Wyoming Governor Speaks at Campaign Kick-Off Event for STELLAR Client

Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal was the keynote speaker for the Campbell County Economic Development Corporation’s (CCEDC) POWER Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast in Gillette, Wyoming last month.  The event served to announce the CCEDC’s aggressive new five-year $2 million economic and community development program.  Gov. Freudenthal spoke primarily about workforce recruitment and affordable housing issues, two key areas of focus for the CCEDC’s POWER initiative.  “People will come here to work, but they’re not going to raise a family, they’re not going to stay if they don’t have a home,” declared the Governor to an overflow crowd of local business and community leaders.  The local booming energy economy has created a severe shortage of skilled workers and affordable housing for those moving into the area, two critical challenges that will be addressed over the next five years through the newly funded efforts of the CCEDC. 

Thanks to remarkable success during the quiet phase of the STELLAR-led campaign, officials were able to announce that nearly three-quarters of the $2 million goal had already been secured.  STELLAR projects that the campaign will handily exceed its goal before year-end.

Recently Formed Southwest Louisiana Alliance Chooses STELLAR to Fund Bold New ED Plan

STELLAR has been chosen by the recently formed Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance (SWLA Alliance) to conduct a funding feasibility study and funding campaign for its ambitious new five-year economic development initiative.  The Alliance is located in Lake Charles and serves five parishes in Southwest Louisiana.  The Alliance, which represents an umbrella coalition of The Chamber SWLA, The Chamber Foundation SWLA, and the Southwest Louisiana Partnership for Economic Development, is looking to dramatically boost funding for economic development in the region in order to better address opportunities and challenges that have arisen in the wake of Hurricane Rita.  According to Alliance President/CEO George Swift, “The people and businesses of the communities in this region showed remarkable spirit in pulling together to deal with the Hurricane Rita disaster.  Now we’re looking to the future and want to seize the opportunity to create a more dynamic and prosperous regional economy.”  Swift, who has been involved in previous local economic development funding campaigns directed by other consulting firms, is confident that STELLAR can help the Alliance reach unprecedented levels of success.  “I’m very impressed by STELLAR’s responsiveness, professionalism, reputation and track record and am excited to be working with the STELLAR Team.”

Board Bonding 101

by Carol Weisman, Board Builders

The process of board bonding is all-important, and it has to begin with a new board member's very first meeting. Here's some advice for the board president on building that bond:

1. Reinforce the Players' Names. 

To feel comfortable, you first need to know the players' names. Much anxiety goes out the window if board members wear nametags at all meetings. If you sit at a table, you can each have a folded sheet of cardboard in front of you, bearing your name. These "plaques" are even easier to read than nametags.

Another way to reinforce people's names is with repeated introductions. It's useful to begin each meeting by introducing all board members by name, professional affiliation, and board function. When new people are coming to a meeting, designate someone to greet them at the door and introduce everyone.

A key ingredient in building a dynamic, productive board is helping people feel comfortable.

2. Have an Agenda. 

The next aspect of comfort is knowing what is going to happen at the meeting. Every board member should receive an agenda a week before the meeting. An agenda keeps the meeting on track, establishes boundaries, and indicates who is responsible for specific reports.

Read the rest of this must-read article by clicking here >>

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Terry J. Cusack
Founder & CEO
STELLAR Fundraising Executives, Inc.

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