HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESPONSE - RFP - 7416 ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSIS & CLUSTER REPORTEconomic Impact Analysis & Cluster Report
A PROPOSAL FOR THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS, CO
AUGUST 12
TIP STRATEGIES I THEORY INTO PRACTICE
provide strategic considerations for strengthening the cluster initiative. This first report will
establish a template to use for the subsequent cluster reports.
3 Evaluate Initiative
Updates of the cluster report will be performed every 6
months to track the outcomes of the various activities
associated with the Fort Collins cluster initiative. The
schedule of updates will be determined based on data
releases from public sources that provide supporting data
for the report indicators. The qualitative input
mechanisms should be coordinated to provide results in a
similar time frame.
Phase 3 Overview
Tasks
✓ Stakeholder Input
✓ Data collection
✓ Benchmark research
_ ... .... _... _... ........-_... _... _... _.......
_._..._.._.._...._..._..._.._.._.._.._.._.._._..._.._.._.
Deliverables
✓ Updated Cluster Reports
3.1 Stakeholder input I The consulting team will conduct
interviews with the cluster managers and other primary stakeholders to collect information
on cluster membership, projects, and activities. This will also be an opportunity to discuss
how strategies may have changed since the last update and what the stakeholders' plans
for future cluster -related activities are.
3.2 Data collection I The data supporting each indicator will be collected and analyzed for
each update to the extent that new data is available.
3.3 Benchmark and market research I Additional research on peer initiatives and industry
trends will be conducted for each cluster to identify any trends that may influence Fort
Collins' cluster performance.
3.4 Cluster report preparation I The cluster report updates will highlight any changes since the
last update and provide a time series of indicators that can be used to track the
effectiveness of the cluster initiative.
TIP Strategies I Theory Into Practice City of Fort Collins, CO I Page 7
Economic Impact Analysis
TIP has an established model for measuring the economic
impact of a company's expansion within or into the City of
Fort Collins. The model measures the impact both on the
City and Latimer County and includes both fiscal impacts
and economic impacts. The model inputs will be updated
with the most recent data for each analysis to keep the
model current and accurate. The TIP model uses EMSI's
Analysis Report l Anay
input-output model, which is updated quarterly, to ✓ Impact __ _
measure economic impact. Fiscal impact is measured
using the Colorado INSIGHT model as a base. Then, this model is customized for the City of Fort
Collins and Larimer County, using historic data trends as the base of assumptions and inputs.
This service will be provided for the City as needed.
Schedule
The TIP team is available to begin this work immediately upon agreement of terms. The
following schedule assumes a September 2012 start date. It is intended to provide an overview
of the process and can be adjusted to meet the needs of the client. The first cluster report for
year-end 2012 will be completed March 2013 to allow for the compilation and release of 2012
data. The subsequent reports will also be released the quarter after the end of the time period
being evaluated:
4 Mid -year 2013 Report
4 Year end 2013 Report
4 Mid -year 2014 Report
4 Year-end 2014 Report
released September 2013
released March 2014
released September 2014
released March 2015
TIP Strategies I Theory Into Practice City of Fort Collins, CO I Page 8
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Bexar County, TX
Vehicle Manufacturing Industry Research
i
REFERENCE
As part of its efforts to organize a regional cluster initiative, Bexar County contracted TIP Strategies
to develop a report on the Texas - Northeastern Mexico vehicle manufacturing industry. The
purpose of the report was to define the region, highlight industry trends, and profile the regional
assets that support vehicle manufacturing.
The consulting team researched local, national, and international industry trends using detailed
industry data as well as conventional and industry -specific periodicals. In addition, the team
created an inventory of regional assets that support the vehicle manufacturing industry, collecting
data and producing a series of maps to provide a geographic context for the assets. This
information was published in a research report with rich graphics and clear, concise text to create a
document in an easy -to -use and versatile format.
The report was presented at the Texas -Mexico Automotive SuperCluster Conference in November
2008. The conference was sponsored by the Bexar County Economic Development Department,
the City of San Antonio, and the Free Trade Alliance San Antonio. The content from the report was
then used to create a website to represent the region: http://www.txmxautomotive.com/ and to
create presentations and materials to support the marketing efforts of the Texas -Mexico
Automotive SuperCluster (TMASQ. In 2011, the report was updated.
David Marquez, Executive Director, Bexar County Economic
Development Department
100 Dolorosa Street, Suite 120A,San Antonio, TX 78205
PH 210-335-0661 1 dmarquez@bexar.org
TIP CONTACT
Tom Stellman, President/CEO
PH 512.343.9113 1 tom@tipstrategies.com
TIP Strategies I Theory Into Practice City of Fort Collins, CO I Page 9
Temple Economic Development Corporation, TX
Target Industry Study and Target Marketing Plan
The city of Temple, Texas, is strategically located along the Interstate 35 corridor between Austin
and the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. In addition, it is adjacent to Fort Hood, one of the largest
active duty armored posts in the US. In 2011 the Killeen -Temple -Fort Hood MSA was ranked among
top five best -performing metro areas in the nation, according to the Milken Institute, which ranks
metropolitan areas by how well they are creating and sustaining jobs and economic growth. The
Temple EDC wished to position the city to continue this trend through a better targeted business
recruitment program. With this in mind, TIP was hired to define the top five industry categories
best suited for Temple, taking into account the community's and region's existing assets.
Additionally TIP was to provide extensive research on each target, as well as a marketing and
implementation plan.
The selection of target sectors is traditionally bound to an assessment of only a few determinant
factors, such as access to an available workforce, industrial sites, and incentives. Our target industry
recommendations are not based solely on these issues, but also on conversations with the area's
business leaders to better understand potential opportunities and challenges that might not be
readily identifiable through secondary data sources alone. Using tools such as a laborshed analysis,
economic base analysis, location quotients, and a shift -share analysis, a quantitative analysis was
conducted to identify potential target industry sectors. The list was then filtered further using
specific criteria, including location, growth, size, image, and infrastructure. The resulting list
includes both existing industry clusters and aspirational targets. Each industry sector was profiled
and specific niches are noted. These niches show the greatest potential for growth, pay higher than
average earnings, and are sufficiently large to warrant an investment of TEDC's resources for
business recruitment. In addition, they play to Temple's strengths and fit with Temple's site
availability.
The TEDC adopted the plan in early 2012. With the tools provided by TIP, the TEDC has augmented
its marketing program, enhanced its industry research, and re -focused its business recruitment
efforts.
