The Stronger Economies Together (SET) Initiative: An Introduction

A Webinar for ODOC RDS & OCES Educators

Webinar Agenda

1. What is SET?– Motivation of program– Mechanics of the program– Benefits of program

2. What is required to apply?

3. Q & A

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 VilsackU.S. Secretary of Agriculture

The Response: SET

SET Sponsors

• USDA-RD is providing funding to cover coaching expenses

• SRDC, PCRD are providing data and technical assistance

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.

What SET Provides Regional Teams

35-40 hours of on-site training

Hands-on, step-by-step process for building or enhancing regional plans

Detailed demographic and socio-economic information

Data and analysis on current and emerging clusters

Guidance in implementing the plan

Access to individuals with special expertise

More in-depth cluster analysis

Monthly calls with State Partner and Training Team Members

Webinars on key topics of relevance to multiple regions

Training Data & Analysis

Technical Assistance

Peer-to-Peer Networking

SET Core Training Modules

The Basics

The SET Initiative:

An Introduction

Profiling Your Region

Gearing Up

Building a Strong

Regional Team

Developing Your Vision and Goals

Resources &

Strategies

Exploring Opportunities for a Stronger

Regional Economy

Exploring Strategies for Enhancing the

Regional Economy

Discovering Assets & Barriers

Moving Into

Action

Planning for Success

Measuring for Success

Sounds Great. What’s 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

Producing a High Quality Plan: The Essential Components

SET Team’s Plan

Evidence-Based

Practical

Broadly Supported

Focused on Economic

Development

Employs Regional

Strategies

Aligns with the Vision and Goals

• Valuable coaching on core building blocks to serve as a foundation for the HQP

• In-depth data tailored to the region to delineate and identify critical drivers of the region’s economy

• Total to uncover local assets and resources that can be tapped for plan implementation

Key Benefits

Key Benefits (cont’d.)

• Limited amount of technical assistance (up to 40 hrs during the year following completion of HQP) to assist with implementation

• Opportunity to network with other regions across the US involved with SET

Who Should Apply?

• SET is particularly appropriate for newly formed regions

• Other regions can still benefit

Who Should Apply? (Cont’d.)5 characteristics to successful SET regions:1. Embrace regional strategies2. Open to focusing on key clusters3. Involve a diversity of people and institutions4. Take a fresh look at the region, where it’s

going, how it might get there5. Devote significant time and energy to develop

and implement HQP

What is required to apply?• 3 or more contiguous counties

• Region must be rural:– 51% of population counted as rural by

Census, OR– 75% of land area designated rural– Only Oklahoma and Tulsa Counties do not

qualify!– http://srdc.msstate.edu/set/files/phase3/oklahoma.xlsx

Applications

• Available online:http://okextdevres.blogspot.com (May 6, 2013)

• Due June 24, 2013 to Ryan McMullen: ryan.mcmullen@ok.usda.gov

Application Components• Economic Description of Region:

– Why do the counties identified constitute a region?

– Describe the economy of the region• History of Collaboration within the

Region• Challenges of Implementing Plan• Interest in SET• Team Membership (w/ letters)

Questions?

Dave Shideler405-744-6170Dave.shideler@okstate.edu