Institutional Mechanism: Keep Regional EDGE Alive

Many regional economic strategy initiatives have foundered or faded away in the absence of an appropriate institutional mechanism to sustain momentum. In our case, thanks to Kalamazoo College, The Kalamazoo Consortium for Higher Education, and regional foundations, that is not an issue. Our regional plan has both the institutional and financial resources necessary to facilitate implementation and realize outcomes. The L.Lee Stryker Center at Kalamazoo College voluntarily managed and facilitated Phase I of the collaborative strategy process with the cluster working groups and the regional co-chairs. Given the enthusiastic response to the Stryker Center's role in the Regional EDGE process, Kalamazoo College has agreed to commit the Stryker Center through at least the next year of the Regional EDGE implementation process. Financial support is being provided by the Gilmore Foundation, the Kalamazoo Foundation and the Kalamazoo Consortium for Higher Education.