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.
Telamon Corporation, West Virginia contracted with Collective Impact to facilitate the development of a strategic plan for the organization. The strategic plan built upon emerging opportunities identified throughout the strategic planning process. The process culminated with the development of a strategic plan that recapped the activities and results of the two-day planning retreat session and will serve to help guide the program’s future direction. Ultimately, it provided a “road map” or guide for the organization to intentionally move forward into the future. The mission of Telamon is to provide an array of education and support services that lead to better jobs, better lives and better communities. Telamon, West Virginia provides temporary housing, transitional housing, chronic housing for the homeless, information and referral – WV 211, regional resource connection and emergency food services.
"Collective Impact facilitated a great strategic planning process for our agency. Activities and interactive discussions kept staff engaged and focused on the process resulting in a comprehensive three year plan. For fun yet productive strategic planning sessions, I would definitely recommend Bruce Decker and Collective Impact." ~ Robin Kees, West Virginia State Director, Telamon Corporation, Martinsburg, WV
This video uses simple language and charming illustrations to explain just what we facilitators do! In only 4 minutes the video describes the three principal dimensions of the facilitator´s job in a way that your friends, colleagues, clients -- even your mother-in-law - can understand. Click here!