REFERENCE
Charley Ayres, Director of Business Recruitment and Expansion
One South First Street, Temple, Texas 76501
PH 254.773.8332 1 cayres@choosetemple.com
TIP CONTACT
Tom Stellman, President & CEO
PH 512.343.9113 1 tom@tipstrategies.com
TIP Strategies I Theory Into Practice City of Fort Collins, CO I Page 10
Austin Technology Incubator, TX
Feasibility Study for Wet Lab Incubator
E Y Y Yr
come•.
REFERENCE
In mid 2010 the Austin Technology Incubator (ATI) received a grant from the U.S. Department of
Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) to determine the feasibility of
developing wet -lab space for life -sciences companies in Austin. The ATI study is intended to
estimate the demand for wet -lab space in Austin, determine best practices for existing wet -lab
facilities, identify costs and potential sites for the lab, and evaluate the overall economic impact of
the new facility.
TIP Strategies worked with a consortium of local stakeholders, including the Austin Technology
Incubator, City of Austin and the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce to develop the facility
feasibility study. TIP's focus was on market research and site selection. TIP's tasks included an
evaluation of the market and a survey of best practices for wet -lab incubators across the US;
identification of potential sites; and analysis of the economic impact of the project for the target
neighborhood. The final report outlined the findings for the 3 most promising sites, along with a
final development recommendation and supporting selection rationale.
The study found that the need for wet -lab space in the Austin metro area is substantial. The study
provided the background and support to launch an $80 million fundraising initiative to raise capital
for a new wet lab incubator. The capital campaign is currently underway.
Cindy Walker -Peach,
Biosciences Director, Austin Technology Incubator
3925 West Braker Lane, Austin, TX 78759
PH 512.305.0400 1 cwalkerpeach@ati.utexas.edu
TIP CONTACT
Jon Roberts, Managing Director
PH 512.343.91131 jon@tipstrategies.com
TIP Strategies I Theory Into Practice
City of Fort Collins, CO I Page 11
PROJECT TEAM ROLES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
At TIP, the work of our consulting team is conducted
under the direct supervision of a principal of the firm.
The principal assigned to the project is actively involved
in the scoping of the project and participates in every
phase of the work. Jon Roberts, TIP's managing director,
will act as project director and will serve as the primary
point of contact for this work. As such, he has the
ultimate responsibility for the work products that are
presented to the client. Under his direction, the TIP team
will provide high -quality products and strive to quickly
address any concerns to your satisfaction.
t woul'd recommend Jon to
any organization which is
ready for change, wants to
reach the "next level'; and
is not afraid to engage in
tough dialogue and
ntrospection in order to do
so.
Dorri Morin, Loudoun
County Department of
Economic Development
Tom Stellman, TIP's president & CEO, will serve as
project consultant. In this capacity, he will participate in the scoping of the project and provide
technical and strategic input during each phase.
In addition to a principal, a project manager is assigned to each engagement. Caroline
Alexander will serve as project manager for this work and will be responsible for day-to-day
client communication, directing project research, performing analyses, and report writing. Each
of our project managers has multiple years of experience managing consulting engagements.
The principal and project manager(s) are supported by analysts, who have extensive
experience working with large data sets and preparing thought -provoking and engaging
analyses. Alex Cooke and Alan Cox will serve as project
analysts and will conduct data analysis and assist with —�
report writing. Kathleen Baireuther will provide
assistance with meeting facilitation and community
input strategies. As director of support services, Karen
Beard is responsible for coordinating the preparation of
deliverables.
Beyond the immediate project team, our process
includes regular brainstorming sessions that involve the
entire firm. At these meetings, project managers present
their findings for peer review. We believe our clients
Both the document and the
process that you guided us
through will serve us well
for years to come and
provide much needed
vitality to our local
economy.
Jim Rives, President,
Marieopa Economic
Development Alliance
TIP Strategies I Theory Into Practice City of Fort Collins, CO I Page 12
benefit from this approach which engages the full brainpower and expertise of our team in
addressing their challenges.
Our goal for each project is to provide deliverables that meet — and exceed — our client's
expectations. Our success in achieving this goal is demonstrated by the volume of repeat
business we have achieved during our years in business.
Short bios for project team members are provided below. Full resumes are also included in the
Firm Qualifications section of this proposal.
Tom Stellman I President&CEO
As president of TIP Strategies, Inc„ Tom has national and international experience in economic
development and workforce analysis. Tom is the lead author of TIP's Texas Automotive Profile and
has spoken extensively about automotive supplier attraction strategies. He also developed and
launched the highly successful Invest in Texas Alliance, a marketing initiative targeting domestic
and international growth companies, which generated over $3 billion in investment leads and
facilitated the location of 15 companies. Tom's recent projects include developing a talent -focused
strategy as part of a WIRE6funded initiative for a 26-county region in Kentucky and Indiana;
crafting diversification strategies for military dependent communities in Texas (Fort Hood and Sheppard AFB) and Tennessee
(Fort Campbell); preparing an economic development strategic plan for Hinds County (Jacksonville), Mississippi; and
creating marketing strategies for suburban communities along the expansion of the President George Bush Tollway in the
Dallas area. Prior to establishing TIP, Tom was director of the Office of International Business for the Texas Department of
Commerce. He led a lo-person staff charged with promoting the state's exports, marketing the state to foreign investors,
and facilitating communication between foreign investors and economic development organizations statewide.
Jon Roberts I Managing Director
As a principal, Jon Roberts provides strategic direction to the company. A hallmark of his work is
recognizing the relationships between seemingly unconnected trends. He is able to communicate
their relevance and offer clients a clear path of action. Jon is an international leader in economic
development and has overseen projects throughout the US„ as well as in Europe and Asia. Prior to
joining TIP, Jon was the Director of Business Development for the State of Washington and then for
the State of Texas. In these positions, he directed recruitment and investment and led international
trade missions. Jon was a lead investor with the Oregon Technology Fund, where he was
responsible for venture capital financing and also managed two start-up technology companies: Fiberlite Composites and
LifePort Inc. Jon has prepared policy papers on national economic development strategy, published articles on economic
development marketing, and has written editorials for major newspapers. Born and raised in Germany, Jon has traveled
extensively throughout Europe and Asia. He lived in the Pacific Northwest before making Texas his home.
