Collective Impact is working with faculty members of the University of Tennessee Knoxville, Center for Sustainable Business and Development, Department of Political Science, and Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management to conduct a research project to better understand Appalachian tourism and identify opportunities to grow tourism activities and encourage business development throughout the region. The project is funded through a competitive grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) - a federal economic development agency. The project is the largest and most comprehensive study of tourism ever conducted by the commission, which covers 205,000 square miles across 420 counties in 13 states. Results of the study will help us better understand the state of tourism of the region, new growth areas for tourism in Appalachian communities, and best practices and successful strategies to help the communities succeed. The project will use research, surveys, site visits, and focus groups as part of the research method. The project also will identify communities to use as case studies to illustrate local tourism success stories and best practices for tourism business development.

A needs assessment was conducted by Collective Impact to fully assess the need and potential use of a sustainable Home Preservation Program throughout Kanawha and Putnam Counties for Habitat for Humanity of Kanawha and Putnam. A diverse group of stakeholders was convened to explore possibilities for development of a home preservation program to serve Kanawha and Putnam Counties in West Virginia. Collective Impact, LLC was enlisted to facilitate planning, conduct relevant research, hold focus groups, collect and analyze survey data from local agencies and organizations knowledgeable of home preservation needs, survey a sample of homeowners related to their needs for home preservation assistance, and prepare the needs assessment report. Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.

"The Wayne Family Resource Network has had the privilege of working with Collective Impact in many different capacities over the years, such as strategic planning, community development, town hall conversations, and housing. Collective Impact is dynamic and understanding to the different cultures and needs in our communities and organizations. Bruce and the Collective Impact team work diligently to make each project a success. They provide their client with resources, tools, and guidance to move towards achieving their goals. Any community or agency would benefit greatly with assistance from Collective Impact. Collective Impact empowers their clients to achieve their goals by working together to as one to maximize their success. We look forward to working with them again in the future."  ~ Charity Damron - Coordinator, Wayne County Family Resource Network, Wayne, WV