How We Work

▪ Participants meet 4-5 times a year, and agree on priority issues that will address regional economic vitality and quality of life  

▪ A CEO or team of CEOs takes the leadership on each issue and assembles a task force

▪ Task forces identify a unique role for Itasca and get things done, and typically work in partnership with scores of organizations around the region

▪ Itasca operates as “virtual” organization – no physical presence, staff, or standing agenda

▪ Volunteer “working team” provides ongoing oversight and guidance

▪ For more details, please see this presentation.

Guiding Principles

Facts first. We invest the time and resources required to get the best shared fact base and to incorporate best practices prior to working on an issue.

Limited agenda. Participants agree on a limited number of priority issues that will address regional economic vitality and quality of life.

Unique contribution. We identify a unique role for Itasca to play. That varies by initiative, but usually focuses on accelerating change.

CEO commitment. We are driven by passion. Each initiative is led by a CEO who is personally dedicated to the initiative.

Collaboration is key. Itasca participants work in partnership with many organizations across the region to accomplish an identified goal. Our approach is non-partisan; we connect many perspectives and points of view to make meaningful progress.

Minimal structure. A small working team, including chairs, meets weekly. All participants have the opportunity to meet ~4-6 times each year. Initiative task forces, composed of Itasca participants and members of the community, meet as needed according to the initiative work plan.