> Competitive Realities
> Stakeholder Input Process
> Target Business Analysis
> Consensus Community Strategy
> Implementation Plan
Stakeholder Input Process
The Consensus Community Strategy for Caldwell County
will only succeed by incorporating a diverse range of County stakeholders
in the Strategy process and ensuring that their ideas
and issues are addressed. Market Street employed
the following strategies to include numerous community members’ input:
- Market Street conducted 30 individual interviews with
community and business leaders. Those interviewed
included people involved in private businesses, regional organizations,
the public school system, higher education, government officials,
community organizations, and other entities.
- Market Street facilitated 6 focus group meetings
with 90 participants, where many individuals from similar
backgrounds were invited to participate in open discussions
regarding the future of the Caldwell County and key issues
that need to be addressed.
- Market Street developed an online survey that
was open to the public for participation. The survey was accessed
through this Caldwell 20/20 website and attracted over 500 responses.
Through the course of the input process, Market Street heard
from a variety of stakeholders. Comments shared during this
process were valuable to inform deliverables and to get a sense
of the residents and stakeholders key issues.
Key issues highlighted by participants were:
- Community pride and vision for the County is lacking.
- Despite the availability of workers, employers have challenges
finding qualified and skilled workers for available positions.
- Improvement in Pre-K-12 education quality and graduation rates
is needed.
- Further downtown development and diversification of the local
economy that will provide greater opportunities for all residents.
- Opportunities for young adults to have a career locally are
poor.
- Improved communication on the resources available for small
businesses, entrepreneurs, as well as communicating community
amenities and programs is needed.
These and other issues identified throughout the strategic process
were utilized in the development of the Consensus Community Strategy. Many
of the issues were supported by the findings in the Competitive
Realities report. Critical questions going forward include
deciding what challenges are the highest priorities and what Caldwell
County needs to do to address these challenges.
|
