Case Studies

Smart Solutions Group facilitated the start-up of the six-county Cedar Valley Regional Partnership. The consensus-building process involved development of a mutually-agreeable business plan including operational and lead handling protocols and a regional target marketing-sales strategy. Smart Solutions Group developed the unifying regional product brand themeline and design/logo and collateral materials including regional website and assisted the partners with an event to launch the strategy to internal stakeholders. Our team also provided customized economic development sales training specific to selling the Cedar Valley Regional location product.

Smart Solutions Group facilitated the start-up of the Greater Council Bluffs Regional Economic Development Partnership. The process involved conducting a comprehensive assessment of the three-county regional product, identification of target industries for cluster development, development of a business/operating agreement including lead handling protocols, regional marketing-sales strategy and an event to launch the strategy to internal stakeholders. Our consulting team also developed the unifying regional brand identity/logo and prototypes of collateral materials to support marketing and selling the regional product.

The Quad City Development Group is a regional economic development organization representing a bi-state area (Iowa/Illinois). Smart Solutions Group facilitated the development of a comprehensive business development growth strategy for the region including target industry cluster identification and a sales-driven marketing strategy. Our consulting team also developed the regional brand themeline, design/logo and collateral materials to support the marketing-sales tactics and assisted the Group with an event to launch the strategy to internal stakeholders.

Smart Solutions Group has worked with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation to develop regional rural vitality blueprints throughout the State of Iowa. The blueprint development process has involved mapping the assets of the region to identify opportunities for rural growth and development, building consensus among regional Farm Bureau leaders on the vision for growth, developing a plan of action to achieve the vision and advance development opportunities and creating a rural vitality scorecard to measure progress and success. Regional strategies to stimulate growth and development in rural areas have been wide-ranging including a dairy mentoring program, on-farm manufacturing suppliers network, business succession planning, bioenergy and value-added agricultural entrepreneurial projects.

Smart Solutions Group facilitated the development of a comprehensive economic development roadmap for Warren County Economic Development – one of the fastest growing counties in the State of Iowa. Our consulting team facilitated a consensus-building process that enabled Warren County leaders to articulate a vision and strategic plan of action for growth. The planning process involved an assessment of the product—Warren County, identification of targeted development opportunities, product development and marketing-sales strategies and an economic development scorecard to measure progress and success. Smart Solutions Group also worked with leaders to develop the brand themeline, design/logo and collateral materials and to launch the strategy internally to local, regional and state stakeholders and allies.

Blue Springs, Missouri, is a growing suburb of Kansas City. For many years, the city directed community economic development efforts. Through a joint consensus-building planning process facilitated by Smart Solutions Group, the city, business and community leaders came together to form a true collaborative partnership for economic development—the Blue Springs Economic Development Corporation –that is guided by a board of directors comprised of 50% public and 50% private leadership. Blue Springs is organized and focused on priority projects to stimulate economic growth and development.

Economic development in this southeast Nebraska community was led by the city for over 15 years. Smart Solutions Group facilitated the development of a comprehensive economic development roadmap strategy and a process that led to the formation of a private-public economic development corporation – Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise (EDGE). Our consulting  team provided ongoing consultation and technical assistance during the start-up phase of the new organization, including development of a strategic business and operational plan, a successful three-year fundraising strategy and the development of the Falls City brand themeline, design/logo and collateral materials to support marketing and sales strategies. Smart Solutions Group also provided customized economic development sales training for the new Falls City EDGE Board.

Smart Solutions Group has the capabilities to develop the place brand design, including logo to promote a unifying brand position/themeline. As shown in the case studies, we also develop collateral materials to support business and marketing-sales strategies, including product brochures, direct mail, property sales prospectuses, trade show displays, websites and other materials.

Our websites are designed utilizing a content management system making it easy to maintain and keep up-to-date. Visit sites we’ve recently developed: