Strategic Vision Planning Underway in Mandan
by Katie Moore-Aitchison Posted on 2/10/2009
Initial meetings pave the way toward a strategic plan for Mandan
February 10, 2009 (Mandan, ND) - The Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the city, school and park district launched a new strategic vision planning process for Mandan last week. The goal of the project is to create a new roadmap to strengthen Mandan's economy, enhance quality of life and provide direction as to what residents want to see from their community.
To get the planning underway, Market Street Services, based in Atlanta, Ga., was in town to conduct a series of focus groups and personal interviews with community representatives. In addition, a steering committee and town hall meeting were held to collect the initial research and to outline the planning process. The intent of this effort is to create a "ground up" strategy that allows for input from all interested citizens and sectors.
"You know your community better than we do. First we need to determine what you want Mandan to be, what you want to do; then we'll help you figure out how to do it," explained Market Street Services Chief Executive Officer J. Mac Holladay to about 50 community members attending the Feb. 5 community forum.
A website to support the planning process can be found at www.mandanvisionplan.com. At this site, the public will be able to view reports generated during the process. In addition, the public can provide their input via a survey. Anyone interested in Mandan's future, from young to old, residents and non-residents, are encouraged to take the survey by March 1, 2009.
"As we get this effort underway, it is imperative the public provide their thoughts," said Kelvin Hullet, president of the Chamber. "As we look to the next five to ten years, those communities that are planning now will be the most successful."
Thursday's Market Street visit was the first in a series that will occur about once a month through May. The goal is to have a completed plan with implementation strategies ready by mid-May for public review. The steering committee is being chaired by Karen Johner from North Dakota Guaranty & Title and Kirsten Baesler, chairwoman of the Mandan Public School Board. Other members of the steering committee can be found at the vision plan website noted above.
About the Chamber: With more than 1,200 members, the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce is one of the most powerful business organizations in the state. From involvement on behalf of its members in government affairs to providing networking and educational opportunities, the Chamber exists to serve the interests and needs of its members. Additional information about the Chamber can be found at www.bismarckmandan.com.
About Market Street Services: Founded in 1997 and located in Atlanta, Ga. Market Street Services enables cities, counties, states, regions, chambers of commerce, corporations, and other clients to proactively shape their own future. The comprehensive development strategies they deliver take into account every dimension of economic opportunity and quality of life. They guide their clients to break out of the status quo and manage change in a self-directed way. Additional information can be found at target="_blank">www.marketstreetservices.com.
Copyright 2009 Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce
1640 Burnt Boat Drive * PO Box 1675
Bismarck, ND 58502-1675 info@bismarckmandan.com
701.223.5660
