Strategic Plan Updates

Does your organization update its strategic plan at least on an annual basis?

Our experience shows that those EDO's updating their plans on at least an annual basis are not only more likely to achieve their goals, but they are also better positioned for unpredictable and unforeseen threats and opportunities. Why is that so? We think it has something to do with the "mental readiness" of leadership and staff in taking a high level of initiative, even when the economy is more of a hindrance than a help in generating investment deals. By the way, we believe that a "strategic way of thinking" is often more important than preparing a highly detailed action plan aimed at a specific strategic environment. In fact, we find that highly detailed plans often force EDO's to focus on "activity" and not "results or needs."

Don't believe me? Talk to Rick Weddle from the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Ronnie Bryant from the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, Don Jakeway of the Toledo Regional Growth Partnership, Andy Burke from Forward Greensboro, Jerry Mallot from the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce, Stuart Rogel from the Tampa Bay Partnership, or Paul Saldana from the EDO of Tulare County.