1. Realistic solutions for real economic prosperity

2. Organization  Collaboration Wallace House Foundation The Zimmerman Company Smart Solutions Group  Similar beliefs  Complementary skills

3. Advisory Board Roberta Green Ahmanson, Pattee Enterprises James Aipperspach, Iowa Association of Business & Industry Governor Terry Branstad, Des Moines University William Clark, Hometown Perry, Iowa, Pamela Jenkins Ph.D., Hometown Perry, Iowa Donald Lamberti, Keep Iowa Beautiful William Monroe, Iowa Newspaper Association John Sorensen, Iowa Bankers Association Clark Smith, Aquila, Inc. Thomas Walton, Wallace House Foundation

4. Context  Many rural towns, counties face challenges: Aging citizenry. Declining population. Increasing poverty. Poor business climate. Crumbling infrastructure. Dwindling leadership. Little entrepreneurial development. Loss of capital investment.

5. Barriers to Success  Program du jour.  Fragmented community.  Lack of focus.  Lack of consistent leadership.  Feelings of frustration.  Funding.

6. Solutions for Success  Communities, counties, and regions need a transforming process which helps them: Forge consensus. Develop a realistic vision. Create a structure for action. Take action. Bring about positive change. Maintain momentum.

7. Model for Success  Integrates quality of life and economic development to create community value.  Features five pillars. Downtowns & neighborhoods Public institutions Recreation, tourism, and welcoming Business development, entrepreneurship Collaboration & stewardship

8. Transformation Process I. Dialog, vision, benchmarks Focusing: Common ground II. Organization, action, finance Structuring: Organizing to achieve III. Economic development marketing Positioning: Business growth IV. Support, results measures, new plans Sustaining: Culture change

9. P hase I: Focusing Dialog, Vision, Benchmarks Wallace House Foundation “Common Ground” Identify current, emerging leaders. Create meaningful dialog. Establish vitality, prosperity benchmarks. Analyze assets, challenges, opportunities. Organize strategies for change around pillars.

10. Phase II: Structuring Organization, Action, Finance The Zimmerman Company Organizing to achieve Define projects. Set project priorities. Organize activities. Create action teams. Work out project funding. Create realistic timetables.

11. Phase III: Positioning Economic Development Marketing Smart Solutions Group Business Growth Audit marketable assets. Develop sales packages to:  Grow existing organizations.  Recruit new companies.  Create micro-enterprises.

12. Phase IV: Sustaining Support, Measures, New Plans Community Solutions Team Culture change Scheduled monthly meetings. In-community reviews. Results measuring. Annual action plans.

13. Timetable & Cost  All four phases: Up to 24 months.  $7,500 - $10,000 per phase.  Depends on what community has accomplished.

14. Funding Approach Local sources:60-70% Non-profit grants:30-40%

15. Local Funding Sources  County government  Utilities  REC  Local banks  Economic development corporation  Local community government  Local foundations  Key businesses

16.  Holistic approach.  Invites broad participation.  Comprehensive action program.  Delivers real results, over time.