From Mindy Stalker
Union County Development Association
Creston
As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Union County Development Association, we would like to invite you to take a closer look at our mission, goals and strategy on making a difference in Union County. Many of you may already know all about the information we would like to share, but as I visit with many community members, I am finding that to be the minority. I am hoping that this will act as a tool for you to share with others when they ask, “What is UCDA?”
UCDA is made up of a board of trustees and is governed by an executive board. Wayne Pantini, CEcD, serves as the executive director. The most recent addition is me, Mindy Stalker, as marketing coordinator. A three-year strategic plan was put into place for 2016-18 focusing on four areas of development. Each board member chooses to join a committee focusing on one of these pillars and dedicates their time, knowledge and energy towards their respective pillar. Here is our vision and objective for each of these pillars.
Business development: Our vision is Union County is the most desirable location to conduct business.
Our objective is that we are committed to developing a business-friendly climate. The defining characteristic of a successful economic development plan is its ability to support the efforts of the private sector to sustain and expand an existing business or start up a new one.
Asset marketing: Our vision is Union County has made significant upgrades to all areas of infrastructure improving the quality of life for area residents and businesses. Union County has a good portfolio of available sites and buildings to attract new investments.
Our objective is to be a key player in advocating for investments in existing and future infrastructure developments, in addition to maintaining and promoting inventory of available sites and building assets.
Workforce development: Our vision is Union County has an ample supply of skilled workers to meet the needs of area employers.
Our objective it to be the connection between K-12, SWCC and other training providers that help to create a skilled workforce that is needed to advance local employers. UCDA will nurture relationships between private and public sectors for mutual benefit.
Housing development: Our vision is Union County has a variety of housing opportunities to meet the needs of all existing and new residents.
The objective is to reinvest into older neighborhoods as well as invest into new housing sub-divisions, creating new opportunities to increase the livability standards of residents in our communities in Union County.
In future articles, we will dig a bit deeper in these four areas so we can continue to keep our public informed of the progress of Union County Development Association.