Fulton Economic Development Corporation (FEDCO) is excited to announce the launch of its Organizational Assessment and Planning project. Beginning this month, FEDCO will be contacting various groups of its stakeholders to conduct listening sessions to determine community and business concerns, opportunities for growth, and what actions people would like to see for economic prosperity in Fulton County.
FEDCO will be engaging in a comprehensive six-month process that includes gathering stakeholder and community feedback, analyzing internal operations and best practices for economic and community development today, development of board and staff, and completing a strategic investment plan that provides organizational sustainability while responding to stakeholder needs.
When asked about the planning process, Interim Director Tiffany Futrell replied, “We believe this is an important step as we re-imagine our local economic development model and respond to our community’s aspirations. We believe community and economic health is most successful when the publicengages in a process that includes their thoughts and support ofefforts toward a progressive, vibrant future in Fulton County.”
FEDCO has contracted with Kimberly Pinkerton of Kimberly’s Business by Design, LLC to oversee the planning project which includes using the Harwood Model for civic engagement. This model includes turning outward to our communityand engaging a wide variety of stakeholders in the process of community growth. Conversations are planned with businesses, organizations, government, the general public and more. FEDCO encourages invitees to engage in this process by responding “yes” to participating in a listening session. All data will be compiled and used for strategic planning within FEDCO as well asin discussions amongcommunity partnersto determine best courses of action in response to the aspirations expressed from these outreach sessions.
FEDCO’s current mission is to conduct activities as may be necessary or desirable to achieve economic prosperity and growth throughout Fulton County. The organizational assessment and planning project is just one step in continuing to fulfill that mission.
For more information about FEDCO, visit the website at www.fultondevelopment.org, telephone the office at 574.223.3326 or email tfutrell@fultondevlopment.org.
