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Strategic plans are only as effe� as the commitment made by all parties to follow-through. <br />Washington County has invested a large amount of time and effort in the assessment, <br />development and adoption of the Economic Development Strategic Plan, The Plan is <br />comprehensive yet realistic. The plan provides the County with four distinct benefits: <br />• A decision-making tool to assist in making policy decisions <br />• A leadership tool to assist in identifying and establishing goals <br />• A management tool to assist in operationalizing plans and deterinining accountabilities <br />• A communication tool to inform partners and stakeholders about the plans <br />To move the plan into action the County Board will: <br />• Be the champion , <br />• Identify expectations <br />• Allocate resources and time <br />• Commit to implementation <br />• Determine levels of accountability <br />• Periodically review the Plan <br />In applying the guiding principle of working in partnership with others the County will seek the <br />input and perspectives of a broad group of stakeholders. The diverse group of stakeholders that <br />contribute to economic development within the County includes large and small businesses, <br />economic development organizations, educational institutions, chambers of commerce, state and <br />regional agencies, and local communities. <br />The County will engage these stakeholders in two primary ways. <br />1. The County will continue to convene the Economic Development Work Group, a group of <br />public sector stakeholders. The Work Group has successfully established an identity and <br />good working relationships through the strategic planning process. Continuing to engage the <br />Work Group during plan implementation will be critical to the County achieving its economic <br />development goals, avoid duplication of effort, and to understanding how the County can add <br />value to the work of others. <br />2. The County will periodically convene a group of private sector stakeholders to inform the <br />work of the County and its public sector partners. This group will help County staff and the <br />Work Group to understand the interests and needs of the business community and to identify <br />critical issues affecting businesses and the economy of the County. <br />12 <br />