The Stronger Economies Together (SET) Initiative: An Introduction

1
The Stronger Economies Together (SET) Initiative
An Introduction
Module One
2
The Challenge in Rural America

• I have reached the conclusion that we must
  overhaul our approach to economic development in
  rural America. The framework of the new effort
  recognizes that the rural economy of tomorrow
  will be a regional economy. No one community will
  prosper in isolation.
• Tom Vilsack
• U.S. Secretary of Agriculture

3
The Response SET
4
Purpose of SET

• Help rural communities/counties to work together
  as a regional team in developing and implementing
  an economic development blueprint that builds on
  the current and emerging economic strengths of
  their region.

5
Partnerships Key to the Success of SET
National Design and Training Team
National
Other State Agencies Organizations
University of Cincinnati External Evaluation Team
State Partner Team State Training Delivery Team
Local
6
Two Key SET Groups in Your State
7
States Currently Part of SET
26 States
8
What SET Provides Regional Teams
Data Analysis
Technical Assistance
Peer-to-Peer Networking
Training
9
SET Core Training Modules
10
Regional Approach Key Benefits

• Promotes the three Cs
• Conversation
• Connection
• Capacity

Source Council on Competitiveness (2010)
11
Sounds Great. Whats Expected?

• Establish a regional team that is committed to
• Taking an active part in the entire SET training
• Getting a diversity of people and organizations
  across the region to provide input on the
  regional plan
• Working to produce and implement a high quality
  regional economic development plan

12
Producing a High Quality Plan The Essential
Components
13
Interested? Next Steps

• Get a copy of the SET application
• Invite people from contiguous counties (and their
  communities) to review the application
• If interested, form a regional team
• Complete and submit the application

14
Final Thoughts

• Anything need clarification?
• Other questions about SET?
• SET contact persons
• Extension Service
• State USDA RD