we build connected communities that create, and take advantage of, opportunities in their region or marketplace? How does success emerge from the complex interactions within communities?

        It is recommended we build a sustainable community through improving our connectivity – internally and externally – using networking ties to create economic opportunities. Improved connectivity is created through an interactive process of knowing viable networks and weaving ourselves into this network.

                       Building Smart Communities through Network Weaving by Valdis Krebs and June Holley

It is recommended that there be created a Technology group whose focus it is to market our communities and region with use of Social and Business media and networking tools which today go far beyond the intrinsic value and utility of static economic development websites.  Our local and county economic development sites, and its memberships, and all businesses and organizational partners will be provided educational and technical assistance in building SMART communities.

·          INITIATIVES

Create and facilitate a Donny Deutsch “The Big Deal” event. Entrepreneurs are invited to present their business idea to a panel of business investors, who would provide cash awards to top presenters. Entrepreneurs get idea feedback from seasoned professionals. Those in attendance, many who seek to start a business would benefit from the discussions at event. This would be promoted as a regional Entrepreneurial event, drawing businesses from entire region.                               

·         WorkForce and Volunteerism

Support employment opportunities that match qualified people with disabilities to manpower needs of micro, small and large businesses and non-profit organizations.

Create a database of volunteer needs of all non-profit organizations within county and region. Post volunteer opportunities on website. Create an entity which can facilitate this volunteer initiative. Target unemployed or under-utilized labor force.

Create networking opportunities for unemployed labor force. Create a series of workshops focusing on: