This graphical image reflects words used to describe GREAT in the November 15, 2012 Community Survey. Words used more frequently are larger.
B. List of 2012 Board of Directors and Officers for GREAT
January
2013
Dear
Friends and Partners of GREAT:
We
are pleased to share this strategic plan for the Graham Revitalization Economic
Action Team (GREAT) that is intended to guide our work over the next several
years.
GREAT was founded in 2006 as a partnership of
citizens to address the health, social, economic, educational, and recreational
needs of Graham County residents, while also preserving our cultural heritage
and natural resources and instilling pride in community and place.
Over the past several years, we have engaged hundreds of volunteers and
impacted our community. Highlights include:
1.
Collaborative efforts resulting in over $3.2 million for Graham County
projects.
2.
Graham County and Town of Robbinsville comprehensive planning and
revitalization efforts.
3.
Active membership of over 100 people and 40 local, regional and state
agencies.
4.
Community involvement in local issues and identified priorities
emphasizing cooperation and collaboration.
Highlights
of the Strategic Plan
Our
new strategic plan will shape our shared work over the next three years.
This plan was developed through the participation and dedication of our
Board of Directors, committee members, and community participants.
We are grateful for the generous support of The Community Foundation of
Western North Carolina for this strategic planning process.
We
believe that the strategic plan provides the following highlights:
ü
Clear goals that provide direction and
flexibility for the next several years;
ü
Continuity in our committee structure,
with a committee of volunteers to address each of the identified goals; and
ü
Emphasis on collaboration for shared
impact in our community.
This
document includes the vision and mission statements, goals, strategies and
objectives. Each committee will
develop a work plan of specific action steps for implementing the strategies and
objectives. The appendix includes a
summary of the planning process and a list of the members of the Board of
Directors.
Please
share your comments and ideas about this plan with us and the members of our
Board of Directors. We look forward
to an ongoing dialogue as we work together to implement this plan.
Warm
regards,
Rick
Davis
Executive Director
Claudie M. Burchfield
Chair, Board of Directors
Director, Office of Economic Opportunity/Catholic Social Services
Vision
Statement:
Graham
County is a place where traditional Appalachian culture lives, people flourish
and businesses thrive and prosper.
Mission
Statement:
GREAT
is a partnership of citizens that meets the health, social, economic,
educational, and recreational needs of Graham County residents, while preserving
its cultural heritage and natural resources and instilling pride in community
and place.
Priority
Goals and Strategies:
The priority goals continue a focus on seven key “economic drivers” along with an eighth goal focused on organization capacity:
Goal:
Improve the climate for
existing businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive and connect to recruitment of
new firms.
Strategies:
A.
Support Effective Business Recruitment
B.
Support and Assist Existing Businesses Growth
C.
Develop Creative Entrepreneurial Opportunities
D.
Support the Development of Tools and Resources for Economic Development
II. Education and Workforce Development
Goal:
Equip Graham County citizens
with skills that are needed now and that will be needed in the future, support
business and industry needs, and help people lead productive lives.
Strategies:
A.
Support Strategies to Assist Businesses with the Workforce Development
Needs
B.
Support the Needs of Graham County Schools in Efforts to Provide the
Highest Quality Education
III. Tourism and Mountain Culture
Goal:
Maximize travel, tourism, and
sustainable recreation opportunities as core contributors to business growth and
quality of life while protecting valuable natural resources.
Strategies:
A.
Support a Tourism Plan to Strategically Promote Graham County
B.
Expand and Enhance the Opportunities to Preserve and Promote Graham
County’s Mountain Culture
IV. Revitalization and Infrastructure
Goal:
Enhance the Graham County’s
infrastructure, facilities and the beauty of its towns and communities to
support business and industry needs, tourism, recreation and quality of life.
Strategies:
A.
Support the implementation of Reimagining Robbinsville plan.
B.
Create County-wide Broadband and Internet Capability
C.
Advance Plan for Roads
D.
