Spring Seminar Series to Address Strategic Planning

A big part of the problem, according to management consultant Bob Uerz, is the failure of local governments to embrace one of the basic tenets of good business practice, having a reliable roadmap to success.

"While strategic planning has long been the hallmark of any successful business model, the public sector - and local governments in particular - have been slow to adopt the process, despite their need to deal with complex issues with limited resources," Uerz noted. "For local government officials, a sound strategic planning process provides a realistic, workable framework for efficient management that yields results and is responsive to community needs."

Uerz, the founder and owner R. C. Uerz & Associates, LLC, will provide an introduction to strategic planning, specifically designed for local government officials and senior managers, during a complimentary continental breakfast seminar entitled, "Responsive Government Includes Strategic Planning: A Primer on Strategic Planning for the Public Sector," to be held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 8.

The second seminar in the series will focus on strategic planning for not-for-profit organizations on Tuesday, June 13 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Both sessions will be held in the Alumni Conference Room, Angell College Center, at the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh. This spring seminar series is a collaborative project between the Technical Assistance Center at SUNY Plattsburgh and R.C. Uerz and Associates, LLC.

Uerz, who earned his undergraduate degree from SUNY Plattsburgh in 1978 and holds a master of education degree in administration and supervision from Antioch University, provides management consulting services to organizations in northern New York and Vermont.

"If done correctly, strategic planning has the power to transform the dreams of a better community into tomorrow's realities. But unfortunately many public officials falsely believe that strategic planning is just another management fad or have not had the opportunity to learn about its benefits," Uerz said. "Simply put, it makes you take a look at what's going on today, where you want to be tomorrow and which steps you will need to take to get there. It's a common sense tool that sets a clear path for the future, while also allowing for your vision to mature and change as time passes."

Both seminars are designed to help attendees better understand the benefits and mechanics of strategic planning.

The June 8 session will focus on the following:
- What is strategic planning?
- What steps are necessary to construct an effective strategic plan?
- How does strategic planning promote responsive government?
- Most importantly, how can strategic planning assist your municipality?
- What models can be used to promote and achieve inter-municipal cooperation?

The June 13 seminar, "A Primer for the Not-For-Profit Sector," will include information based on Uerz's vast experience in managing nonprofit agencies, as well as assessment tools developed by the Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management and Richard A. Mittenthal's "Ten Keys to Successful Strategic Planning for Nonprofit and Foundation Leaders."

The seminar is offered without charge, but registration is necessary as seating will be limited. A continental breakfast will be served at both sessions. To register, contact Erin Campbell at 518-564-2214 or by e-mail at [email protected]

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