Economic Development Australia - SA Strategic Business Plan 2012-2014 July 2012
1 Background of Economic Development Australia - SA Economic Development Australia (EDA) is the national professional body for economic development practitioners employed in local government, regional development agencies, state government economic development departments, and private sector consultants and companies involved in economic development. The South Australian State Practitioner Network of EDA (EDA-SA) was officially launched in November 2008, and a management committee was elected by the members in February 2009. The chartered obligations of the State Practitioner Network are to: provide input to and assist in prioritising matters of national economic development significance to the EDA Board; manage and provide state-based forums at which matters of local and regional interest can be discussed by the relevant State members; implement EDA policies and procedures; and facilitate professional development opportunities. The purpose of local economic development (LED) is to build the economic capacity of a local area to improve its economic future and the quality of life for all. It is a process by which public, business and non-governmental sector partners work collectively to create better conditions for economic growth and employment generation. (World Bank)
2 State strategic context Economic development has a key role in meeting the targets in the South Australian Strategic Plan. The Plan s six objectives Growing Prosperity; Improving Wellbeing; Attaining Sustainability; Fostering Creativity; Building Communities; Expanding Opportunity; are founded on the theme of a knowledgeable community creating opportunity. EDA-SA has a place in the South Australian economic development sector as the peak professional body for economic development professionals. Local organisations complementary to the work of EDA include RDA, CEDA, PIA, UDIA, ANZRSAI, EDB, BECs, Mainstreet SA and others.
3 Governance The EDA-SA management committee is committed to sound management of the SA Practitioner Network (SPN). To achieve this, EDA-SA will undertake the following: Monthly management committee meetings Post minutes on the national website within five working days of committee meetings Treasurer s Report and Membership Report a standing item on every agenda Include reports from the national board on every agenda (to be presented by the State representative on the national board) Provide regular reports to the board as required Engage members in consultative and evidence-based decision-making Annual review, in consultation with members, of the EDA-SA Strategic Business Plan Annual survey of members Sustainable budget
4 Goals, strategies, measures of success and activities OUR PURPOSE EDA s purpose is to promote sustainable economic development in all levels of government across Australia. To achieve our purpose, we have a number of goals, strategies and activities that form the basis of our Strategic Business Plan. Our plan incorporates current projects and provides direction for developing and implementing future projects that support and promote the role and professional development of our members; and supporting sustainable economic development in South Australia. The following goals are designed to help us to achieve our purpose: GOAL ONE Improving the capability of EDA members GOAL TWO Influence the state and national economic development agendas GOAL THREE Ensure a sustainable and viable State Practitioner Network and national body The strategies, measures of success and key activities to achieve the goals are detailed on the following pages.
GOAL ONE: Improving the capability of EDA members. Strategies 1 Deliver a program of relevant and timely professional development activities for members. 2 Create opportunities for peer networking and support and encourage participation in online forums. 3 Develop and promote an annual calendar of events relevant to members. publicise via email, the SA web page, at events and through the national weekly email update. 4 Increase and promote the knowledge bank available to practitioners. Expand and promote the professional EDA-SA library collection. Identify South Australian case studies and examples. Encourage national EDA to develop tools, manuals and guidelines for LED. Promote and encourage participation in the national conference and awards programme. 5 Promote professional accreditation. Encourage SA members to seek EDA professional accreditation. Promote Masters in Economic Development course (RMIT). 6 Consult members on the development of a professional development programme. 7 Promote and encourage SA practitioner involvement in the Regional & Remote Area Economic Development Training Programme (RRATP). 8 Develop a mentoring program for members. 9 Facilitate active collaboration and sharing of practical knowledge and experience for members.
GOAL TWO: Influence the state and national economic development agendas Strategies 1 Influence policy development at the state level 2 Provide public comment on local economic development policy 3 Contribute to policy development at the national level via the national EDA board 4 Engage with LGASA to get economic development onto the agenda 5 Promote EDA s unique role and value in economic development Influence the economic development agenda Develop a regular schedule of meetings with key agencies / economic stakeholders Promote state-based economic development projects Identify the key strategic economic development priorities of SA members Develop strategic alliances with relevant organisations Clarify and maintain EDA s strategic position and relationship with other organisations 6 Market and promote the benefits of economic development to the wider community 7 Recognise the key role of economic development in strengthening healthy and sustainable communities. It s about community development.
GOAL THREE: Ensure a sustainable and viable National and State Practitioner Network Strategies 1 Secure corporate sponsorship for the SPN Develop a sponsorship proposal document based on the national document Identify clear benefits of sponsorship Approach key local councils, state and commonwealth agencies 2 Maximise volunteer contributions to the SPN Establish an events subcommittee and recruiting members from outside the management committee Maximise in-kind support from members and sponsor organisations Recognise volunteer contributions Thank you letters to be forwarded to all sponsors and people who have presented at our events during the year Membership application forms to be sent to non-members who have attended EDA-SA events 3 Develop profit-making events and maximise attendance at these 4 Grow the membership base Seek greater administration support from the national body to: o Develop and maintain a comprehensive database of non-members for marketing events and other EDA-SA initiatives, including universities, state and commonwealth government agencies, local councils, commercial real estate agencies, developers, RDAs o Events administration support Membership application forms available and invitations for people to join to be standing item in all speeches at all events and meetings Develop a statement of benefits and include an up-to-date calendar of events, membership list and promotion of the sponsoring councils and organisations Recruitment target of 50 members of the SPN by the end of 2012 Lobby government to highlight the role of economic development and for funding Prepare a value proposition Continue to build brand recognition
o Partner with other organisations such as PIA and LGASA, co-hosting events and sharing profits o Promote EDA-SA and its uniqueness to LGASA o Develop state-based marketing materials such as brochures, flyers (produce 1-page flyer on what is economic development and EDA-SA) o Ensure banners are present at all events
2012 Events Calendar Action Date Responsibility Showcases open to all members, no fees except hosting costs Charles Sturt City Council 17 May CH Barossa RDA Conference 12-13 July AM Salisbury Council Showcase Polaris Centre 23 August International EDA Conference, Cairns 17-20 Sept EDA Fleurieu Regional Event - Tourism Oct BH CEO breakfast LG China strategy Oct/Nov BH Christmas Showcase and Networking Nov/Dec ACC Webinars link with national program monthly Investment Attraction ½ or all day workshop/seminar ALL
Glossary ANZRSAI - Australia New Zealand Regional Science Association International BEC Business Enterprise Centre CEDA Committee for Economic Development EDB Economic Development Board PIA Planning Institute of Australia RDA Regional Development Australia UDIA Urban Design Institute of Australia