This presentation was delivered at NADO's Annual Training Conference, held in Anchorage, Alaska on September 9-12, 2017.
As NADO marks its 50th Anniversary and many RDOs are also celebrating milestones, the time is right to reflect on the important role that our organizations play in supporting improved quality of life in our regions and local communities. During these times of change, it is critical for RDOs to continue to serve as leaders in regional development and communicate their role and relevancy to a wide cross-section of stakeholders and funders. In this plenary, hear from executive directors of RDOs across the country who are keeping their organizations front and center on issues of regional importance and learn ways to continue to keep your organization relevant and indispensable for years to come.
Tim Armer, Executive Director, North Central New Mexico EDD, Santa Fe, NM
Karl Elmshaeuser, Executive Director, West Central Nebraska Development District, Ogallala, NE
Nicole Griensewic Mickelson, Executive Director, Region Five Development Commission, Mankato, MN
Colleen Padilla, Executive Director, Southern Oregon Regional Development, Inc., Medford, OR
Martha Shickle, Executive Director, Richmond Regional Planning District Commission, Richmond, VA
Anthony Starr, Executive Director, Western Piedmont Council of Governments, Hickory, NC
Steve Etcher, Manager Location Strategies, Marks Nelson, Kansas City, MO, Facilitator
The Indispensable Regional Development Organization: Continuing to Make the Case for Why RDOs Matter
1. The Indispensable Regional Development Organization:
Continuing to Make the Case for Why RDOs Matter
Opening Plenary
NADO Annual Training Conference
Anchorage, AK
September 11, 2017
3. • MISSION STATEMENT
• Trusted leadership providing
guidance and solutions by
working together for
planning growth and
development of projects,
programs and communities
State Association Retreat
Unified Mission and Goals
Pursuit of 501c3
More Statewide Collaboration
Storytelling/Marketing Brochure
For legislature
Partners
Constantly on the initiative
Cooperatively Integrating Work Programs
Integrate with Transportation
Integrate with State community development work plan
La Ristra and Regional CEDS as the template
Statewide Economic Development Strategy
Development of relationships
Strategic framework that is applicable and relevant to all players
New Toolbox in the Ristra Project site and I-3
Go to organization for State agencies and local governments, particularly Economic Development Department closing fund, Main Street Projects, and other programs; the state’s Small Cities CDBG program, the mandatory Infrastructure Capital Improvement Program and associated state capitol outlay program, as well as the RTPO transportation planning projects
Our EDA Economic Development Representative is pushing to require that economic development projects in New Mexico use the Ristra Project.
Challenges
Different motivations (sectors)
Financial support for backbone
Moving from conversations to action
Patience for collaboration