Alex Cooke I Senior Consultant
As a senior consultant Alex Cooke has a successful track record in project planning, client
communications, public input, and deliverable production. Since joining TIP in 1997, Alex has
' managed economic strategy projects and produced marketing plans, economic base analyses,
and target industry analyses for communities and regions in more than 15 states - extending from
Alaska to Virginia. Alex began his career at TIP running the Invest in Texas Alliance, an international
marketing consortium that generated dozens of foreign direct investment leads for Texas
communities and utilities. In addition to economic development Alex has both public and private
sector experience in the fields of management consulting, higher education, and legislative affairs. His other professional
skills include economic, legislative, and policy analysis; grant proposal development federal grant program administration;
and performance measurement Alex holds a Master of Public Affairs from LBJ School of Public Affairs at University of Texas
at Austin and a Bachelor of Arts from Texas Tech University.
TIP Strategies I Theory Into Practice City of Fort Collins, CO I Page 13
Alan COX I Senior Consultant
As a senior consultant, Alan Cox maintains a collaborative relationship with clients to ensure our
plans meet their expectations. During his seven years with the firm, Alan has gained national
experience working with a diverse clientele across 15 states, ranging from small rural communities,
to booming suburbs, and to multicounty regions. He brings particular strength in understanding
and communicating the relationships between visioning, physical planning, and economic
development. Prior to joining the firm, Alan was a partner with Civic Economics, an economic
analysis and strategic planning P. and also served as director of research for AngelouEconomics
for two years. Alan holds a Master of Science in Community and Regional Planning from The University of Texas at Austin
with a graduate curriculum emphasizing economic development and physical planning. He graduated magna cum laude
from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Arts in French and minors in international studies and German.
Karen Beard I Seniorconsultant
As a senior consultant at TIP, Karen Beard has more than 15 years of experience as a researcher in
both the public and private sector. Since joining TIP in 2000, she has managed consulting
engagements for clients across the country. Her recent projects include a competitiveness
strategy for a 26-county region centered on the Louisville metropolitan area, which includes Fort
Knox; preparing a talent management strategy to help Workforce Solutions of Central Texas
understand the impact of troop movement at Fort Hood; conducting a fiscal impact analysis of
proposed development for the city of Sachse, Texas; and developing a strategy m help Tompk ns
County Area Development (the economic development organization for Ithaca, N.Y.) capitalize on nanotechnology and
materials science research being conducted at Cornell University. Prior to joining TIP, Karen held research positions with the
Texas Department of Economic Development, the State Barof Texas, and the Texas Rehabilitation Commission. In addition,
she led a major household travel survey as a research manager for NuStats, an Austin -based transportation research firm.
Caroline Alexander I Consultant
As a consultant with TIP Strategies, Caroline has developed creative strategies to promote
economic diversification and vitality for communities and regions across the country. Aside from
strategic planning, she manages projects and provides in-depth research and analysis to support
those projects. Her project experience includes leading strategic planning projects for Fort Collins,
CO; Bexar County, TX; Temple, TX; Austin Technology Incubator, Lee County, MS; McKinney, TX; La
Vernia, TX; and North Harris County, TX. She has also conducted an assessment of rural
entrepreneurship in Northeast Texas, completed a feasibility analysis for a wet lab incubator, and
performed a market analysis for the San Marcos, TX Downtown Masterplan. Her areas of expertise include entrepreneurship,
downtown revitalization, economic impact analysis, market analysis, and geo-spatial analysis. Prior to joining TIP, Caroline
worked for MGT of America, a national public sector consulting firm, where she conducted organizational reviews, staffing
studies, and economic impact analysis. Previously, she worked with ACCION Texas, a non-profit micro -lender, and as a
financial analyst with Credit Suisse First Boston in New York
Kathleen Baireuther (Consultant
Kathleen joined the TIP team in 2010 and has since worked with clients in seven different states. In
addition to supporting on -site public input processes and writing plans for clients, Kathleen also
manages the company's business development and thought leadership strategies. Prior to TIP,
Kathleen worked with international entrepreneurs through the Global Commercialization Group at
the IC= Institute of the University of Texas at Austin. Previously, she was one of 60 students selected
nationally as a Coro Fellow in Public Affairs, a rigorous leadership training program. She has
international experience conducting fieldwork in the Ecuadorian Amazon and teaching economics
in Shanghai, China. Kathleen received her B.A. from the University of Virginia, graduating with high distinction in Political and
Social Thought, Spanish, and Latin American Studies. She earned her Masters in Development Studies from the University of
Cambridge.
TIP Strategies I Theory Into Practice City of Fort Collins, CO I Page 14
BUDGET
The fee for the completion of this work is outlined below. Additional expenses are subject to
approval and include data purchases and travel and lodging associated with conducting this
work.
The team member rates are as follows:
Principal/Lead Consultant....................................................$195
Consultant/Project Manager...............................................$145
Analystlrechnician................................................................... $95
Administrative / Design.......................................................... $50
The allocation of hours is expected to be as follows:
Number
by�P.osltwn
�rPhase
Project
of7Hours
Project
Adminl
Total
Hours
Consultant
Manager Analyst
Design
Phase One
12
50
10
5
77
Phase Two
12
200
50
25
287
Phase Three
5
35
50
25
115
Total
29
1 285 1
110
1 55
479
The summary of fees is as follows:
Initial research and presentation of findings ............
$10,000
Report set-up and production......................................$40,000
Report updates..................................................................
$10,000
Economic impact analysis ................................................
$3,500
J
TIP Strategies I Theory Into Practice
6
City of Fort Collins, CO ( Page 15
FIRM QUALIFICATIONS
TIP Strategies, Inc. (TIP) is a privately held Austin -based economic development
�
consulting firm committed to providing quality solutions for public and private-
55trateQie5
sector clients. Established in 1995, the firm's primary focus is strategic economic
development planning. In addition, TIP has experience with entrepreneurship,
target industry analysis, workforce, and redevelopment. Our methods establish a
106 East 6th Street
clear vision for economic growth. Community leaders across the country have
Suite 550
embraced the TIP model of Talent, Innovation, and Place to achieve successful
Austin, Texas 78701
and sustainable economies.
PH 5 12.34 3.9113
We understand that it is no longer feasible to conduct business as usual. Our
FX 512.343.9190
team offers a fresh approach that integrates community development principles
contact@tipstrategies.com
with an understanding of more traditional economic development practice. We
www.tipstrategies.com
believe a community approach is necessary to accomplish sustainable economic
development, achieve technology growth, and create an entrepreneurial climate.
