Synergy. A pretty small word for such a powerful concept: the results that can be gained by combining forces is greater than the sum of the individual forces. That's the same power behind regional partnerships. When multiple communities and/or counties come together for a common economic development effort, all will gain much more than if they went at it alone.

Many Oklahoma communities are starting to recognize the value of regional partnerships.  There were 28 active regional partnerships across the state. In the featured case studies linked below, veteran and new partnerships alike share some of their lessons learned along the way and offer advice for other rural Oklahoma communities that are ready to take their economic development efforts to the next level. When you're ready to explore regional partnerships, contact the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for comprehensive assistance and guidance.

Featured Regional Partnerships:

Sequoyah-Adair-Cherokee County Empowerment Zone 
Southern Oklahoma Rural Council
Northwest Oklahoma Alliance
Oklahoma Southeast
Southwest Oklahoma Impact Coalition

Advantages of Regional Partnerships:

• More efficient use of pooled resources
• More effective marketing of larger workforce, site locations, financial incentives, and capital formation
• Broader array of experience, contacts, skill sets to draw upon
• Expanded tourism attractions to promote.

Forming a regional partnership is not an afternoon's activity. It takes a lot of work and strong commitment from each partner. But the return on your investment is more than worth the effort.

Tips For Forming Regional Partnerships:

1. Regional partnerships should be representative of the region as a whole. Membership should include individuals in both the public and private sectors--education, economic development entities, chambers of commerce, CareerTech sites, financial institutions, utilities, county and municipal government, area businesses, regional councils of government, workforce agencies, and civic organizations. Be sure to involve the young people in your communities. They are your future and one of your greatest assets.
2. Always invite local elected officials and legislators to attend partnership meetings. Their support and understanding of the regional partnership's goals are critical to success. Keep them in the loop about projects, successes, upcoming events, and obstacles. 
3. Set realistic goals. Start with a small manageable project, or issue of mutual concern. This approach creates interest in the partnership and enables collaboration. Select a project beneficial to all partners with a good chance of success. Build on that success for future endeavors. Remember that goals are SMART - specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely.
4. Frequently evaluate the goals and purpose of the regional partnership. Do your goals need to be more ambitious? Do you have the right mix of skills and experience? Are you meeting often enough to make significant progress? Who's missing at the table?
5. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate! With partnership members, with your elected officials, with your partner organizations, with the residents in your community. Communicate often, and remember that communication is a two-way process. Charge members with taking information and issues back to their respective communities. Get feedback from ALL demographic sectors, including youth, seniors, and minorities. 
6. Leaverage ALL of your available resources. There are a multitude of service providers available to assist communities that truly want to form a successful regional partnership. A handful of them are listed below. Keep in mind that you don't have to re-invent the wheel. There are several existing regional partnerships, like the ones featured here, which would be glad to share their experiences and insights. They can serve as models and mentors. 
7. Find a grant writer. Someone who has experience, or can be easily trained, in seeking state, federal, and foundation grants. Someone who knows how to look for appropriate grants and can secure funding. Someone who can be counted on and knows the goals, membership, assets, and resources of the partnership. You don't want to educate a different writer each time you go after funding.