 |
       |
Frequently Asked QuestionsWho is the Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc.? It is a public-private economic development organization representing the City of Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico. The mission of the Partnership is: "To help grow the Greater Richmond economy through the attraction of high quality jobs and new capital investment, the retention of existing businesses, and the continued improvement of the region's business climate." When was the Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc. formed? In July 1994. Why was it formed? While most local jurisdictions began setting up their own economic development offices in the 1960s and 1970s, it became obvious from questions from the business community that a regional organization was needed to market Greater Richmond as a whole. Local governments joined in forming such an organization (the Metropolitan Economic Development Council, or MEDC) about 1980, but success continued to be less than desired. So the business community joined in through the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce, as a 50-50 partner, forming the new Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc., which was Greater Richmond's first real experiment in public-private regional economic development cooperation. How can I find out more about the Greater Richmond Partnership? Go to www.grpva.com for additional information. What is Greater Richmond : Globally Focused, Regionally Competitive? Greater Richmond: Globally Focused, Regionally Competitive is a five-year economic development fundraising initiative of the Greater Richmond Partnership. The goal is to improve the economic climate for the Greater Richmond Region. Click here for the .pdf brochure. Why make it a five-year plan? The program contains measurements to determine long-range success. At the end of each year, the organization will review progress toward the goals established early in the campaign. Success will be benchmarked against these measurements. At the end of the fifth year, community needs will be reassessed as well as project effectiveness, and a determination will be made as to whether a new initiative would be productive. What does it hope to accomplish? For each five year period the Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc. and the Greater Richmond Chamber have set measureable goals. Thoughtful consideration and strategy are put into the development of goals that are reviewed on a regular basis to record successes, track progress and to identify areas that require additional focus. Strategic priorities for 2009-2014 include: New Business Attraction and Regional Marketing; Retain and Expand Local Business; Workforce Development; Grow Small Business; and Infrastructure. Click here for more information. What is the relationship between the Partnership and the Greater Richmond Chamber? The Partnership and Chamber have a symbiotic relationship going back to 1994 when the Chamber's leadership proposed setting up a public-private regional economic development organization with the region's four local governments. The Chamber manages the Partnership's 200 private sector contributions through its 501©3 Foundation and provides quarterly checks to the Partnership. The Chamber also appoints the four private sector members that sit on the Partnership's Board. Finally, the Partnership contracts with the Chamber for specific business services, such as: assistance with the retention of existing businesses, small business development and workforce coordination. These contracts have specific metrics tied to the Partnership's five-year goals. Why call funding the Partnership an “Investment”? Economic Development Initiatives provide project funds for the sole purpose of improving the economy and assuring the business community of a healthy marketplace. Economic development programs promote the exchange of ideas, goods and services. When the economy flourishes, those who contribute receive a return on investment through increased business. What benefits come with investing? Not only will your investment help the economic development of our region, increasing business opportunities, you'll also benefit from: • Presented as a resource to businesses moving into the area. Can I pledge over time? Pledges are paid by investors on a schedule that may be spread out over the life of Greater Richmond: Globally Focused, Regionally Competitive. Most investors find they are able to make a meaningful investment by pledging quarterly payments. As an example, a pledge of $250 per quarter would mean $5,000 for the campaign over five years. What if I can't pay my pledge? As a courtesy to investors, the Campaign Office will send reminder notices or invoices monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or as indicated on the pledge card. If you have trouble making your payment, contact the office and see if there may be another plan better suited for your circumstances. What is the Development Council and what does it do? The Development Council is a group of influential business leaders willing to publicly endorse the project; and support and educate others as to the value of the programs and projects of Greater Richmond: Globally Focused, Regionally Competitive. The group acts as a resource from which the campaign office selects volunteer workers for the campaign. Membership on the Council is strictly volunteer and does not require regular attendance at meetings other than the Kickoff to launch the public phase of the campaign. Who is NCDS ? National Community Development Services (NCDS) is a professional fundraising firm specializing in building communities – one campaign at a time. As a member firm of the American Association of Fundraising Counsel, NCDS is paid a fee for services and does not operate on a percentage basis. They are charged with administering campaign expenses based on a budget approved in advance. NCDS provides professional campaign direction for the initiative.
|
|
