The Stronger Economies Together (SET) Initiative: An Introduction

The Stronger Economies Together (SET) Initiative: An Introduction

Module One

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

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.

Partnerships: Key to the Success of SET

USDA RDUSDA NIFA

RRDCs

Land-Grant University Extension

Service

County/Regional Extension Educators

Citizen-Based Regional Team

State USDA RD Office

State Partner Team & State

Training Delivery

Team

National

Local

Other State Agencies &

Organizations

University of Cincinnati External

Evaluation Team

National Design and

Training Team

Two Key SET Groups in Your State

State Partner Team• Composed of state/regional agencies and

institutions• Anchored by USDA RD & Extension

Service• Oversees and guides the SET initiative

State Training Team• Drawn from the State Partner Team • Includes people with expertise in conducting

training with local groups• Delivers the SET program to the regions

States Currently Part of SET

26 States

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

Regional Approach: Key Benefits

Promotes the three Cs:

Conversation

Connection

Capacity

Source: Council on Competitiveness (2010)

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

Interested? Next Steps

• Get a copy of the SET application

• Invite people from contiguous counties (and their communities) to review the application

• If interested, form a regional team

• Complete and submit the application

Final Thoughts

• Anything need clarification?

• Other questions about SET?

• SET contact persons:

Extension Service:

State USDA RD: