2011

Executive Summary
Background
Mission and Values
Key Issues and Goals

Executive Summary

The objectives of the strategic planning process are to maintain CBEID as a 501(c)3 public charity in order to facilitate new business innovators and start-up companies in the Fox River Valley area (Northern Illinois); to create and promote a distinct business promotion identity which is incremental and still collaborative with other business support organizations; to help launch educational programs and recruit participants and collaborating agencies; and to establish a sound financial and operating base from which to grow.

Background

The Center for Business Education, Innovation and Development (CBEID) is a not for profit entity formed to foster the economic well-being of the Fox River Valley area in Northern Illinois.  Initiated and organized by local citizens, the Center is a proactive response to the challenges and changes rendered by an intensely competitive global economy.  The Center aims to promote economic viability and growth through public education, focusing particularly on small and start-up businesses with innovative business ideas.

Overall the Fox River Valley has enjoyed the general prosperity of the Midwest for the past 150 years.  The towns have been home to a variety of manufacturing businesses which provided secure employment opportunities, built strong property values, and created communities that supported local retailers, schools, parks, libraries, and municipal services.

However, this financial health faces growing and relentless economic threats. Many Midwest cities and towns have already suffered serious decline due to erosion of traditional industries, relocation of manufacturing, global competition, and failure to create or attract new enterprises.

So far the Fox River Valley has survived these changes in relatively good shape.  But rather than simply hope for the best, CBEID is a plan to confront the area's economic vulnerability by encouraging innovation amongst small and start-up businesses. It is an effort to boost educational programs and connect up local citizens to sustain the region's prosperity by inspiring and building an entrepreneurial culture which seeks, explores, and encourages innovative business possibilities.

CBEID will engage in a variety of educational and networking activities.  Primarily through collaborations CBEID helps deliver public educational and networking opportunities on the subject of innovative business development and management via the following approaches:

• Forums
• Research
• Publications and Repository of Informative Resources
• Website
• Advisory Councils
• Brainstorming
• Exchange of Success Stories/Best Practices
  

The following are officers of the Board of Directors of CBEID:  Ernest Mahaffey, President; Jim Brannen, Treasurer; Robert E. Mann, Secretary

Additionally, CBEID has a network of "Founders" with expertise and experience in business development who will contribute knowledge, energy, and support to the project, and act as an advisory board.
Founders@CBEID.org

Mission and Values

From IRS form 1023 (filed 12/22/08):

The Center for Business Education, Innovation and Development, NFP ("CBEID") is organized and operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. In particular, CBEID's exempt purposes are to educate the public on subjects related to: (i) innovative business development; and (ii) starting, managing, and operating an innovative business.  

Mission, Vision & Values - Approved by the Board in 2010

Mission:

CBEID is an all-volunteer initiative promoting new business formation and business innovation in the Fox River Valley (Illinois). 

Vision:

CBEID will be a primary source of expertise, support and connections to start and grow new businesses; an organization fostering entrepreneurial collaboration among new and experienced business professionals of all levels, monitoring our communities' success at attracting and retaining new business and recommending steps for improvement, and advocating for a civic environment that encourages business creativity.  

CBEID will be an acknowledged contributor to the Fox River Valley as an important center for developing new businesses.

Core Values:

• To welcome new ideas.
• To contribute to wealth-creation and employment opportunities locally.
• To hold strong expectations for sustainable growth in the businesses we support.
• To collaborate and cooperate; to share and promote information freely at events and through publications and networking.