I got this articel below from the Lancaster Eagle Gazette this morning (6/5/07) they gave no credit to authored this article or commentary. It was on the opinion page.
The big question for us all is who will be the driving force?
Good Alliance ideas need focus to work
A task force of economic development directors, government officials, chambers and business leaders from Lancaster, Pickerington and Canal Winchester, and Greenfield, Bloom and Violet townships, are reviewing its economic coalition called the Route 33 Growth Alliance.
They want to review the group's mission to ensure it meets the needs of the Fairfield County communities. The goal is to reorganize the Alliance so it effectively markets the region through a one-stop-shop approach

The review is a good idea and a timely one.
The Route 33 Growth Alliance was formed in 2002 to focus on transportation issues - prior to the construction of the Lancaster Bypass - along U.S. 33.
The group revived its efforts and in 2005 launched a three-year advertising campaign to market the region.
The message was: If you have an industrial company, then the place to be is in Fairfield County.
In reviewing the mission, Alliance members show that they are attempting to stay abreast of the county's changing needs.
First, the task force wants to determine how to create the one-stop shop. The next step will be to develop the overall marketing plan and determine what industry to attract to the region, according to one official.
A collaborative, regional approach to marketing Fairfield County is smart and probably the best use of resources, especially for a small region that may be competing against the likes of metropolitan communities at times.
Attracting businesses and development to Fairfield County should not be viewed as a zero-sum game.
If a business picks one local community over another because that community best matches the business owner's needs, then the entire county wins.
That company will hire locally; it likely will use the services of other local businesses; and might spur new industry-related businesses.
But in order for an organization to change direction and get results, the Alliance will need more than a mission revision. The Alliance must have action steps that will lead to measurable results.
There are operational and execution issues that could stop this effort. We've listed a few suggestions for overcoming some of those hurdles:
Develop an image campaign to get businesses and people interested in the county.
Develop an effective communication strategy. Build public support for the effort by sharing the marketing plan with the residents. Sponsor a marketing slogan contest - it might spur interest and excitement among residents.
Market to a mix of business bases, including manufacturing, technology and retail. Industry diversity is key to the county's long-term survival.
Determine who will be the ''driver'' of this new approach. Consider having a neutral director who will promote the area and refer communities to interested businesses. So many proposals die on the vine because they lack champions. We hope this doesn't happen in Fairfield County.
The big question for us all is who will be the driving force?
Good Alliance ideas need focus to work
A task force of economic development directors, government officials, chambers and business leaders from Lancaster, Pickerington and Canal Winchester, and Greenfield, Bloom and Violet townships, are reviewing its economic coalition called the Route 33 Growth Alliance.
They want to review the group's mission to ensure it meets the needs of the Fairfield County communities. The goal is to reorganize the Alliance so it effectively markets the region through a one-stop-shop approach

The review is a good idea and a timely one.
The Route 33 Growth Alliance was formed in 2002 to focus on transportation issues - prior to the construction of the Lancaster Bypass - along U.S. 33.
The group revived its efforts and in 2005 launched a three-year advertising campaign to market the region.
The message was: If you have an industrial company, then the place to be is in Fairfield County.
In reviewing the mission, Alliance members show that they are attempting to stay abreast of the county's changing needs.
First, the task force wants to determine how to create the one-stop shop. The next step will be to develop the overall marketing plan and determine what industry to attract to the region, according to one official.
A collaborative, regional approach to marketing Fairfield County is smart and probably the best use of resources, especially for a small region that may be competing against the likes of metropolitan communities at times.
Attracting businesses and development to Fairfield County should not be viewed as a zero-sum game.
If a business picks one local community over another because that community best matches the business owner's needs, then the entire county wins.
That company will hire locally; it likely will use the services of other local businesses; and might spur new industry-related businesses.
But in order for an organization to change direction and get results, the Alliance will need more than a mission revision. The Alliance must have action steps that will lead to measurable results.
There are operational and execution issues that could stop this effort. We've listed a few suggestions for overcoming some of those hurdles:
Develop an image campaign to get businesses and people interested in the county.
Develop an effective communication strategy. Build public support for the effort by sharing the marketing plan with the residents. Sponsor a marketing slogan contest - it might spur interest and excitement among residents.
Market to a mix of business bases, including manufacturing, technology and retail. Industry diversity is key to the county's long-term survival.
Determine who will be the ''driver'' of this new approach. Consider having a neutral director who will promote the area and refer communities to interested businesses. So many proposals die on the vine because they lack champions. We hope this doesn't happen in Fairfield County.
