Case Study 1
Grady Bachelor
Industrial Development Authority of Winston County, Alabama Cooperative District of Winston County, Alabama
Ken Sunseri
Haleyville Area Chamber of Commerce
In the 12 months after their first round of Synchronist interviews, the Industrial Development Authority of Winston County, Alabama and the Haleyville Area Chamber of Commerce working together have used Synchronist data to make cases to draw new money into the community. Their success stories include:
- $4 M in loans and grants have been delivered or approved for local companies.
- They discovered a niche market no one knew existed. In this case, 80% of a by-product is produced within 60 miles of Winston County. As a result of this discovery, they have initiated a University lead research assault to identify attraction and expansion opportunities. The value of the study alone is $250,000.
- They identified an attraction opportunity to supply a local company. The local company imports enough production to warrant a local branch plant.
- They received $450,000 in loans and grants for community infrastructure for the county.
- In spite of these successes, Mr. Bachelor believes the biggest opportunity is yet ahead. Once other regional and the statewide partners have Synchronist data the comparative information and the ability to document regional issues will present endless opportunities.
Winston County Update: The IDA has crafted a plan supported by the five municipalities and county commission to enter into a joint venture (creation of an Alabama Improvement District with a creative financial model as the basis) to purchase land and create a quasi-mega park in Winston County. These are truly exciting times. The project accomplishments have generated a positive sense of change and new awareness of our collective potential. Our Synchronist driven BR|E program has been a catalyst for change coupled with the appreciative inquiry approach that has driven these major changes in a community that five years ago was divided and lacking communication from one community to another sufficient to undertake such tasks.
|
|
|
