Corridor members are receiving phone calls and snail mail this week from our team. The double dose of communication invites our partners to assist in a feasibility study for an upcoming resource campaign to support regional economic development over the next five years.

 

The Corridor has hired Convergent Nonprofit Solutions, specialists in fundraising for economic development, for the study. Jay Werth, a principal of the Atlanta-based company, will be in town in early August to conduct up to 70 interviews.

 

Werth will not be soliciting funds. Interviewees will be asked for their thoughts on the Corridor's past performance and also a draft prospectus that lays out proposed efforts and growth. "Strive '25" continues to emphasize both existing business support and entrepreneurial development while amplifying efforts to recruit new businesses and, most importantly, new residents to our four counties.

 

The key word here is "draft." The prospectus was born out of extensive conversations among the staff and board and with stakeholders, but it remains malleable. The feasibility study interviews will empower members to bend and shape the Corridor's work plan for the region's benefit.

 

Thank you to the many, many members who have already said yes to an interview. To the rest of  you, when you hear the bright, sunny voice of a Corridor staffer on the other end of the phone line, please fire up your calendar.