News and Notes 3/12/2018

​We thought you'd like to review this FAQ (frequently asked questions) prepared by members of the Strategic Alliance about its discussions thus far. Please feel free to share this information with anyone who may be interested.  
       Thanks so much to members of the Strategic Alliance for their efforts -- and for responding to questions as they arise.
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What is the purpose of the Strategic Alliance?
      The Ad Hoc Roundtable discussed the possibilities of the leading organizations in Lindsborg gathering on a regular basis to think and collaborate strategically for the benefit of Lindsborg. Realizing most organizations do strategic planning in some form, it was hoped that the entities would share their future objectives and see where needs, goals and objectives may intersect among organizations. The participants of the Strategic Alliance agreed to form a group that meets regularly to discuss and collaborate on long-term initiatives that would benefit Lindsborg.
When was the Strategic Alliance formed?
      The first meeting was held on September 21, 2017, in the Levin Room on the campus of Bethany College.  The alliance has  met approximately two times per month since that time.  Facilitator responsibilities for each meeting have rotated among the members of the group.
Who is involved in the Strategic Alliance?
Becky Anderson, Ad Hoc Roundtable                      
Larry Van Der Wege, Lindsborg Community Hospital
Mike Dreier, Ad Hoc Roundtable                                  
Shane Eck/Steve Peterson, Mid Kansas Coop
Corey Peterson, Ad Hoc Roundtable                         
Cassie Johnson, Smoky Valley Community Foundation
William Jones, Bethany College                                       
David Hay, Smoky Valley Development Corporation
Kris Erickson, Bethany Home                                      
Chris Carlson, TACOL
Erica Kruckenberg, Circles of Smoky Valley             
Glen Suppes, USD 400
Greg DuMars, City of Lindborg
Is this group accountable to any board or organization and does it have any decision-making authority?
     No. This group does not have any authority or budget to force anything on anyone. Each member of the group is accountable to the organization he or she represents.  Each member realizes that working together can make Lindsborg more robust, which will ultimately benefit each organization and the community at large.
Will this committee decide how the David J. Nutt money will be used?
     No. The McPherson Community Foundation will determine how the money will be dispersed. It is possible that efforts of the Strategic Alliance may facilitate partnerships in order to align common interests and to avoid duplicated efforts. This in turn may assist in the grant application process.
What has the Strategic Alliance accomplished thus far?    
      The initial meetings consisted of performing a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis of Lindsborg.  Many of the organizations represented have performed their own SWOT analysis as a part of their own strategic planning. This information was incorporated into the discussions. 
     The group then utilized information from the SWOT analysis as well as a review of individual organizational visions to develop a Vision Statement.  The statement is ideally for Lindborg as a whole, although this group has neither authority nor desire to force its use anywhere in the community. 
     The vision statement is: 
Lindsborg will be loved as one of the most welcoming and livable communities in the Midwest for families, retirees, businesses, and visitors, with a unique quality of life that builds upon our Swedish heritage, fosters and appreciates creativity and the arts, embraces educational excellence, and is firmly rooted in our rural Kansas values.
      The Strategic Alliance reviewed the results of the City of Lindsborg community survey.  The 2017 and 2014 survey results were compared.  Based upon review of the survey results as well as review of individual organizational strategic and operational needs, three areas of need have been selected for further exploration. 
      The three areas are:  1) Student/Community Wellness Center; 2) Affordable Housing; and 3) Affordable Childcare and After School Programs.  Subgroups will be formed – including other members and organizations of the community – to further evaluate these areas and develop tactics to make improvements for the betterment of Lindsborg.  These groups are currently forming.

What if I want to participate?
       Contact one of the members listed above. Subcommittees are forming to develop tactics to work toward strategic areas of need.
How long will the group continue to exist?
      It will meet as long as the individuals who participate and the organizations they represent feel there is value in the group.
Where can I get more information on the activities of the Strategic Alliance? 
      Further information can be provided by the Ad Hoc Roundtable. It meets from 8-9 am most Mondays in the City Council Room at City Hall. Anyone is welcome to participate. Ad Hoc Roundtable newsletters appear on its Facebook page or individuals may subscribe to its email updates.
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