Strategic Planning Work Group Initiatives and Accomplishments

The Strategic Planning discussion group table was spawned by the interest of Forum leadership and was specifically designed as a natural follow-up to the context presented by Board Member Duane Averill in his presentation at the July 16, 2010 Planning Session entitled "The NYS Forum Today". Mr. Averill's presentation presented specifics related to the strengths of The Forum and the challenges it confronts as it moves to attract a more diversified membership and navigate the difficult fiscal environment in New York State. Those who participated in the discussions at this table were clearly interested in addressing the challenges identified and determined to take the necessary business development actions to ensure the long term success of The Forum.

The initiatives suggested at this table were deemed to be of high priority to the overall organization and its long term well being. Therefore, attendees were asked not to cast any votes for these specific recommendations since they would be brought forward to the entire Executive Council.

Actions recommended include:

  • The Forum should formally create a Strategic Planning Work Group.
  • The Forum should pursue marketing with external decision makers within the new administration, DOB, etc. to support membership dues payments.
  • There should be a review of alternative membership pricing and consideration of event pricing.
  • Forum program offerings should be designed around customer needs.
  • Additional customer markets should be identified.
  • The organization should champion a policy to remove collaboration barriers.
  • The Forum should increase interaction with the legislature and include the legislature more formally in communications and deliberations.