TIP has worked with communities throughout the country to develop innovative,
publicly supported economic development strategies. Our team members have
produced numerous strategic economic assessments, economic base analyses,
workforce analyses, and target sector analyses, all with input from the client and
from stakeholders, community leaders, business owners and residents.
Significant projects include the following:
• Market Research - Wet Lab Incubator, Austin Technology Incubator, TX
• Citywide Economic Development Strategic Plan, City of Clearwater, FL
• Economic Development and Tourism Plan, City of Southlake, TX
• Economic Development Strategic Plan, Columbia River Economic
Development Council, WA
• Economic Development Strategic Plan, Garland County EDC, AR
• Regional Growth Strategy,165 WIRED region, KY & IN
• Site Selection Services, InSpec Group, TX
• Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, Kittitas County, WA
• Economic Development Plan, Mat-su Borough, AK
• Regional Cooperative Plan, Workforce Solutions, Lower Rio Grande Valley, TX
• Workforce Census and Analysis, Pearland EDCTX
• Target Industry Study, Temple EDC, TX
• Regional Economic Revitalization and Utilization Planning, Workforce
Solutions of Central Texas
The work of our consulting team is based on the perspective of the practitioner.
For six years, TIP managed the Invest in Texas Alliance, a consortium of Texas
economic development organizations and professional service firms interested
in helping companies do business in Texas. As managers of the Alliance, TIP
marketed directly to target industries in the U.S. and abroad on behalf of the
Alliance's members. Our experience with the Alliance provides us with an
understanding of the key information relevant to private investment decisions.
TIP Strategies I Theory Into Practice City of Fort Collins, CO I Page 16
August 8, 2012
James B.O'Neill II, CPPO, FNIGP
Director of Purchasing & Risk Management
City of Fort Collins
215 North Mason St.
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524
Dear Mr. O'Neill:
TIP Strategies is pleased to present our proposal for an economic impact analysis and cluster report for the City of Fort
Collins.
Our experience in Fort Collins and elsewhere nationally prepares us well to provide you with the services requested.
This proposal envisions a more comprehensive cluster report that does much more than just demonstrate growth in
the local industry. The TIP cluster report would be a tool for performance measurement and evaluation as well as
communications. Such a report is a necessary component of understanding the effectiveness of the City's economic
health programming and communicating the value of the cluster initiative to stakeholders.
The TIP team is excited at the prospect of working with the City on developing a new cluster report and providing
economic impact analyses. We appreciate the opportunity to present our firm and our team members. We invite you to
contact our references and peruse a sample of one of our in-depth industry profiles at:
http://www.txmxautomotive.com/docs/TMASC MarketStudy 2012.pdf
Please feel free to call me at 512.343.9113 if you have any questions concerning our submittal.
Sincerely,
Jon Roberts
Managing Director
theory into practice 512.343.91131 www.tipstrategies.com 1106 East 6th Street, Suite 550, Austin, TX 78701
•
•
•
•
Jon Roberts I Principal& Managing Director
•
Education
Post graduate research, University of Oregon, 1973-77
•
Master of Arts, Political Philosophy, University of Hawaii, 1973
•
Bachelor of Arts, University of Hawaii, 1969
•
Affiliations
Fellow of the Washington World Affairs Council, Seattle; National Development
Council Economic Development Certification; Member, Texas Economic
•
Development Council; Member, International Economic Development Council;
•
Board of Trustees, KMFA radio Austin, Texas
•
Publications
Economic Development Marketing, The Economic & Technology Development
Journal of Canada, 1998
•
Education & Economic Development - Forging the Link, The Texas Local Economic
•
Development Series,1998
•
Towards a National Economic Strategy, AEDC, 1995
•
Significant Projects
" Delta Regional Authority Regional Development Plan
" "Envision Central Texas" project for regional planning in the Austin Metro area
•
" Chicago -Milwaukee Corridor economic and transportation planning
•
" State of Texas Strategic Economic Development Plan
•
" City of Dallas comprehensive plan
•
• Site development in Austin; Dallas; and Denton, Texas
•
" Transit -oriented development in Houston
" Recruitment of Matsushita Semiconductor (NSC) to Washington
Experience Jon Roberts is the managing director of TIP Strategies, Inc. MP), in Austin, Texas. He
is an international leader in economic development and has overseen projects
throughout the U.S., as well as in Europe and Asia. In addition to being a practitioner
in the field, he has conducted original research into technology growth. He has
prepared policy papers on national economic development strategy, published
articles on economic development marketing, and has written editorials for major
newspapers.
Mr. Roberts served as the director of business development both for the State of
Texas and for the State of Washington between 1990 and 1995. He was responsible
for investment, financial programs, and community development, among other
functions. He advised the Governor's Office in Oregon, Washington, and Texas on
economic development and trade issues.
Prior to his public sector service, Mr. Roberts was with the Oregon Technology Fund,
where he was responsible for venture capital investments. He managed two Oregon
start-up technology companies: Fiberlite Composites and LifePort Inc., and worked
with the Center for Entrepreneurial Ventures. Mr. Roberts was also the founder of
the Fat Tire Farm in Portland.
Mr. Roberts is currently leading several large regional projects. He is also a sought-
after speaker for economic development topics, especially as they relate to "quality
of place" and the innovation economy.
TIP Strategies I Theory Into Practice City of Fort Collins, CO I Page 17
Tom Stellman I President& CEO
Education Bachelor of Arts in Government, University of Texas at Austin
Affiliations Board of Directors, Texas Economic Development Council; Advisory Board Member,
Community Development Institute; Board Member, Camino Real Export Council;
Board Member, Center for International Business and Economic Research at the
University of Texas at Austin; Instructor, Basic Economic Development Course in
College Station and San Antonio, Texas
Significant Projects • Economic Diversification Plan. Mr. Stellman recently completed an economic
diversification plan for the City of Wichita Falls, TX. TIP assisted the city in
identifying four areas of opportunity that represented the greatest potential for
affecting economic vitality: (1) downtown revitalization, (2) talent retention and
attraction, (3) business development, and (4) marketing strategies and image
enhancement. A detailed implementation plan was developed for each
initiative.
• Assessment of Rural Entrepreneurship. Mr. Stellman led a team that completed
an assessment of rural entrepreneurship of the 12-county region of Northeast
Texas and Southwest Arkansas. As part of this assessment, the TIP team
produced an inventory of entrepreneurial assets, a gap analysis, and a set of
strategic recommendations for promoting entrepreneurship in the region.
