Baylor Business Focus Firm Project
Project leads, Kevin Hutchinson and his brother Tim, both graduates of Baylor University, provided an overview about the project that is a research partnership between Baylor University and the City of North Bay. The project launched in early October, 2015, is focusing on assisting in the creation of a community vision, as well as identifying strategic priorities that will act as a catalyst for progress, sustain and improve capacities and ideally foster job creation within North Bay and area.Baylor has a long history of taking on "focus firm" projects each year that typically involve partnerships with a Fortune 500 company, which have included such companies as Wal-Mart, Coca-Cola and Nike. But this is the first project with a municipality - and their first in Canada. There is no cost to the city for what is estimated as a multi-million dollar gift from Baylor, with a minimum of 3,000 volunteer hours. However the Hutchinson brothers insisted on arranging for the cost of the graduate students accommodations and meals to be covered.
The 8-month dual phase project involves weekly calls with project sponsor, Baylor University advisors and guests, 3 visits to Waco, Texas and 4 visits to North Bay.
The first phase of the project unveiled results from a community-wide online survey conducted in the fall asking - "How do residents in our region feel about opportunities and challenges?" Most residents like living in North Bay and want to see it grow, despite little trust in government. The survey identified the need for a clear strategy, cohesiveness and enhanced communication.
Phase 2 is now underway. A North Bay contingent will travel to Waco, TX, this month to participate in a collaborative planning session with faculty and students, as well as meet with municipal leaders who are responsible for Waco's success. The students will then put their expertise to work to identify priorities and come up with solutions.
The work will look at best practices and the successes of other communities, as well as recommendations to help define the sort of business opportunities the city should be pursuing and how best to go after them.
A final public presentation is scheduled for April 2nd.
For more about the project...read here. View the slide presentation...here.