Change is the law of life.  And those who look only to the past and present are certain to miss the future,” said John F. Kennedy.

With that in mind, In March of this year, Fulton Economic Development Corporation (FEDCO) embarked on a process to identify what the community aspired for its county.  Reaching out across the county to stakeholders throughtwenty-one listening sessions and several individual interviews, FEDCO heard what residents and leaders had to say.Participants discussed their ideas of growth and what they wanted from their economic development organization.  As a result of those conversations and over five months of economic development education, research, and planning, the Board of Directors of FEDCO have developed a vision and key priorities for the next three years.

“The community told us they wanted a growing, vibrant and collaborative community that works together both politically and geographically.  They wanted FEDCO to communicate the work they are doing and include key stakeholders in important processes, “ said Interim Director Tiffany Futrell.  “We are very thankful for everyone’s input that led to the development of our bold new vision and priorities.”

That bold vision includes investing in people, quality of place strategies, and partnerships that create an economic environment conducive to the attraction of talent and resources that support business retention and recruitment.Priorities under this vision include:

1.  Create a Strong Organization that is Structured and Staffed for attaining operational goals. This means diversifying the board to represent key stakeholders, hiring a strong CEO to guide the organization in carrying out its vision and ensures all staff have the necessary skills and knowledge, passion and drive to carry out the organizational goals.  The board and staff will adhere to accountability timelines, the highest levels of integrity and the organization’s mission. 

2.  Create a Diversified Funding Plan for Organizational Sustainability.  This means creating a funding plan that will rely on a private/public mix that creates a customer responsive environment and will demonstrate value to the Fulton County Community.

3.  Create a Marketing and Communications plan that targets messages to community stakeholders, elected officials, partners and specific attraction/retention markets. This means utilizing all types of relevant media for the targeted audiences in a comprehensive communications plan for both external and internal communication.  Consistent branding and messaging will be a high priority in reporting impact to stakeholders.

4.  Create an Economic Environment that allows for workforce attraction and economic growth in Fulton County. This means working to simplify processes and ensuring infrastructure, transportation corridors and construction-ready sites for business retention, expansion and attraction.  It also means assessing opportunities for enhancing quality of place across Fulton County and coordinating with educational and workforce partners for the attraction and retention of talent.

5.  Ensure Market-rate Housing for all persons who choose to make Fulton County their home.  This includes collaborating with government entities and other partners to conduct a comprehensive housing study for Fulton County.  Pursuing relevant options to meet the housing needs and capacity for this community while planning for future needs, as well. 

From these priorities, the board has drafted an internal Strategic Investment Plan for ensuring operational goals all have accountabilities and measurable results.  The board is working on finalizing that process in the near future.  Also, the organization will be making a report on the Organizational Assessment and Planning Process available to the public by September.

“I want to thank our stakeholders, community partners and elected leaders for providing their insights that led us to a new vision for Fulton County’s economic prosperity.  I especially want to thank the board and staff for their diligence and willingness to engage in this deep dive into the organization, so we could ensure we have a viable plan for future impact and sustainability,” said FEDCO Board President David Heyde.

In addition to Mr. Heyde, other FEDCO Board members included Brian Goodman, Vice President; Michelle Million, Secretary/Treasurer; Jim Showley, County Councilman; Bryan Lewis, County Commissioner; Rick Figlio, City of Rochester Board of Works; Ryan Mulligan, Pike Lumber Co., Joe Koch, Retired REMC Executive and Jillian Smith, Chamber of Commerce.

Kimberly Pinkerton of Kimberly’s Business by Design was the consultant engaged to lead the assessment and planning process.