Strategic Planning Case Study.
Rural Oxford Economic Development Corporation Strategic Action Plan
The Rural Oxford Economic Development Corporation, also known as Rural Oxford, represents the five rural townships of Blandford-Blenheim, East Zorra-Tavistock, Norwich, South-West Oxford, and Zorra in Oxford County, Ontario. The region has a total population of 44,560.
Rural Oxford retained Mellor Murray to assist the board to establish a five-year strategic action plan. The assignment included background research and data analysis, comprehensive consultation including a survey, board member interviews, an interim report and a facilitated workshop to identify the strategic priorities and actions, culminating with the strategy document.
The Rural Oxford Strategic Action Plan provides a five-year roadmap, outlining where the organization wants to go, the actions needed to progress towards those goals and how it will determine if it has been successful. The Strategic Plan includes 37 specific actions in three main goal areas: business retention, expansion and attraction; awareness and promotion; and collective strength.
Aileen's understanding of rural economic development issues and opportunities, her ability to relate, listen and lead discussions among board, staff and elected officials were delivered skillfully and effectively. The followup and after care calls to address any outlying questions only further demonstrated her commitment and care for her clients' best interests. We enjoyed a collaborative effort and appreciate the final product - a five-year roadmap with strategies that we have already begun to operationalize for Rural Oxford.