• Toyota Supplier Strategies. Mr. Stellman worked with the City of New Braunfels,
Texas in its efforts to attract suppliers for the recently announced Toyota -San
Antonio facility. TIP provided the city with a profile of Toyota's proposed
operations, an assessment of the community's competitive position, as well as
targets, strategies, and best practices for marketing.
• Invest in Texas Alliance. Mr. Stellman developed and launched the highly
successful Invest in Texas Alliance marketing program. This marketing alliance
targeted both domestic and international growth companies through a unique
mix of direct marketing and networking. This program generated leads
representing more than $3 billion in potential investment, with 15 companies
announcing locations or expansions.
Experience Mr. Stellman has national and international experience in economic development.
Since founding the firm, Mr. Stellman has led economic development consulting
projects in Texas and throughout the United States, including work for the Carolinas
Gateway Partnership; the Deep East Texas Council of Governments; Plano, Texas;
Denton, Texas; Rowlett, Texas; Brownsville, Texas; and Greene County, Tennessee.
Prior to establishing TIP, Mr. Stellman was director of the Office of International
Business for the Texas Department of Commerce. There, he led a team charged with
promoting the state's exports, marketing the state to foreign investors, and facilitating
communication between foreign investors and economic development organizations
statewide.
Previously at Commerce, Mr. Stellman was deputy director of the Office of Industry
Recruitment, where he assisted in the oversight of the state's primary economic
development marketing efforts. And, as a site location specialist, he worked closely
with prospects interested in establishing operations in Texas.
TIP Strategies I Theory Into Practice City of Fort Collins, CO I Page 18
Alex Cooke I Senior Consultant
Education Master of Public Affairs, LBJ School of Public Affairs, University of Texas -Austin, 1995
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Texas Tech University, 1990
Affiliations Advisory Board, Center for International Business & Economic Development at Troy
University; Board member, Alamo Asian American Chamber of Commerce;
International Economic Development Council; Texas Economic Development
Council; Japan America Society of San Antonio
Publications Texas Business Guide, TIP Strategies, July 1998
Texas, Charging into the 11 stCentury, Plants, Sites and Parks, April 1999
European Business Guide, TIP Strategies, October 1998
The Aerospace Industry in Texas and Kansas, Canadian Consulate in Dallas, May 1998
Highlights of Texas Exports, Texas Dept. of Economic Development, 1996 & 1997
Significant Projects • Strategic Planning (Delta Regional Authority; McCormick County, SC; Hinds
County, MS; Richmond, VA; Georgetown, TX; Rowlett, TX; Seguin, TX; Del Rio, TX;
Hamilton, TX)
• Defense Diversification (Wichita Falls, TX; Fort Hood Region, TX)
• Workforce (Montgomery County, TN)
• Industry Cluster Analysis (Deep East Texas Council of Governments)
Experience Alex Cooke possesses 15 years of public and private sector experience in the fields
of economic development, management consulting, higher education, and
legislative affairs. Mr. Cooke's various professional experiences include economic,
legislative, and policy analysis; strategic planning; grant proposal development;
federal grant program administration; and performance measurement.
Mr. Cooke rejoined TIP after stints working for Texas Tech University and MGT of
America, Inc. As a consultant with MGT, he contributed experience and expertise to
projects involving management and organizational reviews, performance
management implementation, and operational and staffing reviews.
At Texas Tech, Mr. Cooke served as Director of Research and Grants for the
International Business Education Program at the Rawls College of Business. There,
he was responsible for planning and developing grant funding proposals,
researching and coordinating funding opportunities, communicating with potential
funding agencies and foundations, and administering grant programs related to
international education programs and scholarships.
Originally joining TIP in 1997, Mr. Cooke has worked with cities, chambers, and
regional organizations in several states on issues related to industry recruitment and
retention, workforce development, and quality of life enhancement. His recent
projects include helping to design a regional development plan for the Mississippi
Delta region as well as working with communities impacted by the closure or
realignment of major military installations. He has years of experience managing
day-to-day project activities and producing such deliverables as strategic plans,
marketing plans, economic base analyses, industry analyses, and marketing
materials.
TIP Strategies I Theory Into Practice City of Fort Collins, CO I Page 19
Alan Cox I Senior Consultant
Education Master of Community and Regional Planning, University of Texas at Austin, with an
emphasis in economic development and physical planning.
Bachelor of Arts in French and minors in German and International Studies, Texas
Tech University, magna cum laude
Affiliations Advisory Board, Center for International Business & Economic Development at Troy
University, Board member, Alamo Asian American Chamber of Commerce;
International Economic Development Council; Texas Economic Development
Council; Japan America Society of San Antonio
Publications Getting the Right Mix. A Feasibility Study for Downtown Revitalization in a West Texas
Community., Master's report, The University of Texas at Austin, May 1999
Cameron County/Matamoros at the Crossroads: Assets and Challenges for Accelerating
Regional and Binational Development., Cross Border Institute for Regional
Development & The University of Texas at Brownsville/Texas Southmost College,
2003
Significant Projects • Strategic Planning (Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK; Blaine County, ID; Midland,
TX; Lake County, FL; Kyle, TX; Union County, AR; Puyallup, WA; Jackson County,
IQ
• Industry Cluster Analysis (Katy, TX; Conroe, TX; Tom Green County, TX;
Beaumont, TX; Southwest Mississippi Partnership)
Comprehensive / Area Plans (Zachary, LA; Huntsville, TX; Temple, TX)
Market Analyses (Kyle, TX; Midland, TX; Helena — West Helena, AR)
Experience Alan Cox serves as a senior consultant for TIP and brings extensive experience in
economic development strategic planning, industry cluster analysis, and target
sector marketing. He holds particular strengths in understanding the relationships
between visioning, physical planning, and economic development.
Since joining TIP in 2003, Mr. Cox has worked with cities, chambers, and regional
organizations in several states on issues related to comprehensive planning,
business recruitment and retention, and quality of life enhancement. His recent
projects include assisting in the establishment of a taxpayer -funded economic
development partnership, developing a comprehensive strategy for a diverse
suburban county, and designing target marketing studies for numerous
communities throughout the U.S. He has several years of experience in research and
data analysis, managing day-to-day project activities and producing such
deliverables as strategic plans, target marketing plans, and economic base analyses.
