On Wednesday June 19, 2019, the CVEP Board of Directors assembled at the University of California Riverside’s Palm Desert Campus for its second annual board retreat. The retreat brings together those leaders in Greater Palm Springs who are most committed to key regional economic development priorities. Every seat in the room was taken, and some investing partners sent multiple representatives.
After taking advantage of the moderate temperatures for a group photo on the picturesque campus, the day’s agenda was kicked off with CVEP CEO Joe Wallace’s presentation, including current financial performance, current fiscal year progress, and the vision for the following year. The highlights of the presentation were the updates on the Palm Desert Digital iHub and the Business Attraction Partnership that will begin during the next fiscal year to attract technology businesses from coastal California to the Coachella Valley.
After the break, Dr. Jeff Suderman, the retreat’s facilitator, provided an interesting set of exercises designed to test CVEP’s long-standing mission statement. Nine teams worked to craft a modernized mission statement. CVEP staff now has an assignment: use the nine statements created by the board to craft one new mission statement that is consistent with current goals. In another exercise, the board members broke into groups to come up with words to describe CVEP in its current form. Many flattering terms were floated, but the most consistent ones were integrity, innovative, and accurate.
CVEP strives to practice good governance, and board retreats have proven to be important for reinforcing organizational mission and effectiveness. All of the attendees left with the feeling that the 2019 CVEP Board Retreat was productive and a good use of their time. Enthusiasm for the future is at a high point and going higher. There must be a good reason that our tagline is E!evate!
