The SOIC Board of Directors knows that the strategic plan will require input and participation from a diverse set of business, legislative, professional, and community leaders; people interested in seeing the southwest region of the state grow and prosper.

Individuals, cities, counties, tribal governments, state and federal agencies, educational institutions, public and private corporations and local business and industry are all encouraged to join in and participate in setting the agenda for the future growth of the 20-county region.

Presently, our partners are only asked to commit and agree to a set of regional priorities aimed towards shared resources and cooperation involving workforce and economic development, infrastructure enhancement and social needs.

"SOIC's aim has been set high.  Our partners believe there are measurable advantages to sharing and leveraging assets, expenses and programs with our neighboring communities in the region.  They also have agreed to work with each other to develop economic opportunities and not be constricted or defined by geographical or political boundaries," stated Dr. John Hays, the former chairman of the SOIC Board.

It will take time, maybe even a decade or more, to create the necessary collaboration and cooperation on issues that affect everyone, but through enhanced communication and an improved sense of camaraderie and trust, SOIC will break down those territorial barriers that have long obstructed regional cooperation and success.