The Executive Initiative
BLAEDC’s new Executive Initiative (EXECS) strives to better utilize the knowledge and expertise of business leaders that now reside in the Brainerd Lakes Area by fostering connections with the common goal of expanding business, building community and growing jobs in Crow Wing County. Volunteers are matched in one of two committees: Mentoring & Counseling, or Economic & Community Development.
• Mentoring & Counseling Committee
EXECS involvement in this committee build relationships with local business owners and entrepreneurs at gatherings, serve on an advisory board for an expanding company, or provide business counseling within an industry of expertise. Volunteers looking to counsel or mentor area businesses will become SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives or now known as “Counselors to America’s Small Business”) counselors.
SCORE is a nation program that works in conjunction with the US Small Business Administration (SBA) and locally through Minnesota’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDC). SCORE volunteers are trained to serve as counselors, advisors and mentors to aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners and it has an existing system for reporting and tracking progress of advice to small businesses.
• Economic & Community Development Committee
EXECS in the economic development committee work to generate leads and offer referrals within specific industries, research industries to support BLAEDC’s knowledge base, or network to establish stronger relationship with site selectors or other key industry stakeholders.
As a part of this process, this committee will take a 2-phase approach. Phase 1 involves supporting the on-going communication of BLAEDC’s brand and marketing message by having volunteer committee members act as ambassadors for BLAEDC and assist in promoting the story and process of economic development locally. They will exhibit the education, passion and enthusiasm needed to expand the reach of the economic development message to city and county officials, as well as other key stakeholders in the region. Then, these participants will assist in targeting specific markets, such as individuals with an affinity to our market, specific niche industries, or influential professionals.
The EXECS Program offers both professional networking and educational components for participants. These events will not only help foster relationships, but also further communication about the existing programs and initiatives, as well as resources, available to local businesses.
The EXECS Program will be promoted throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area through an initial ad in the Initiative Foundation’s IQ magazine, as well as on BLAEDC’s web site and in e-communication with members and key community stakeholders. Additional promotional efforts will be focused on inter-personal communication —one-on-one and small group informational meetings by BLAEDC staff and committee members — as well as through a variety of public relations tactics, such as human interest stories and news releases to the media.
For more information on this new program, please contact Sheila Haverkamp at (218) 828-0096. |