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The Challenge

URCI is at an inflection point. While the Center had a strong foundation, there were questions around:

  • How the Center should position itself within the regional innovation landscape

  • Which sectors and partners it should prioritize

  • How to improve community understanding of URCI’s value

  • Which programs and services were most needed by entrepreneurs and small businesses

  • How to build long-term strategic alignment for future growth and investment 

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Leadership needed an outside facilitator to bring structure, clarity, and momentum to the process.

My Role

I served as the lead strategist and facilitator, responsible for:

  • Mapping stakeholders and designing a structured visioning process

  • Facilitating group discussions, listening sessions, and partner conversations

  • Synthesizing input into themes and actionable direction

  • Developing messaging that reflects community needs and strategic priorities

  • Supporting URCI’s communications and program planning

  • Preparing materials and recommendations for next-phase decision-making

Process

1. Discovery

  • Reviewed URCI’s mission, programs, history, and stakeholder landscape

  • Conducting input sessions with staff, partners, and community members

  • Identifying core themes, gaps, and opportunities

2. Engagement

  • Facilitating guided conversations and visioning sessions

  • Leading group activities around mission alignment, sector focus, and community impact

  • Developing tools to help participants articulate shared priorities

3. Development

  • Working to craft strategic themes and messaging

  • Documenting stakeholder insights into opportunities, and a path forward

  • Developing program planning and outreach strategy

Union River Center for Innovation (URCI) Visioning & Strategic Positioning

Client: Union River Center for Innovation (City of Ellsworth)
Sector: Economic Development / Entrepreneurship
Services Provided: Strategic facilitation, stakeholder engagement, program development, public communications

Overview

The Union River Center for Innovation (URCI), owned and operated by the City of Ellsworth, sought clarity around its strategic identity, community role, programming priorities, and future direction. As the Center entered a new chapter, leadership needed a facilitation partner who could gather input, listen deeply, engage community stakeholders, and help distill a clear and actionable vision.

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I am leading a multi-phase visioning process to align partners, surface shared goals, strengthen messaging, and support URCI’s evolution within the broader regional economic development ecosystem.

Get in Touch

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