Prior to joining TIP, Mr. Cox was a founding partner with Civic Economics, an
economic analysis and strategic planning firm. He also previously served as Director
of Research for Angelou Economics where he led activities in support of economic
development and real estate analysis activities. There, he conducted analyses for a
number of private sector clients, including AMD, Applied Materials, Dell, The Rouse
Company, and UPS, as well as a number of local and regional clients throughout
North America, including Round Rock (TX), Midland (TX), Wenatchee (WA), Jefferson
Parish (LA), Metro Orlando (FL), and the Province of Alberta (Canada).
TIP Strategies I Theory Into Practice City of Fort Collins, CO I Page 20
Karen Beard I Senior Consultant
Education Master of Community and Regional Planning, University of Texas at Austin
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, University of Texas at Austin
Affiliations Member, American Planning Association
Publications Foreign Investment in Texas: Why Here? Texas Business Review, Bureau of Business
Research, The University of Texas at Austin, December 2000
Defining Success: Evaluating Manufacturing Technology Centers., Master's report, The
University of Texas, May 1996
Significant Projects • Strategic Planning (Wylie, TX; Rowlett, TX; Northfield, MN; Fort Smith, AR; Capital
Area Council of Governments, TX)
• Workforce (Wired65 region of Ky. / Ind., Central Texas WFDB, Lower Rio Grande
WFDB)
• Comprehensive / Area Plans (Dallas, TX; Watsonville, CA, Gresham, OR;
Midlothian, TX)
• Market Analysis (Asian American Resource Center — Austin, TX; Inner Katy Transit
Study; Kenosha -Racine -Milwaukee Transit Analysis)
• Economic Impact (Rockport, TX; Central Texas WFDB)
Experience Karen Beard has extensive experience as a researcher in both the public and private
sector. Ms. Beard's recent projects include preparing a talent -focused strategy as part of
a WIRED -funded initiative for a 26-county region in Kentucky and Indiana, the workforce
board for the Lower Rio Grande Valley region of Texas. Other significant projects she has
managed include preparing the economic element for Forward Dallas, the first
comprehensive plan prepared for the City of Dallas; developing a strategic and
operational plan for the Southern United States Trade Association; preparing an
economic development and marketing strategy for the Fort Smith (Ark.) Regional
Chamber of Commerce; and developing a strategy to help Tompkins County Area
Development, the economic development organization for Ithaca, NY, capitalize on
nanotechnology and materials science research being conducted at Cornell University.
Prior to joining TIP, Ms. Beard was a senior research analyst at the Texas Department of
Economic Development. During her tenure at TOED, she was involved in a number of
projects, including the design of the agency's "one stop" economic development web
sites. In this capacity, she served as the principal developer of the Texas Business &
Community Economic Development Clearinghouse, a searchable database of economic
development resources. Other projects include monitoring the development of the
state's strategic plan for economic development, preparing an analysis of
transportation -related issues along the Texas -Mexico border, and developing profiles of
the state's major industries.
As a research associate for the State Bar of Texas, Ms. Beard analyzed subjects of interest
to the legal services industry and participated in dozens of law -related survey research
projects. She has also conducted research on the disability community for the Texas
Rehabilitation Commission and led a major household travel survey as a research
manager for NuStats, an Austin -based transportation research firm. Other topics that
she has addressed include the evaluation of manufacturing technology centers, and the
effect of regulation on the cost of land development.
TIP Strategies I Theory Into Practice City of Fort Collins, CO ( Page 21
Caroline Alexander Iconsultant
Education Master of Public Affairs, LBJ School of Public Affairs, University of Texas -Austin
Bachelor of Arts, Economics, Davidson College
Publications The Economic Impact of Rural Military Base Realignment and Closure., LBJ School of
Public Affairs, University of Texas, 2005
Significant Projects Strategic Planning (Fort Collins, CO; Tupelo, MS; McCormick County, SC;
McKinney, TX; La Vernia, TX, Lone Star College)
• Economic Impact (Fort Collins, CO; Austin Technology Incubator)
• Entrepreneurship (Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas; Tupelo, MS; Wichita
Falls, TX; Purchase Area Development District; Workforce Solutions Lower Rio
Grande Valley; Cedar Park, TX; Round Rock, TX)
• Market Analysis (City of San Marcos, TX; Various Private Developers)
• Military Communities (City of Wichita Falls, TX)
Experience Caroline Alexander has over 11 years of experience in the private and non-profit
sectors in the fields of management consulting, small business development, and
public and corporate finance. She specializes in research and analysis including
benchmarking, cost modeling, and cost -benefit analysis as well as statistical analysis,
spatial analysis and econometric modeling.
Prior to joining TIP, she worked with MGT of America, Inc, a public sector consulting
firm. Her project experience included an economic impact analysis of the City of
Houston's smoking ordinance, a transition plan for Bexar County's magistration
function, a feasibility study of a regional detention center for the Hopi Tribal Council,
and an organizational review of the central administration of Abilene Independent
School District.
Caroline's other experience includes small business development as well as
corporate and public finance. With ACCION Texas, a non-profit micro -lender, she
aided numerous low-income microentrepreneurs in strengthening and growing
their businesses. Prior to ACCION, she worked as a financial analyst with Credit
Suisse First Boston in New York. At CSFB, she performed analyses, conducted
research, and produced presentations and marketing materials for projects ranging
from sovereign debt issuances to corporate mergers and acquisitions.
She holds a Master's in Public Administration from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at
the University of Texas at Austin. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with
an international studies concentration from Davidson College in North Carolina.
TIP Strategies I Theory Into Practice City of Fort Collins, CO I Page 22
Kathleen Baireuther I Consultant
Education Master of Philosophy, International Development, Cambridge University
Graduate Fellow, Coro New York Fellows Program in Public Affairs
Bachelor of Arts, Political and Social Thought Distinguished Majors Program,
Spanish, and Latin American Studies (minor), University of Virginia
Publications The Controversy Surrounding the International Criminal Court., Wilson Journal of
International Affairs, Spring 2004
Significant Projects • Greater Houston Partnership - International Recruitment Benchmarking
• City of Clearwater, Florida - Economic Development Strategic Plan
• Jefferson City, Missouri - Economic Development Strategic Plan
• Garland County Chamber of Commerce (Hot Springs) Arkansas - Economic
Development Strategic Plan
• TIP website re -design 2011
Experience As a consultant, Kathleen Baireuther works with community stakeholders through
on -site public input processes and applies her local knowledge to write customized
strategic plans for clients. She also manages TIP's business development and
thought leadership strategies, including the Austin Visit program, which gives
clients the opportunity to learn from the leaders and organizations that have
contributed to the city's success.
