Who we are…
Community Growth Strategies (CGS) is a dynamic consulting firm that offers guidance and support to communities, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and convention visitor bureaus. Our main aim is to help these entities create achievable economic growth strategies. We work closely with our clients to formulate an action plan containing practical steps to facilitate and encourage economic growth. We fully understand the challenges communities and organizations face with limited resources, difficult locations, and other significant obstacles. Therefore, we strive to provide feasible solutions to help them achieve their goals. (Review our Consultant & Economic Development Leader’s Bio HERE)
CONTACT US
Interested in seeing what I can do to assist your community or your organization? Complete the contact form below and I’ll follow up quickly.
We WILL PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE TO POSITION Your community and YOUR organization for growth
Economic Development PLANNING
Jim can develop an overall tactical (Action Plan) plan for economic development for new jobs, business retention & expansion, retail attraction, and visitor/tourist attraction that can prepare your organization and your community for growth. This includes a marketing plan, careful use of resources, recruitment and training of volunteers, a budget, and staff development.
Executive search
When looking to fill a President/CEO, Executive Director, or Senior Staff position, the process is important to the successful engagement of the new leader. We network with our friends and peers who are successful, professional economic developers, and Chamber executives to find that qualified person who is the perfect fit to lead your organization to success. Our recruiting method also respects the timing of your search.
RETREAT facilitation
Jim has extensive experience and is a highly qualified facilitator for your board, staff, or organization’s planning retreat. In addition to facilitation, he can assist you and your staff in planning an effective, productive event that will respect the time of your board, staff, and constituents.
special projects
When your community or organization has a special economic development project that requires specific, professional assistance, we are happy to review the issue and offer assistance in attaining your goals and objectives.
Recently, we assisted a new county-wide economic development organization in vetting and hiring a qualified firm to conduct a major fundraising campaign.
We have also served as a mentor to several newly hired or promoted executives to ensure their success.
conference presentations
Jim is sought out as a presenter at several conferences and training programs throughout the year. He has experience working with community, state, and federal government leaders across the southern and midwestern United States.
Jim has provided economic development-related testimony at hearings of the United States Senate and House of Representatives Committees as well as similar legislative bodies in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Texas.
Community Growth Strategies at work
connections
At a recent conference, Jim introduced Dani Pugsley, President & CEO of the Mountain Home Area Chamber of Commerce to Holmes Davis, a highly regarded site location consultant from Dallas.
Jim maintains an ongoing relationship with many site location consultants and corporate real estate executives.
Facilitator
Jim facilitates numerous Board Planning Retreats every year. Recent clients include the Paragould (AR) Chamber of Commerce, the Jonesboro (AR) Chamber of Commerce, the Fayetteville (AR) Chamber of Commerce, the City of Vinita (OK), the Manhattan (KS) Chamber of Commerce, and many others.
teaching
Jim is a valued presenter at the Mid-South Basic Economic Development Course, the Arkansas Chamber Executive Boot Camp, and numerous sessions at local, state, regional, and national conferences. (In the photo he is with Gary Troutman, President & CEO of the Greater Hot Springs (AR) Chamber of Commerce.