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.

Collective Impact developed a community housing plan using our signature Community Design Innovations model with Coalfield Development Corporation, Inc., and a diverse team of stakeholders in Lincoln County, West Virginia. Community Design Innovations is out signature service for facilitating "collective impact" among diverse partners from various disciplines and sectors. It is a promising practice for leading communities of geographic location and/or common purpose through a holistic and integrated planning process. Community Design Innovations is a model for training and developing a backbone team of community stakeholders in comprehensive outcome-based planning and development. Coalfield’s mission is to be a community based organization that provides affordable homes, creates quality jobs, and generates opportunities for low income families in southern West Virginia.

"Bruce Decker has provided excellent service to Habitat for Humanity of West Virginia for the past 5 years. Bruce has always presented a positive, encouraging, and high-energy attitude with all of our projects. I highly recommended Collective Impact."  ~ Lora Pierce – Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of WV, Charleston, WV

Described as “a visionary thinker with a rare intellect,” unshakable optimist Simon Sinek teaches leaders and organizations how to inspire people.  'People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe.  There are only two was to influence human behavior; you can manipulate it or you can inspire it. "Why" is your purpose, it is your reason for doing what you do. It drives behavior. This is where "gut" decisions came from. Click here to to view the TED talk short edition of Start with Why!