Viewpoint From the Chair - January, 2015

As promised, here is an update on the status of the strategic planning activities that I reported on previously. As I noted last fall, your Board is engaged in the yearlong development of a new strategic plan to guide Amigos over the next 3-5 years. We’re calling it Plan 2020.

Prior to last November’s Amigos Board of Directors meeting, your Directors and the officers of Amigos participated in a two-day strategic planning session. We reviewed input received from Amigos staff members who participated in a September brainstorming session. I want to thank all Amigos staff who participated and offered their thoughtful and creative ideas. We devoted considerable discussion to these ideas, and I am confident many will find their way into the finished Plan.

As we move forward through our deliberations, I again encourage all Amigos Members to share your thoughts and ideas for ways in which Amigos can better serve you. Please contact me or any Amigos staff member with your ideas and suggestions. I assure you they will be given serious consideration.

Our next steps include a follow-up opportunity for input by Amigos staff as the Board Executive Committee and senior managers begin to draft the final wording for Plan 2020 for Board review and action in March. The Board has reviewed and is updating our Mission and Vision statements as it reconfirms our Values. The changes, along with Strategic Directions, will be shared with members for feedback this spring.

Strategic planning is a critical process for any organization to undertake. A well-conceived plan gives an organization its best chance to move forward in a proper direction. The Board’s goal is a dynamic plan that addresses the current needs of Amigos Members and anticipates your future needs in your fast-moving and ever-changing communities.

Happy New Year to all!