Black Hills Energy, formerly Aquila, serves the development interests of a large number of small to mid-sized communities. Many of these communities are in need of assistance to better focus their economic development programs. Using the information gathered by the recent Aquila Benchmark Study, Smart Solutions Group will provide an objective, third party analysis of the current community economic development effort. 

This analysis will provide Black Hills Energy with an organizational and operational assessment which can assist them in determining the nature and extent of their economic development role and focus for a specific community. Using the BEST PRACTICES outlined in the benchmark study our assessment will include:

• History of the group/organization, including staffing or operational changes

• Current organizational operating procedures including representation from appropriate stakeholders

• Roles of Board, volunteer base, partners, taskforces and stakeholders efforts with economic development program

• Board and volunteer training evaluation

• Review methods and extent of communications with stakeholders.

• Funding sources, approaches and history

 

• Determine the primary focus of the current economic development program…where are they spending their time and who is doing what?

• Evaluate information gathering and data interpretation abilities in the program

• Review existing or desired marketing targets…determine relevance/opportunity

• Evaluate recent wins and losses – determine key issues for both

• Include a self evaluation of the program by leaders and influencers – conducted by phone, email and in person.

• A fact-based, objective summary of the current organizational and operational situation in a community.

• Recommendations for community and Aquila action based on the findings from the analysis.

• Discussions with Black Hills Energy representatives to gain information concerning the history and current situation in the community

• Review of existing secondary research and internet data concerning the community.

• Discussions community development stakeholders and leaders.

• Preparation and presentation of assessment analysis report for Black Hills Energy and determination of next steps.

Depending on the size of the community/area, the amount of existing background information and nature of the current local economic development group, the cost for each analysis would $3,000 to $3,500 plus expenses.

Apply on-line by completing an

For more information, complete our Information Request Form or contact your Economic Development Team Representative.