Hometown Competitiveness
A Come-Back/Give-Back Approach to Rural CommunityBuilding
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Between
ChadronState College
And the
HomeTown Competitiveness Consortium
Background & Introduction
Chadron State College (CSC) and the HomeTown Competitiveness Consortium (HTC) have determined that it is in the strategic interests of both institutions to join together in support of rural community economic development in Western Nebraska and the service region of CSC.
Both parties have determined that we have compatible philosophies around community economic development and we are committed to evolving a shared vision and engagement approach with partner communities. CSC has determined that the HTC Framework and Process represent a core approach for CSC as it seeks to support development in its service region. HTC has determined that through this partnership with CSC it can best make HTC available in Western Nebraska. These two determinations form the strategic foundation for this collaboration.
This proposed Memorandum of Understanding between the parties, and the associated Action Plan, define the spirit and scope of this collaboration.
Terms & Conditions
Partnership Model. This collaboration is based on a shared risk, shared benefit, shared revenue and shared responsibility partnership model. Both parties commit to aggressively building this collaboration with mutual respect for the separate missions of the two parties. As a guiding equity principle, the parties will provide a one to one investment of time and dollars in support of this collaboration.
Three Year Strategic Plan. The parties will develop a three year vision and strategic plan that broadly defines the mutual outcomes desired for the region and this collaboration.
Annual Action Plans. Annual action plans will be jointly prepared by the parties to guide work during the coming year and provide the basis for annual assessments of progress and issues.
Lead Representatives. Dr. Lois Veath, Interim Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs will be the lead representative for CSC. Don Macke, HTC Management Team Vice Chairperson will be the lead representative for the HTC Consortium.
Management Team & Resource Teams. Each party will assign senior staff to serve on a joint management team for this collaborative work. This team will assume primary responsibility for strategic development, management and oversight. Each party will also constitute working teams as needed to support work with communities and the development of resource infrastructure necessary to supporting communities.
Investment Plan & Budget. Corresponding to the Annual Action Plan, the parties will develop a specific investment plan that outlines the human and financial contributions each party will make towards this shared agenda. This information will be used to create a three and one year budget supportive of this work. An account in the name of CSC will be created in the HTC Fund at the Nebraska Community Foundation. This fund will be managed jointly by the collaboration’s management team.
Duration. The intent of the parties is to build a meaningful and perpetual collaborative partnership. The duration of this current agreement is three years beginning January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2009. An annual review (on or around October of each year) will be jointly taken by the parties to assess progress, address issues and develop an action plan for the coming year. A three-year review will be undertaken (on or around August of 2009) to complete a more comprehensive assessment and negotiate a new three-year agreement.
Amendment & Termination. This Agreement may be amended in writing at any time by mutual agreement of the parties. This Agreement may be terminated with cause providing 90 day written notification and the opportunity for mediation among the parties to clarify and resolve conditions proposed for termination. Termination with cause must be addressed in writing at the annual assessment/strategic planning process. Reasonable continuing engagement is required to ensure the prudent disengagement of either party and minimization of adverse effect to HTC communities.
Parties to this Agreement
For ChadronState College
Janie C. Park, Ph.D.Date
President
For the HomeTown Competitiveness Consortium
Jeff YostDate
Chairperson
HTC Management Team
Jeff Yost is also the President and CEO of the Nebraska Community Foundation, Inc. which serves as the legal and fiscal managing partner for HTC.
For More Information & Questions
Don Macke – RUPRICenter for Rural Entrepreneurship
317 South 12th Street – Suite 200 –Lincoln, NE 68508
Voice 402.323.7339 – Fax 402=323=7349
Email -- Web
Taina Radenslaben – Executive Assistant – 402.323.7336 –
DWM:HTC:DEV:CSC-MOU
CSC/HTC MOU
January 30, 2006 - Page 1