The City of Italy Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has embarked on an exciting project that needs your participation. On August 20, 2009 at 6:00 PM, the EDC will host an economic development planning meeting with several of the City’s key stakeholders. These stakeholders will be chosen from the EDC, City Council, Italy ISD, local business owners and other community leaders that have a stake in the future economic development of the City.

The purpose of this meeting is to kickoff the City of Italy’s Economic Development Strategic Plan project. This initial step in the strategic plan process is to receive direction on the EDC’s Mission Statement and to establish goals and objectives for the economic development of Italy. Those who attend this important meeting will become members of the Strategic Plan Steering Committee (SPSC).

The EDC recently retained the services of Miracle Development Services Company to conduct the strategic planning process. David D. Miracle CEcD, President, will facilitate the SPSC meeting and is to report back to the EDC the findings of the first meeting.

From Mr. Miracle, a few thoughts about Strategic Planning for Economic Development:

“The planning process is about discovery and direction; not where you hoped you would be but where you are. Strategic planning is designed to assist you to make the best use of your resources in order to best respond to change, to take full advantage of your opportunities, and to avert threats to your existence.”

The EDC will cater supper for the event which will be held at the Uptown Cafe, 129 W. Main, Italy, Texas from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM Thursday August 20, 2009.

The agenda for this work session is as follows:

• 6:00 – 6:30 PM, Supper served; Welcome and Introductions – Mark Stiles
• 6:30 – 7:00 PM, An overview of the Economic Development Strategic Planning Process and the use of a steering committee to initiate the process – David Miracle
• 7:00 – 7:30 PM, Facilitate the creation of the EDC’s Mission Statements – David
  Miracle
• 7:30 – 9:30 PM, Facilitate the setting of the Initial Goals and Objectives of the plan
  derived from the Mission Statements – David Miracle
• 9:30 PM, Closing remarks – Mark Stiles

A summary of the meeting’s conclusions and decisions will be created capturing the intent and direction of the SPSC. The results will be presented to the EDC at a follow-up Board of Directors meeting and will be made available to the Steering Committee and to the general public.

Please RSVP by August 13,2009 to Teri D. Murdock, City Secretary, at Italy City Hall (972)-483-7329 ext 102.

Please join your fellow citizens by attending this important meeting.
With Best Regards,
Mark Stiles, President
Italy Economic Development Corporation

City Council: Mayor Frank Jackson, Rodney Guthrie, Greg Richards, Dennis
Perkins, Mark Souder Sr., John Droll

Economic Development Corporation: President Mark Stiles, Diego Garcia, Randy Boyd, Tom Little, Jason Escamilla, Elmerine Bell, Mark Souder Sr.

David D. Miracle CEcD, President/CEO
Miracle Development Services Company