Our Economic Engine: The Strategy, Spin and Spice of San Antonio

Masters Leadership Program

Speaker Series #3March 20, 2014

San Antonio Strategic Plan For Economic Development

An Overview Summary of The Plan Recently Developed for the

San Antonio Economic Development Foundation

Steve Waters

Deloitte Study -- KickoffFebruary 2013

Very large group representing all relevant community constituencies

More than 80 interviews with representatives of those groups, and other community leaders

SA2020 Plan elements and target industries were specifically included

Deloitte Study – Putting Plan TogetherFebruary 2013

Deloitte worked at it for approximately 6 months, with interim base-touching

Plan was presented to SAEDF EC, first, and then later that day to the original community-wide group

Some of the key conclusions reached . . .

Much Good Work Being Done Across The Community, But …

Too much done in silos … it is key to get rid of the silos

◦ Get everyone on the same page

◦ Collaborate all the time (not just for a Toyota)

◦ Make clear assignments of responsibilities

◦ Impose accountability for accepted assignments

Prioritize based on biggest impact / ability to achieve

This is not a plan, but the plan, for economic development in the San Antonio area

So, How Do We Go About Implementing?First, get organized, with SAEDF taking the leadership role

Now working on MOUs between CC and executing organizations – accountability

A. Strategic Plan Coordinating Council

Spent weeks sorting out/developing a benefit/achievability matrix

Matched organizations with tasks

Succeeding where other good starts have faltered

So, How Do We Go About Implementing?

B. Industry Roundtables

iv. IT/IT Security

i. Energy

ii. Aerospace

iii. Healthcare/Bioscience

So, How Do We Go About Implementing?C. Priority Triangle

So, How Do We Go About Implementing?

D. SA2020 Influence

◦ SA2020 is committed to measurable progress: Within each Cause, there are measurable goals for success; with these specific indicators, SA2020 can identify challenges, form strategies, and develop action plans, and celebrate successes.

◦ SA2020 serves as a backbone organization, and is committed to utilizing the resources of key players in the community to achieve a common goal

◦ Community partners work toward achieving SA2020 goals by identifying strategies, providing subject matter expertise, and engaging the community

Focus – 4 Categories

1. Business Attraction

Superbrand, social media (v. print), site selectors

4. Location Factors

Workforce; incentives; available real estate solutions

2. BRE

Increase dedicated resources; make trips to see companies with SA locations

3. Entrepreneurship

This one is new – funding roundtables; internships; curriculum at local universities

Other points made by Deloitte:

Don’t trade search for “better” jobs than shared services/back office jobs, which are good for our community

◦ good for students

◦ good “first rung” jobs

Foreign direct investment likewise is VIP

Workforce development is VIP

Summary

We’re doing many things well . . .

BRE is VIP, and not many people are doing it, much less well . . .

We must do them collaboratively, all the time, not in silos . . .

Never forget … successful Economic Development is a marathon, not a 100-yard dash!

Assignments and accountability are important . . .