Douglas County Launches Strategic Planning Initiative

Author: Amy Holloway

The Douglas County Economic Development Authority kicks off a Community and Economic
Development Strategic Plan with visit from Avalanche Consulting and launch of a community-wide
survey.

Douglasville, GA – October 13, 2016 – This month, the Douglas County Economic Development
Authority is beginning a seven-month planning process aimed at increasing economic prosperity and
improving quality of life for Douglas County.

The Community and Economic Development Strategic Plan will critically evaluate Douglas County’s
competitive position and identify the industries and key assets that will be the focus of future
economic development efforts. A brand identity profile and tactical marketing recommendations will
also be included. The process will result in a detailed action plan that aligns community development,
economic development, and marketing activities to catalyze economic growth.

Avalanche Consulting, a national economic development consultancy based in Austin, Texas, will
facilitate the planning process. The Avalanche team has provided strategic planning services to more
than 200 communities across the US and abroad. Input from residents and business owners in Douglas County will be a critical part of the planning
process. Alongside focus groups and interviews conducted by the consulting team, a community survey
will provide the greatest opportunity for all residents to be heard. The survey will take place from
October 13 through November 11, 2016 and can be found online at:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DouglasCoFuture.
“Our hope is this strategic plan will unify the organizations and governments within Douglas County
around a single vision to grow Douglas County in the most sensible way while preserving our beautiful
landscape and attracting high quality companies to expand and locate here.” – Ron Wilson, Chairman
of the Board of Directors for the Douglas County Economic Development Authority
“By having an action plan at the completion of the strategic planning process, we are better able to
recruit and attract the types of businesses we want and can support in Douglas County. By aligning the
various components of what makes a community thrive, we are able to have a more holistic approach
to growing Douglas County.” – Chris Pumphrey, Executive Director for the Douglas County Economic
Development Authority

Amy Holloway, Avalanche’s President, said, “We look forward to diving into Douglas County and
learning about the community and its aspirations. The community has tremendous potential, and
we’re very happy to have an opportunity to help Douglas County plan for its future.”
The consulting team’s first visit to Douglas County will occur in late October.

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Media inquiries regarding this press release should be directed to:
Chris Pumphrey, Executive Director
Douglas County Economic Development Authority
8512 Bowden Street
Douglasville, GA 30134
[email protected]
(678) 838-3665

The Douglas County Economic Development Authority is an independent agency charged with
Economic Development for Douglas County including the City of Douglasville and the respective portions
of the cities of Austell and Villa Rica within Douglas County. Our focus is to bring quality jobs and
opportunities for the citizens Douglas County.
For more information, please visit: www.DevelopDouglas.com.

Avalanche Consulting is the nation’s premier economic development strategist. The firm is the best in
the business at translating complex research into economic development strategies and communications
platforms. Avalanche is deeply driven to make a positive impact and seek clients who are equally inspired
to energize their economies. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Avalanche was established in 2005 and
assisted more than 200 communities across the US and abroad.
For more information, please visit: www.AvalancheConsulting.com.