|
Economic Development
Traverse Bay EDC Commmittee Descriptions
The Traverse Bay EDC has three committees that are helping frame the work of the TBEDC Governance Board and the Advisory Council. In 2006, each of these committees (or teams) has been meeting to address their purpose, function and focus.
One of the main areas of emphasis for the TBEDC in 2006 was the Economic Summit. This represented, not only a significant priority, but it brought together the initial work of these teams.
The three teams are:
Learning to develop value for the investors of the TBEDC and the many stakeholders of regional economic development is the main engine behind our organizational efforts in these three teams. We are continuously seeking input and participation from business, community and government leaders throughout our region and invite you to join a team and help shape the ever-changing landscape our region will continue to experience. Those who are interested in joining the Traverse Bay EDC Advisory Council and a specific committee team can contact Tino Breithaupt by email, or by phone at (231) 995-7106.
In connection with our new organization, governance structure and mission , here are a few thoughts that help set the stage for committee development and deployment for the three committees:
- Engagement…we are committed to a fully engaged governance team, staff, advisory and stakeholder operation.
- Dispersion of Leadership…we believe that building sound leadership benchstrength at every level of the Traverse Bay EDC is essential.
- Performance…we are committed to a serious course of near-term and long-term economic development that is sustainable.
The following Traverse Bay EDC committees represent the areas in which we can build meaningful engagement, with capable leadership that is focused on performance. Committees stocked with active and impact-oriented people will contribute to our capacity to convene meaningful economic development programs that deliver growth for employers and employees in our region.
1. World Trade Systems and Resource Team
Our region is connected to global commerce in many ways. This committee will help define and develop new opportunities for economic development through:
- Knowledge sharing on world trade alternatives
- Resource access and engagement with trade centers
- Networking with world trade partners, systems
- Collaboration with active world trading players
The impact of this committee can be measured in many ways, but enhancing the level for successful worldwide commerce of companies in the TBEDC service area is the prime thrust.
Co Chairs: Kevin Byrne, Grand Traverse County EDC and Don Nugent, Graceland Fruit, Inc.
2. Industry Sector Planning and Cluster Action Team
We believe that economic development in this region will accrue from industry sectors that are suited to doing business in the Traverse Bay area, for a variety of reasons. Our region is geographically isolated, but at the same time, we are potentially connected with other parties that share our economic development interests. This committee will:
- Identify 5-10 industry sectors with growth potential
- Identify the cluster effects and networks of each
- Develop themes for attraction and retention
- Develop leadership within each core cluster
- Technical and Research Center Entities
- Industry Supply and Research Channels
- Industry Sector and Trade Group Entities
- Government – Industrial Trade Initiatives
The impact of this committee can be measured by the reach of the TBEDC with economic development engines outside our immediate region, statewide and nationwide. The impact of this committee will be realized through the cultivation of business activity in these industry clusters, and their connections with other technology/economic clusters. This team will interact very closely with the External Network and Cluster Action Team.
Co-Chairs: Steve Rawlings, DTE Energy and Matt Shepherd, Alken-Ziegler, Inc
3. Economic Development Program Team
The TBEDC produces and presents a variety of programs which are intended to engage communication and active collaboration related to economic growth, performance and change. This committee will address:
- Periodic Economic Summits – 2006
- Regular Economic Development Education
- Regular Economic Development Program
- Periodic Special Projects and Programs
The impact of this committee can be measured in terms of greater awareness, understanding and engagement of economic development objectives in our region, and perhaps well beyond.
Co-Chairs: Karmin Philp, Manpower and Tim Nelson, Northwestern Michigan College
|
