“D evelop revenue-generating strategies to build, sustain and grow the viability and national impact of CREATE” was my statement of purpose upon entering my role as MBA Fellow with CREATE Portage County, an organization whose impact on our community is rooted deeply, and with work that’s not always highly visible. Throughout the course of this article, I’ll be sharing some highlights from one of the most impactful engagements of my professional career to-date – and hopefully some encouragement for you to find deeper meaning in your own work. My intent in joining CREATE was, first, to do everything I could to support this high-impact organization that’s doing such innovative community development work and, more specifically, support the design of offerings welcoming communities. It was important to do so in a way that would support growth and impact locally in Portage County – where the roots of this organization lie. Continuing the strategic discussion around brand recognition was also a priority, especially considering the novel approach in our community, and sometimes difficult-to-define nature of CREATE’s work. Our conversations included elevating CREATE’s strength as a thought-leader in innovative approaches to community and economic development. The organization achieves this specifically by leveraging the creativity of people – and connecting people and resources in promotion of collaboration. The fellowship with CREATE gave me the opportunity to apply key learnings from the professors at UWSP and via collaboration with my talented MBA cohort. Many of CREATE’s organizational strengths are in direct alignment with the central concepts of the MBA curriculum – specifically rare leadership and agility. that would generate growth while staying grounded in the mission of CREATE: to advance vibrant and FELLOWSHIP INTRODUCTION
... the mission of CREATE: to advance vibrant and welcoming communities.
Chris Klesmith, Greg Wright, Leah Knights
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