Prior to joining TIP, Kathleen worked with international entrepreneurs through the
Global Commercialization Group at the IC' Institute of the University of Texas at
Austin. Previously, she was one of 60 students selected nationally as a Coro Fellow
in Public Affairs, a rigorous leadership training program. Following Coro, she was a
Programs Consultant for Echoing Green, an organization that selects and provides
angel financing for social entrepreneurs with high growth potential.
Kathleen has significant international experience. She taught business and
economics in Shanghai, China, and conducted field research with indigenous
groups in Ecuador. As the Executive Director of Alternative Spring Break at the
University of Virginia, she also oversaw over 20 international volunteer trips
annually.
Kathleen received her B.A. from the University of Virginia, graduating with high
distinction in Political and Social Thought, Spanish, and Latin American Studies. She
earned her Masters in Development Studies from the University of Cambridge.
TIP Strategies I Theory Into Practice City of Fort Collins, CO I Page 23
strat2g125 @ theory into practice 512.343.9113 1 www.tipstrategies.com I io6 East 6th Street, Suite 55o, Austin, TX 78701
CONTENTS
CONTENTS........................................................................................................I
CONSULTANT BACKGROUND.........................................................................1
W.
OUR
1
2
PROJECT APPROACH.......................................................................................4
SCOPEOF WORK..............................................................................................5
ESTABLISH THE BASELINE.........................................................................................5
2 DETERMINE AND APPLY FRAMEWORK................................................................6
3 EVALUATE INITIATIVE.................................................................................................7
ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSIS.........................................................................................8
SCHEDULE................................................................................................................................ 8
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE..................................................................................9
PROJECT TEAM ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES..........................................12
BUDGET..........................................................................................................15
FIRM QUALIFICATIONS.................................................................................16
TIP Strategies I Theory Into Practice City of Fort Collins, CO I Page i
CONSULTANT BACKGROUND
TIP Strategies, Inc. (TIP) is submitting this proposal to act
as the consulting team for the preparation of cluster
reports and economic impact analyses. Our team
members are experienced in 1) leading economic
development planning projects across the United States
and internationally; 2) performing detailed analyses of
communities' economies and workforces; 3) presenting
complicated subject matter in ways accessible to any
type of stakeholder.
Our Team
Established in 1995, TIP Strategies has worked with communities throughout the country to
develop innovative, publicly supported economic development strategies. Our team members
have produced numerous strategic plans, economic assessments, economic base analyses,
workforce analyses, and target sector analyses, all with input from the client as well as
community leaders, business owners, residents, and other stakeholders.
The team members assembled are ideally suited to assist the City of Fort Collins on this project.
4 Jon Roberts is a nationally recognized leader in regional economic development. He
has overseen projects in Texas and throughout the U.S., as well as in Europe and Asia.
Mr. Roberts served as director of business development for both Texas and for
Washington between 1990 and 1995. As managing director, he participates in the
scoping of projects and provides technical and strategic input during each phase.
4 Tom Stellman, president and co-founder of TIP, brings a wealth of experience working
with communities and businesses. As former director of international business
development and marketing for the State of Texas, he assisted Texas companies
looking to expand and locate in international markets. His experience in developing
and managing the highly successful Invest in Texas Alliance provides a clear
understanding of the issues communities face in recruitment.
TIP principals are supported by a staff of analysts and consultants experienced in managing
economic development projects similar in scope to the requested work. The TIP team also
includes a network of associates and partners in a wide range of disciplines whose skills can be
brought to bear on this project.
TIP Strategies I Theory Into Practice City of Fort Collins, CO I Page 1
Our Advantage
The TIP team is well -qualified to serve as the contractor
for this work.
4 We have experience in Fort Collins. We
recently completed the City of Fort Collins'
Economic Health Strategic Plan and already
have a substantial base of knowledge about the
City, the region, and the economy.
4 Our team members have managed consulting
engagements in a variety of settings. We have
crafted innovative strategies for communities
TIP also works to stay ,on
the cutting edge of
economic development
nationally, and"we, rely on
them for their insights and
their diligence to get things
righ€.
Gordy Kacala, Executive
Director, Racine County
Economic Development
Corporation
and regions across the U.S. from Texas to
Vermont and from Alaska to Florida. We specialize in tailoring products and processes
to meet the unique needs of our clients and their stakeholders.
4 We recognize the role of higher education in regional competitiveness. As
manufacturing and service industries face growing pressure from offshore operations,
it is increasingly important to identify opportunities for higher value with existing
companies. Our consulting team has recent experience working with communities to
determine the best way to leverage their universities and technical colleges for
economic development. Projects include Northfield, Minnesota; Racine, Wisconsin;
Louisville, Kentucky; Fort Smith, Arkansas; and Tompkins County, New York.
4 We appreciate the link between economic development and workforce.
Workforce concerns and labor market analysis are key components of virtually every
project we conduct. Our principals and team members have interviewed literally
hundreds of employers and business organizations across the country. We have
addressed workforce challenges throughout Texas (including in the Rio Grande Valley)
and in the Chicago -Milwaukee corridor; the Louisville, Kentucky region; Richmond,
Virginia; and Watsonville, California.
4 We have helped communities and regions across the country identify well -suited
target industries. The selection of target industries must consider a range of factors.
Our occupation -driven approach recognizes the importance of connecting industry
recruitment with the skills of the regional workforce and identifying opportunities for
enhancing those skills. The presence of well -prepared industrial sites is another critical
piece of the puzzle. Businesses do not locate just to a community; they locate to a
specific site. Finally, the role of innovation has become an increasingly important
aspect of industrial development, and our strategies often emphasize the recruitment
of innovation -driven companies. Through this process, we stay abreast of trends in a
TIP Strategies I Theory Into Practice City of Fort Collins, CO I Page 2
wide range of industry sectors. In addition, we have written in-depth profiles of the
aerospace industry (for the Canadian government) and of the Texas automotive
industry.
4 Our consulting team offers a broad background. The experience of our team
includes running statewide economic development programs and leading economic
development consulting projects across the country. TIP principals have held
management positions with the Texas Department of Economic Development and the
states of Oregon and Washington. Team members are frequently invited to speak at
state and national conferences on a wide range of topics.