Support Land Development and Housing
V. Recreation, Natural Resources and Water Quality
Goal:
Maximize travel, tourism, and
sustainable recreation opportunities as core contributors to business growth and
quality of life while protecting valuable natural resources.
Strategies:
A.
Improve Existing and Create New Community Based Recreation Facilities and
Infrastructure.
B.
Assist in the Sustainability and Preservation of Natural Resources
C.
Improve and Enhance Nature-Based (Eco/Ag) Tourism
Goal:
Build county leadership
capacity and interaction.
Strategies:
A.
Encourage Leadership and Involvement among Young Adults
B.
Increase Collaborations and Partnerships with Government
C. Recruit and Train Volunteers
Goal:
Improve the health and social
climate to position it as a model for quality of life in a mountain community.
Strategies:
A.
Improve the Health and Well Being of Citizens of Graham County
B.
Improve Physical Activity among Citizens of Graham County
C.
Increase Access to Health Care
D.
Improve the Social Well Being and Quality of Life for the County’s
Citizens
VIII. Organizational Capacity and Outreach
Goal:
Expand the capacity and
awareness of GREAT to further impact the community.
Strategies:
A.
Work with local, state, and federal government officials to focus on the
priorities for GREAT
B.
Conduct more outreach to build relationships with other organizations and
individuals in the community
C.
Focus on development of the Board of Directors
D.
Ensure sufficient revenue for future years
Definitions
of Planning Terms
|
Goals, Strategies, Objectives & Actions
I. Economic Development, Business and Industry
Goal:
Improve the climate for existing businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive
and for success in recruiting new firms.
Strategies, Objectives, and Actions |
Timeline |
Lead |
Status |
A.
Support
Effective Business Recruitment |
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1.
Identify building sites. |
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·
Explore potential locations. |
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·
Determine support needed. |
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2.
Support the development of a business marketing plan to attract new
businesses. |
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·
Work with EDC to determine action steps needed for
developing a business marketing plan. |
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3.
Explore the viability of establishing business tax incentives. |
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B.
Support
and Assist Existing Businesses Growth |
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1.
Work with EDC to assist existing business. |
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2.
Increase networking opportunities for businesses. |
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3.
Enhance Agricultural Opportunities. |
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·
Work with local grocery store and restaurants to buy
Graham County produce. |
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C.
Develop
Creative Entrepreneurial Opportunities |
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1.
Support and secure Certified Entrepreneur Community designation
efforts. |
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2.
Recognize and support small businesses and entrepreneurial efforts. |
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3.
Consider infrastructure needs for retirees. |
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4.
Explore more services needed by seasonal tourists and visitors. |
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D.
Support
the Development of Tools and Resources for Economic Development |
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1.
Encourage the installation of high-speed internet service (also
listed in Goal IV). |
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2.
Support the work of other committees to address infrastructure,
resource, health, leadership and education needs for economic development. |
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II.
Education & Workforce Development
Goal:
Equip Graham County citizens with skills that are needed now and that
will be needed in the future, support business and industry needs, and help
people lead productive lives.
Strategies, Objectives, and Actions |
Timeline |
Lead |
Status |
A.
Support
Strategies to Assist Businesses with the Workforce Development Needs |
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1.
Identify workforce development needs. |
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·
Work with Tri-County Community College on workforce
training options. |
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·
Work with Stanley Furniture to identify their
training needs. |
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·
Collaborate with public schools to identify work
training issues. |
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2.
Utilize Cooperative Extension to provide resources and training in
schools, especially youth leadership. |
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3.
Encourage entrepreneurs to continue to pursue training in areas
relevant to small business. |
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4.
Address hospitality skills through training opportunities. |
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5.
Work with legislators to enhance and improve workforce development
programs. |
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B.
Support
the Needs of Graham County Schools in Efforts to Provide the Highest
Quality Education |
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1.
Continue the Dolly Parton Imagination Library project. |
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2.
Help secure funding for STEM projects and other key educational
initiatives for Graham County Schools. |
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·
Identify priority projects for seeking grant
funding. |
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·
Lobby for maximum benefit of lottery funds. |
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3.
