ECD Center’s Resources Strengthen Communities
Published Apr 07, 2005
Center for Strategic and Community Progress Executive Director David R. Kolzow hopes to provide the tools for economic development.
Improving the quality of life and business in their communities is a common goal of Tennessee leaders across the state, and training and education are key components needed to help put the wheels in motion.
Now Tennessee is answering the call with the creation of The Center for Strategic Community Progress. Through workshops, seminars by various experts and training resources, the center is designed to mirror the annual Governor’s Conference on Economic and Community Development, but with more in-depth learning and interaction.
“The center’s primary function is to build community capacity,” says David R. Kolzow, the institute’s executive director. “That means creating a more knowledgeable leadership and really facilitating the state’s strategic planning process.”
Kolzow brings a wealth of experience in the field. He was previously chairman of the University of Southern Mississippi’s Department of Economic Development and Planning – the only collegiate economic development program in the nation. Kolzow also has more than 30 years of consulting experience in site selection, real estate development planning and community economic development.
Focusing on community and economic development, the center will be operated by Tennessee Tomorrow, utilizing public/private partnership funding. The program was inspired by the Governor’s Three-Star Program, which challenges communities to be more strategic in their approach to job growth and retention.
The newly revamped Three-Star Program has been an overwhelming success according to feedback from communities, and the center seemed a natural progression, according to ECD Commissioner Matthew Kisber.
“The center supports the Three-Star Program and can help take them to the next level,” Kisber says. “But this is not limited to just those in the Three-Star program. Any community can learn from this. That’s the beauty of this program.”
Following the Governor’s Conference in 2004, Kisber says, “communities asked us to provide them help on a local and regional basis, just as we have for the conference.” Strategic planning is a key to this – so we understand assets of a community and utilize them.”
The center also welcomes involvement with educational institutions in communities where they exist.
“Research shows that where educational institutions exist there’s a higher level of community participation,” Kisber says.
Utilizing the Tennessee Tomorrow Board of Directors – keen minds from public, private, civic and business sectors – Kisber says he’s excited about the training the center will provide leaders on ways to improve and market their communities.
“The need for this,” he says, “came out of demand from local leaders who want to go home and make their communities better.” He adds that utilizing the best practices provided by the center will help improve the odds for successful economic development and expansion.
Story by Tom Robinson
Photo by Greg Emens
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