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Itasca Project operates as a "virtual" organization - no physical presence, staff or standing agenda; consultants from McKinsey & Company provide strategic, operational, and research support as needed. Resources are provided by participant organizations, foundation grants, and other volunteers. A set of principals guide each initiative: Facts first. We are willing to invest the time and money required to get the best common fact base possible prior to working on an issue.Limited agenda.Participants agree on a limited number of priority issues that will address regional economic vitality and quality of life. Unique contribution. We identify a unique role for Itasca to play. That varies by initiative, but usually fills a leadership gap in order to accelerate change. CEO commitment. We are driven by passion. Each initiative is led by a CEO who is personally dedicated to the cause. Collaboration is key. Itasca participants often work in partnership with scores of organizations around the region to accomplish an identified goal. Our approach is non-partisan; we are willing to engage multiple points of view to make meaningful progress. Minimal structure. A small working team, including chairs, meets weekly. All participants have the opportunity to meet 4-6 times each year. Initiative task forces, composed of Itasca participants and members of the community, meet as needed according to the initiative work plan. |