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NORA'S PROGRAM OF WORK:
BUILDING ON THREE PILLARS
PILLAR ONE: CAPACITY BUILDING
In terms of capacity building, the Northeast Oklahoma Regional Alliance focuses on economic development, advocacy, and collaboration among communities in northeast Oklahoma.
Annual Summit and Regional Events: NORA organizes an Annual Summit attended by 500 plus to bring together stakeholders such as business and community leaders, government officials, tribal partners, and organizations. Other events traditionally include the Education Summit, the Annual Meeting, and NORA Day at the Capital. These events include networking sessions, workshops, seminars, and conferences aimed at fostering connections, sharing ideas, and promoting regional development initiatives.
Economic Development Efforts in Communities with Limited Resource: Currently smaller communities in NE OK have limited resources for planning, engagement, and advocacy. Through NORA’s events and programming limited resources and best practices provide a road map that will lead to great investment for our most struggling and challenged communities.
From a leadership development perspective, NORA engages in several activities to cultivate and empower leaders within the region:
Leadership Training Programs: NORA offers a Regional Leadership Academy designed to develop essential skills such as communication, strategic thinking, decision-making, and team building. This program is tailored for emerging leaders, mid-level managers, and executives. The program gives participants a greater understanding of the regional assets and challenges.
NORA's focus on leadership development involves a combination of training, networking, mentorship, collaboration, and recognition programs aimed at nurturing talent, enhancing leadership capabilities, and driving positive change in northeast Oklahoma.
NORA Learning Labs: NORA organizes workshops and seminars featuring guest speakers and experts to provide insights into leadership best practices, industry trends, and regional challenges. These events offer valuable learning opportunities and networking for aspiring and established leaders alike. NORA Learning Labs include the following, but are not limited by these examples:
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Leadership Forums: NORA hosts leadership forums and roundtable discussions where leaders from different sectors come together to exchange ideas, discuss common issues, and collaborate on solutions. These forums promote dialogue, networking, and collaboration among leaders, driving innovation and progress in the region.
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Partnerships and Collaborations: NORA collaborates with educational institutions, businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits to develop leadership initiatives, share resources, and expand access to leadership development opportunities across the region.
PILLAR TWO: ADVOCACY
NORA plays a crucial role in promoting economic prosperity and collaboration in northeast Oklahoma through engagement events that facilitate networking, knowledge sharing and legislative advocacy aimed at influencing policies and securing resources for regional development.
Legislative advocacy: NORA works to represent the interests of its member communities and businesses at the state and federal levels. NORA actively collaborates with Select Oklahoma and the State Chamber, forging partnerships to advocate for the needs and priorities of our rural communities. Through these alliances, we strive to amplify the voices of rural communities, ensuring that their interests are not only heard but also earnestly considered in policy discussions and decision-making processes.
Public Outreach: NORA engages in public outreach and education campaigns to raise awareness about key issues and mobilize support for its advocacy efforts.
Legislative Reception/NORA Day at the Capitol: The aim of the NORA Legislative Reception and NORA Day at the Capitol is to spotlight the distinctive opportunities present in Northeast Oklahoma and to leverage our collective voice to inspire legislators to advocate for the region's interests. During the Day at the Capitol, members have the chance to interact directly with legislators, advocating for the region's needs and highlighting its unique potential. This event encourages both members and legislators to envision the boundless possibilities when we unite our voices for the betterment of the region.
Fostering Entrepreneurship and Supporting Small Business: Recognizing the vital role small businesses play in the Northeast Oklahoma economy, NORA is committed to actively supporting start-ups and entrepreneurs, understanding that they are the heartbeat of our communities and counties, shaping the character and vitality of the region.
Talent Development: Working collaboratively with strategic partners, NORA will continue to lift our regional voice to support workforce development efforts and stive to be the spark that lights a campfire of new ideas and programming to address workforce shortage and talent deficits in NE OK. NORA is a facilitator in workforce efforts.
PILLAR THREE: REGIONAL MARKETING
From a marketing or storytelling perspective, NORA endeavors in various strategies to promote the region, attract investment, and showcase its strengths and opportunities:
Brand Building: NORA seeks to invest in developing a strong brand identity for Northeast Oklahoma, highlighting its unique attributes, economic potential, quality of life, and business-friendly environment. This involves creating a cohesive visual identity, messaging platform, and marketing materials to effectively communicate the region's story.
Digital Presence: NORA maintains an active online presence through a professional website, social media channels, and digital marketing campaigns. These platforms are used to share success stories, economic data, industry insights, and upcoming events, attracting attention and engagement from stakeholders, businesses, investors, and residents.
Content Creation: NORA produces compelling content such as articles, blogs, videos, case studies, and infographics to showcase key sectors, success stories, infrastructure projects, and quality of life factors in northeast Oklahoma. This content can be distributed through various channels to reach target audiences and influence perceptions positively.
Media Relations: NORA seeks to cultivates relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets to secure coverage and press releases about significant developments, partnerships, initiatives, and achievements in the region. Positive media coverage helps amplify NORA's message and reach a broader audience.
Partnerships and Collaborations: NORA strives to collaborate with businesses, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, educational institutions, and government agencies to co-promote the region, leverage resources, and amplify marketing efforts. Strategic partnerships enhance credibility and expand NORA's reach.
Public Relations: NORA engages in public relations activities to manage perceptions, address challenges, and communicate transparently with stakeholders. This includes proactive communication, crisis management, community engagement, and advocacy for policies that support regional growth and development.
NORA's marketing and storytelling efforts aim to position Northeast Oklahoma as a vibrant, competitive, and attractive destination for businesses, investors, talent, and visitors. By effectively communicating the region's value proposition, achievements, and potential, NORA contributes to building a positive narrative and driving economic success.