In short, our team has the analytical capacity, corporate experience, and planning expertise to
assist Fort Collins in evaluating its cluster initiative and demonstrating its value. We are excited
about the prospect of working on this project and are available to begin work immediately
upon agreement of terms.
TIP Strategies I Theory Into Practice
City of Fort Collins, CO I Page 3
PROJECT APPROACH
TIP aims to create a cluster report that serves not only to track cluster growth but as an
evaluation tool to improve the effectiveness of economic health programming in the City of
Fort Collins. These cluster reports will be useful as tools to inform the decision -making process
of the Economic Health Office and industry cluster groups regarding their allocation of
resources and programming. In addition, the reports will also be valuable communications
tools with content that can be used on relevant websites, in newsletters, and in presentations
to update stakeholders and foster support for the initiative.
The TIP team will employ a three -pronged approach to evaluating the City's industry cluster
initiative. This approach focuses on synthesizing quantitative data to provide preliminary
findings. These findings are then contextualized and validated with qualitative input. We then
apply a strategic lens and outlook to incorporate trends and events that will likely alter future
outcomes.
The quantitative analysis will focus on choosing and tracking indicators that are tied to the
City's and the cluster manager's specific strategies for fostering the development of each
cluster. These indicators will likely center around such topics as growth, access to capital,
discovery, and commercialization.
Our quantitative analysis will be supplemented by qualitative input that will allow us to
evaluate each cluster's assets, networks, and culture and identify strengths, weakness,
opportunities, and threats for each cluster. The starting point for gathering this data will be
interviews with the cluster managers, research centers, incubators, and company executives
from the target sectors. From this exploratory phase of data gathering, we will then create
standardized input mechanisms, piggy -backing on existing tools in order to minimize the
demands on cluster participants. These existing mechanisms include standing cluster meetings
and the business retention and expansion survey.
Finally, strategic considerations to enhance the success of the City's cluster development
strategy will be identified based on 1) research on peer communities focused on similar cluster
development, 2) best practices for cluster development, and 3) an understanding of regional,
national, and global trends affecting the industry clusters.
This approach will allow us to establish a framework to evaluate the City's strategies related to
cluster development, identify gaps and obstacles that inhibit cluster growth, and recommend
changes to enhance the effectiveness of the City's cluster development initiative. The reports
will be presented in a format accessible to the City's stakeholders, with rich graphics and
content that can easily be adapted for communications materials.
TIP Strategies I Theory Into Practice City of Fort Collins, CO I Page 4
•
•
•
•
SCOPE OF WORK
•
•
•
Our team proposes to use a three-phase process to develop and deliver a report that evaluates
•
Fort Collins' industry cluster initiative and tracks the development of its target industry clusters.
•
•
s Establish the Baseline
•
•
We begin by documenting the City's and its stakeholders' current cluster development
•
strategies. During this phase we review available materials, visit with knowledgeable sources,
•
and conduct a targeted analysis of relevant trends to reach an understanding of the current
state of the industry cluster initiative. This work serves as the basis for determining the
•
outcomes of the initiative in Phase 2.
1.1 Kick-off meeting I A strong working relationship between our team and the client project
team is essential. The kick-off meeting provides the opportunity to discuss objectives,
define success factors, identify relevant studies and initiatives, and review the team's
overall expectations for the engagement. The outcome of the meeting will be a project
management plan that will serve as the foundation for all the work to follow.
1.2 Review of existing cluster reports ( Our team will review the existing cluster reports and will
propose changes to the template that will provide continuity with past reports and
enhancements to the previous report template.
1.3 Stakeholder interviews I Our team will conduct
interviews with stakeholders involved in cluster
development both in the City of Fort Collins and the
Front Range region. These stakeholders will include
cluster managers, key researchers, incubators, and
leading companies within each cluster. The objective
of these interviews will be to identify activities and
projects aimed at cluster development, gauge their
effectiveness, and identify obstacles to cluster
development.
Phase 1 Overview
Tasks --
✓
Kick-off meeting
✓
Review of existing clusterreports
✓
Stakeholder interviews
✓
Inventory of cluster strategies and
projects
✓
Indicator identification
.... _... _.. _... _.. _.. _.. _... _.. _.. _..
Deliverables
✓
Presentation of preliminary findings
- inventory of strategies, interview
findings, indicator list
TIP Strategies I Theory Into Practice City of Fort Collins, CO I Page 5
1.4 Inventory of cluster development strategies and projects I From a review of relevant
studies and reports and the findings from the stakeholder interviews, we will create a list of
specific strategies, activities, and projects. Where possible, we will also document the
budget associated with each. This will create a clear and comprehensive snapshot of Fort
Collins' cluster initiative that includes both the City's activities and other stakeholders'
activities.
1.5 Indicator identification I Based on the above inventory, the previous cluster reports, and
our knowledge of measuring performance, we will propose a list of indicators. For any
qualitative indicators, we will propose mechanisms for collecting the data.
1.6 Stakeholder workshop I The findings and results from each of the previous tasks will be
presented in a PowerPoint presentation at a workshop for the Economic Health Office and
key stakeholders. The purpose of this workshop will be to discuss the findings and provide
feedback to the consulting team.
2 Determine and Apply Framework
With the input from Phase I and the feedback from the
Discovery workshop, we will gather and analyze data
needed for each indicator, conduct research on cluster
strategies of peer communities with similar target
clusters, and determine each cluster's strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This phase will
create the framework to determine how the industry
clusters have developed and how the clusters fit in to the
national and international landscape.
Phase 2 Overview
_... _... _.. _....... _......... _... _... _... _... ...I ...... _.. _.. _.. _................ _.. _........... ......... _... _...
Tasks
✓ Data collection
✓ Benchmarking
✓ Evaluate strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats
Deliverables
✓ 1"Cluster Report
2.1 Data collection I Once the indicators are vetted with the Economic Health Office, we will
collect the associate data for relevant quantitative indicators.
2.2 Benchmark research I We will identify other communities that are targeting similar industry
clusters to identify best practices and to better understand how Fort Collins and the Front
Range can differentiate itself within the target industry clusters both nationally and
internationally.
2.3 SWOT analysis I For each industry cluster, we will identify strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats.
2.4 Cluster report preparation I With the information gathered from the previous tasks, we will
.
profile each of the cluster industries. Each profile will present the indicators in a dashboard
,
format to highlight trends and performance. It will also summarize the SWOT Analysis and
,
TIP Strategies I Theory Into Practice City of Fort Collins, CO I Page 6
,