Support quality preschool opportunities. |
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4.
Support the expansion of quality after school and summer
activities. |
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5.
Support drop-out prevention and alternative education programs. |
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6.
Support drug and alcohol abuse prevention programs. |
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7.
Collaborate to increase the number of students participating in
higher education. |
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8.
Focus on leadership skills (also addressed in Goal VI). |
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III. Tourism and Mountain Culture
Goal:
Maximize travel, tourism, and sustainable recreation opportunities as
core contributors to business growth and quality of life while protecting
valuable natural resources.
Strategies, Objectives, and Actions |
Timeline |
Lead |
Status |
A.
Support
a Tourism Plan to Strategically Promote Graham County |
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1.
Assist in the development of a tourism plan. |
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2.
Support the compilation and dissemination of regular tourism
statistics. |
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3.
Support the increased use of social media and internet to promote
tourism. |
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B.
Expand
and Enhance the Opportunities to Preserve and Promote Graham County’s
Mountain Culture |
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1. Promote arts, cultural, and agriculture-based tourism. |
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·
Recognize and support “Heritage-based
entrepreneurship” (arts/crafts, food products, agri-tourism and others)
for creation of heritage tourism programs and products.. |
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·
Support expansion efforts of Junaluska Museum. |
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·
Support and expand educational opportunities for
traditional cultural and traditional life skills. |
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·
Promote “history projects” and involve WCU
Mountain Heritage Center. |
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2. Provide continuing support and promotion of the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center as the cultural arts center of the county. |
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3. Promote the development of a new Visitor & Welcome Center that meets the needs of the growing tourist population. |
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4. Increase collaboration and communication with tourism partners. |
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·
Collaborate with Blue Ridge National Heritage Area
and others in regional efforts to promote heritage tourism.. |
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·
Participate in monthly Travel and Tourism Board
Meetings. |
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·
Work with Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and
Snowbird Community to promote Native American culture and history. |
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IV. Community/Downtown Revitalization and Infrastructure
Goal:
Enhance the Graham County’s infrastructure, facilities and the beauty
of its towns and communities to support business and industry needs, tourism,
recreation and quality of life.
Strategies, Objectives, and Actions |
Timeline |
Lead |
Status |
A.
Support the implementation of Reimagining Robbinsville plan.
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1.
Encourage continued renovation or removal of downtown buildings. |
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2.
Support the installation of lighting and construction of walkways,
sidewalks, and greenways. |
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3.
Explore opportunities for restructuring the placement of existing
utilities. |
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4.
Encourage the development of new businesses. |
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5.
Develop and cultivate working relationships with key partners
including town and county governing boards. |
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B.
Create
County-wide Broadband and Internet Capability |
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1.
Encourage the installation of high-speed internet service. |
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·
Implement recommendations from NC Broadbrand
Committee Report. |
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2.
Identify partners and funding opportunities. |
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C.
Advance
Plan for Roads |
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1.
Provide information about transportation system enhancements. |
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D.
Support
Land Development and Housing |
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1.
Explore grant opportunities to purchase property for public use
such as a recreation complex. |
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2.
Increase opportunities for affordable housing. |
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V. Recreation, Natural Resources and Water Quality
Goal:
Maximize travel, tourism, and sustainable recreation opportunities as
core contributors to business growth and quality of life while protecting
valuable natural resources.
Strategies, Objectives, and Actions |
Timeline |
Lead |
Status |
A.
Improve
Existing and Create New Community-Based Recreation Facilities and
Infrastructure. |
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1.
Open and maintain Santeetlah Bike Trail. |
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2.
Support the development of a recreation complex. |
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·
Identify and support acquisition of additional
property appropriate for recreation programs and complex. |
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3.
Support trail and overlook maintenance and signage. |
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4.
Expand recreation opportunities in the county. |
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·
Establish a priority list that includes the needs of
each community. |
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·
Provide support in seeking funding to accomplish the
goals of the Recreation Master Plan. |
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B.
