2040 Vision: Growth Dimensions Economic Development Strategic Plan

28 Sep 2022

Established in 1979, Growth Dimensions Economic Development provides a progressive and cooperative environment which improves the quality of life by fostering economic opportunity and personal growth. With economic development partners throughout Belvidere-Boone County, Growth Dimensions is advancing a coordinated economic development strategy to create jobs, promote community assets and stimulate capital investment through business retention and attraction efforts.

In order to provide economic opportunities in Belvidere and Boone County, for years to come, Growth Dimensions recently went through the process of updating and setting its strategic goals and priorities. With the assistance from the Board of Directors, 2040 Vision was born.

MISSION

Growth Dimensions Economic Development, in partnership with private and public stakeholders, is the driving force to encourage business growth in Boone County, Illinois, by emphasizing logistical strengths and new commercial and retail projects; promoting prosperity through new investment and expanding the tax base; and, enhancing employment opportunities, residential growth and a skilled workforce.

VISION

To be the leading commercial and industrial development hub of the Midwest.

GOAL

To attract, retain and grow business in Boone County.

GOAL: ATTRACT BUSINESS

TACTICS	ACTIVITIES	MEASURABLES
Develop relationships with influencers & prospects	Develop outbound marketing initiatives Develop tools to highlight area assets Connect with influencers & prospects	Connections with influencers & prospects Digital engagement metrics Pipeline of new business projects & stage
Site Readiness	Infrastructure development Engage with local government on comprehensive plans and land use Create a visual plan to market sites	Plans for infrastructure enhancements Available land sites in acres Available shovel-ready sites

GOAL: GROW AND RETAIN BUSINESSES

TACTICS	ACTIVITIES	MEASURABLES
Develop relationships with existing companies	Connect with existing companies to identify groth opportunities and challenges Connect with influencers and existing companies to support expansion Represent business interests with local government regarding infrastructure and ordinances Boone County business surveys	Connections with existing companies Digital engagement metrics Pipeline of existing business projects and stage Investor commitments Incentive utilization Commercial and industrial occupancy rate
Workforce Pipeline	Collaborate with local school districts, colleges, training centers, and workforce organizations to develop future workforce	Engagements with workforce & training programs and partners Business connections to services & resources

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