Stevens FORWARD! Progress to Date

Since November, 2007, the Stevens FORWARD! Stewards have led the effort toward the Stevens County destiny. We have listened and learned about the county and have thought about the future of Stevens County. We have accomplished this work in less than a year and have crafted a destiny for Stevens Our progress to date:

Stevens FORWARD! Stewards are: Warrenn Anderson, Sara Beyer, Brad Fehr, Greg Fynboh, Mark Gibson, Marcia Greiner, Darick Huebner Jacquie Johnson, Jean Lesmeister, Alissa Melberg, Sal Monteagudo, Hannah Newhouse, Carolyn Peterson,Marissa Ritter, Marilynn Stallman, Ray Suess, Glen Tomoson, Paul Watzke, Wayne Westerman and Ben Winchester. Jim Thoreen, Roger McCannon and Michael Haynes are also involved in the effort in professional roles.

Nov-Dec 2007: Invited stewards to the initial Steward Academy training included an overview of process, team building and action plan. Confirmed Roger McCannon as coordinator and selected fiscal agent (SCEIC) as well as continued fund raising for resource funds for projects yet to be identified. Determined action teams, charges and timelines; Action teams meet (Public Input/Engagement; Context; Assets, Creating Buzz).

Jan-Feb-Mar 2008: Reports from Understanding Assets and Context teams; Public Engagement and Create the Buzz teams created name for the group (Stevens FORWARD!), web site, information brochure, frequently asked questions, and multiple input sessions (county, city and civic groups presentations as well as businesses). Developed perception survey and began distribution. Survey published in area papers (or at least link to survey); Additional distribution occurred through stewards attending meetings of various groups and asking for input. (Examples of meetings: Township Officers, Alberta Area Improvement Corporation, Stevens County Pork Producers, etc.)

April–June 2008: Stewards met to develop Stevens FORWARD! destiny; presented information from community input, survey results, Assets and Context report. Determined the common values of Stevens County, competitive advantages, and began developing destiny statement (May meeting); Stewards met with community leaders in all communities (Mayors, county commissioners) to discuss destiny statement and gain support for drivers. In June, continued input on the destiny statement and began brainstorming destiny drivers.

July to October: Met in July to finalize destiny statement and develop destiny drivers. Continued work on drivers throughout July and August. Meeting in September to finalize destiny and prioritize drivers. Set a target date of October 14 to complete the first phase of work and to roll out our destiny and drivers to the public. Part of the roll out will be presentations to county and city groups to share the Destiny and Drivers.

October to Present: A public announcement and reception was held on October 14th to announce our Destiny Statement and Destiny Drivers. The next phase of our process is to determine local champions for each of the 14 Destiny Drivers, and to meet with local sponsors.