Assist
in the Sustainability and Preservation of Natural Resources |
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1.
Promote lake water quality. |
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·
Work with existing watershed associations. |
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·
Establish plan for water testing and invasive plants
at Santeetlah Lake. |
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2.
Support the establishment and growth of recycling. |
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3.
Promote lake and community clean-up. |
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·
Promote and assist with Big Clean Sweep activities. |
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·
Encourage and support educational programs that
promote natural resource protection. |
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C.
Improve
and Enhance Nature-Based (Eco/Ag) Tourism |
|||
1.
Support marketing and branding of nature-based tourism. |
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·
Explore Adventure Recreation opportunities. |
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·
Develop an Outdoor Recreation Visitor’s Guide in
collaboration with Travel and Tourism and USFS. |
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2.
Advocate for increased releases on the Cheoah River. |
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Goal:
Build county leadership capacity and interaction.
Strategies, Objectives, and Actions |
Timeline |
Lead |
Status |
A.
Encourage
Leadership and Involvement among Young Adults |
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1.
Support leadership programs for young adults in the county. |
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·
Continue to support a young leaders program for
middle and high school students. |
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B.
Increase
Collaborations and Partnerships with Government |
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1.
Increase communication with governmental organizations and
officials. |
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·
Establish and maintain productive relationships with
state and federal legislators. |
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2.
Encourage participation of public officials in GREAT. |
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·
Encourage elected officials and other county leaders
to attend regional, state and national conferences and relevant training
opportunities. |
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3.
Increase regional collaboration with leaders from surrounding
counties, towns and states. |
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C.
Recruit
and Train Volunteers |
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1.
Promote training for volunteers. |
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·
Provide information and access on training
opportunities. |
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2.
Collect information about potential volunteers. |
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Goal:
Improve the social and health climate to position it as a model for
quality of life in a mountain community.
Strategies, Objectives, and Actions |
Timeline |
Lead |
Status |
A.
Improve
the Health and Well Being of Citizens of Graham County |
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1.
Encourage the reduction of the county’s diabetes rate. |
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2.
Help reduce and prevent obesity. |
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3.
Support substance abuse prevention and treatment programs. |
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B.
Improve
Physical Activity among Citizens of Graham County |
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1.
Increase active living options. |
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C.
Increase
Access to Health Care |
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1.
Recruit more health professionals. |
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2.
Increase after hours health care. |
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D.
Improve
the Social Well Being and Quality of Life for the County’s Citizens |
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1.
Increase food security. |
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2.
Collaborate with religious institutions to address social issues. |
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·
Study the changing fabric and values of the
community and understand the future impact. |
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3.
Support efforts that address reduction in the county’s poverty
rate. |
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4.
Develop strategies to increase social and entertainment
opportunities for all segments of the community. |
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VIII. Organizational Capacity and Outreach
Goal:
Expand the capacity and awareness of GREAT to further impact the
community.
Strategies, Objectives, and Actions |
Timeline |
Lead |
Status |
A.
Work
with local, state, and federal government officials to focus on the
priorities for GREAT |
|||
1.
Increase communication with local, state, and government officials. |
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B.
Conduct
outreach to build relationships with other organizations and individuals
in the community |
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1.
Add membership through membership drives. |
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2.
Conduct outreach to community organizations and business leaders. |
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3.
Create a process for regular program evaluation and results
tracking. |
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4.
Increase marketing and promotion of GREAT. |
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C.
Focus
on development of the Board of Directors |
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1.
Recruit additional Board of Directors members. |
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2.
Establish a process for the Board to provide a regular performance
evaluation for the Executive Director. |
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D.
Ensure
sufficient revenue for future years |
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1.
Create a financial sustainability plan that includes a fundraising
plan. |
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·
Plan for funding additional staff. |
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Strategic Planning Process
In
July 2012, as part of an Organization Coaching Session through WNC Nonprofit
Pathways, the Board of Directors of GREAT prioritized developing an updated
strategic plan. The formal planning
process was conducted from September 2012 – January 2013.
