Why is it called Vision 2020?
The initial group of organizers decided on this name early in the process (see history page) to identify our goal of developing a vision of what Effingham County would look like in 15 years, or the year 2020. The name Vision 2020 gives the project something central to identify for all the different work being done in order to better our communities.
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What does the "Spoke" symbolize?
There is a separate web page which discusses The Wheel's spokes. In summary though, the spoke represents the eight different areas which were identified as being important for the future vision of our county.
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Who is involved?
The effort began from a coalition of elected officials and business leaders, including the City of Effingham, Effingham County Board, Greater Effingham Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Effingham Civic Foundation and Effingham County Community Foundation. We have added representatives from each community in the county and continue to expand to encompass every resident of Effingham County who wants to help. The original training was attended by 40 people from various backgrounds and parts of the county, so you will sometimes hear people make reference to the group of 40.
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How did it start?
The effort began in 2003 from a coalition of elected officials, civic and business leaders from the County. They met and agreed we needed an approach where the residents of the County would work together to determine and control our own future. more info
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How can I become involved?
Join a Committee - Sign up for one of the Spokes Committees (Contact Us) and work to improve your community’s quality of life.
Education – Participate in Investment in Excellence training. Sessions are being scheduled contact us for more information. We are excited to bring this concept of reaching beyond our current reality to as many Effingham County residents as we can touch. (Investment in Excellence handout)
Develop your own project - If you have an idea that you think might make our community a better place, please bring it forward; share it with your family, your friends, your co-workers. Start today!
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What is the training about?
Our research led us to a company called The Pacific Institute. (More info see history) Their process teaches people how to manage change, set and achieve goals, lead more effectively and think in ways that create success. The initial group of 40 members of the community found the training to be great. Several of those original 40 are now trained facilitators to teach more people on how to change the way we think to help create a better vision for our own future. The specific training is called Investment in Excellence and can be found here. The Pacific Institute also offers a variety of other education which is being considered by Vision 2020 members.
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How is Vision 2020 organized and managed?
To assure maximum performance and results, there is limited management and control in the Vision 2020 effort. Each committee operates independently. To assure there is interaction between the groups to achieve a common goal, there are regular meetings of all Vision 2020 committees and their members. The original group of organizers performs a role as a steering committee to help move the process forward but has very little input and control over the functions of the individual committees. Due to licensing requirements by The Pacific Institute, one central group will be responsible for administering and controlling the official training of community members. That role will most likely be fulfilled by the Greater Effingham Chamber of Commerce.