Chamber of Commerce: Charlotte visit validates regional collaboration

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For the past eight years, the Spring-field Area Chamber of Commerce has organized and led community leadership visits to other cities to study their approach to economic development and other community issues. |ret||ret||tab|

From May 31 to June 2, a delegation of 41 area leaders traveled to Charlotte, N.C., for this year's visit. Typically, these inter-city exchanges are with communities similar in size to Springfield. |ret||ret||tab|

Even though Charlotte is much larger than Springfield, it was selected as our destination this year because of several unique community connections and Charlotte's reputation of success in the key areas we wanted to review: regional economic development, business-education partnerships, center city revitalization and local government cooperation. |ret||ret||tab|

Like many of the places visited during eight years of community leadership visits, the Charlotte area has adopted a regional approach to promoting economic development and quality of life. But what stuck with me is the fact that their regional program further validated what we are accomplishing here in the Ozarks. |ret||ret||tab|

In Charlotte, the vehicle for regional collaboration is the Charlotte Regional Partnership. Founded in 1992, the partnership is a union of business and governmental leaders in 16 counties (12 in North Carolina and four in South Carolina). |ret||ret||tab|

Formerly known as the "Carolina Partnership," the organization changed its name to establish a clear identity to its geographic location. |ret||ret||tab|

According to this organization, "The partnership was founded on the belief that regionalism is the key to the future of the Charlotte region. Through teamwork we can realize the full potential of our region while drawing upon and preserving the diversity which is our source of strength." |ret||ret||tab|

Regionalism is the driving force meaning regional thinking, regional action and regional leadership.|ret||ret||tab|

The panelists who spoke to us emphasized the importance of having a balance between the largest city and the smaller cities in the region. |ret||ret||tab|

"It was important for Charlotte to assume a leadership role in the region, but at the same time, smaller communities needed to maintain their own identity," said Tim Morgan, president of the York County, S.C., Chamber of Commerce. For example, York County has embraced its location by calling itself the "Brighter Side of Charlotte," and is promoting its "small town" quality of life and the nearby "big city" amenities of Charlotte.|ret||ret||tab|

Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory said the essential elements of a successful regional economic development program are to think regionally, listen to business clusters and be inclusive. However, the one key to pulling it all together is communication. |ret||ret||tab|

"Ten years ago, we weren't even talking to each other. Although we continue to address tough issues, now at least we keep talking," said McCrory.|ret||ret||tab|

The Charlotte region has more than 2 million people, and its partnership has a large budget with an office in Europe and its own film division, but the foundation of its partnership is identical to ours. |ret||ret||tab|

The Ozarks Regional Economic Partnership represents 59 cities, counties, and chambers of commerce in a 10-county geographic area. The Ozarks Regional Economic Partnership is built on the foundation of regional cooperation. Its mission is "to promote sustainable economic development opportunities for our partner members."|ret||ret||tab|

The Ozarks Regional Economic Partnership Agreement, which all 59 members have signed, includes important phrases such as "common interests," "mutual benefit," "individual community identities," and "communication." |ret||ret||tab|

"The strength of this partnership is its members," Chairman Steve Vaught has said. At its first meeting, in April 2000, the members of the partnership learned about regionalism and identified "communication" as a priority issue for the region. |ret||ret||tab|

As Charlotte's Mayor McCrory stated, communication is the key.|ret||ret||tab|

Although we have many challenges ahead of us, the trip to Charlotte solidified our knowledge that we are on the right course. Discovering that their success over the last 10 years is built on the same foundation that our Partnership is built only strengthens our organization. |ret||ret||tab|

By speaking with a united voice, we can convey a consistent message that is clear, concise and convincing: The Ozarks has it all the future of your business is here.|ret||ret||tab|

The Ozarks Regional Economic Partnership is a program of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce in association with Associated Electric Cooperative Inc. and 59 partner members located throughout the Ozarks region.|ret||ret||tab|

(Allen Kunkel is the manager of Regional Development with the Springfield Area Chamber of Com-merce.)[[In-content Ad]]