The
strategic planning process was led by the Board of Directors and Executive
Director and facilitated by HunterKemper Consulting.
Key Steps in the Planning Process:
1) Board planning session. 10/25/12.
·
Confirmed
planning process
·
Confirmed
GREAT mission statement
·
Identified
preliminary priorities for GREAT
·
Established
a task force to develop financial projections and identify other potential
sources of funding
·
Prepared for
Committee Planning Sessions
2) Rolling Strategy Planning Session. 11/8/12 and 11/13/12.
·
Conducted 6
committee planning sessions of 1.5 hours/committee.
·
Participation:
i.
Economic Development Business and Industry Committee
– 11/8, 18 participants
ii.
Education and Workforce Development Committee
– 11/13, 10 participants
iii.
Tourism and Mountain Culture Committee
– 11/13, 11 participants (combined with Leadership and Government Committee)
iv.
Revitalization and Infrastructure Committee
– 11/8, 10 participants
v.
Recreation, Natural Resources, and Water Quality Committee
– 11/8, 15 participants.
vi.
Leadership and Government Committee
– 11/13, 11 participants (combined with Tourism and Mountain Culture)
vii.
Health and Social Committee
– 11/13, 9 participants
3) Additional community input at GREAT meeting. 11/15/12.
·
32 community
input surveys completed.
4) Board review and refinement of draft strategic plan. 12/10/12.
5) Committee review and refinement of draft strategic plan. 12/12/12 – 1/8/13.
6) Presentation of strategic plan at GREAT Annual Meeting. 1/24/13.
7) Approval of strategic plan at GREAT Board meeting. 2/11/13.
List of 2013 Board of Directors and Officers for GREAT
Claudie M. Burchfield, GREAT Chair
Director, Office of Economic Opportunity/Catholic Social Services
Yvette Carringer, GREAT Vice Chair
District Bank Manager, First Citizens Bank
Pam Shaffer, GREAT Treasurer
City President, United Community Bank
Kristen Shuler, RN, BSN, Health and Social Committee member
Health Promotion/Healthy Carolinians Director, Graham County Dept. of Public Health
Alicia Parham, GREAT Health and Social Committee Chair
Health Director, Graham County Department of Public Health
Brenda Artiss, GREAT Revitalization and Infrastructure Committee Chair
Business Woman, Mountain Heritage
Rentals/Artiss Enterprises
David Dodson, GREAT Recreation, Natural Resources and Water Quality Committee Member
Retired-Vice President of Knight-Ridder Newspaper
Donnie D Stiles, GREAT Economic Development, Business and Industry Committee Member
Vice-President/City Executive, State Employees Credit Union-Robbinsville Branch
Eve Rogers, GREAT Leadership and Government Chair
Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent, Graham County Cooperative Extension/NCSU
Glenda Bradley, GREAT Secretary
Asst. Human Resources Manager, Stanley Furniture
Jim Mize, GREAT Education and Workforce Committee Member
Retired, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Joe Bonnette, GREAT Recreation, Natural Resources and Water Quality Committee Chair
Retired, US Forest Service
Mike Harwood, GREAT Leadership and Government Committee Chair
Business Development Manager, Phillips and Jordan, Inc.
Oliver Ammons, GREAT Recreation, Natural Resources and Water Quality Committee Member
Safety Director, Alcoa-Tapoca Division
Ralph Hooper, GREAT Recreation, Natural Resources and Water Quality Committee Member
Retired-U.S. Forest Service
Rhonda Anderson, GREAT Education and Workforce Committee Chair
Career and Technical Education Director, Graham County Schools
TJ Holland, GREAT Tourism and Mountain Culture Committee Member
Wanda Jackson Blythe, GREAT Tourism and Mountain Culture Committee Member
Snowbird Youth Center Director, Cherokee Boys & Girls Club
Rick Davis, GREAT Executive Director
Retired, North Carolina Public Schools