RJI Industry Clusters Survey

Interesting piece of news today - the RJI is going through a pretty serious look at itself on what is working, what is needed, etc. with the various industry clusters.  FCASH is designated as the Arts and Culture Industry Cluster and like the Water Technology, existed before the RJI or the cluster idea.

From what I learned today FCASH - the Arts and Culture Cluster, is one of two of the most developed clusters, the other being Water Technology.  Who'd a thought?!

The RJI is now being run by Mike Dozier, formerly from the City of Clovis Economic Development Department.  the Clusters are being divided up and half are being "staffed" by the EDC and the other by the RJI office.  The Arts and Culture Cluster is staffed by FCASH.

The HII - the Human Investment Inititative, is a "shere unto itself" and Deb Nankivill, from the FBC, and Ken Newby, from Deloit, are overseeing it.  Lee Ayres is also deeply involved and committed to the project.  It's a grand idea, but it has run into serious problems, primarily from an attitude perpetuated by Deb where the nonprofits involved in the social services have been discounted.  It's a longer story than I'll go into at this time, but I will tell you FCASH is seen as one of those organizations that is doing it right.

Mike Dozier is planning a survey for the clusters, to get feedback one what's working, etc.  as we are in the midst of a sector survey, we may or may not wish to partipate.  I'll have the survey before the Board retreat [2/25] and will review it so we can determine whether we need/want to take part.  I'll post the info on the Board Blog for you to look at and get the Exec. Comm.'s feedback, as well.

The real focus is to see how to engage folks to partipate in the clusters.  We already have a pretty engaged community and with our recent survey will like already have the feedback they are interested in.