TO: GAZEL Board of Directors

FROM Steve Peters

RE: GAZEL Strategic Planning 2009/2010

The GAZEL Board has decide to engage in a Strategic Planning Process for 2009 - 2010. We have several documents that will help facilitate that process. One document is the Strategic Plan that was done sevral years ago. In my opinion this document is still relevant, and with some updating we could  complete this process quickly. The second document is a PowerPoint that I dveloped for the GAZEL Strategic Planning session in 2006. It provides a quick overview of the GAZEL mission, objectives and activities. The third document is my suggestion for a Strategic Plan for 2009-2010 based upon the recent Board discussions about our plans and priorioties. You can download these documents from this Forum

The following information is an overview of GAZEL. This information is also contained in the attached documents

Mission

Greater Arizona eLearning Association

In today's tough business environment innovation and business development is the name of the game. GAZEL, the Greater Arizona eLearning Association is an Arizona statewide High Tech Industry Cluster Organization. Our mission is to support Arizona eLearning companies in creating advanced eLearning technologies and services, and increasing their share of revenues in the growing global eLearning market.

Supporting eLearning Consumers

Expanding the consumer base for eLearning is a top GAZEL priority. Our initiatives support eLearning consumers and practitioners in implementing eLearning projects to effectively address the needs of their organization.

GAZEL is an alliance of educators, eLearning practitioners, and consumers and providers of eLearning technology and services.

What Can Gazel Do For You?

eLearning Industry

GAZEL initiatives help eLearning companies develop new business opportunities and advanced technologies and services. We help them enhance their business practices, develop strategic partnerships, and identify sources of business financing. We also provide opportunities to network with consumers and other eLearning professionals, and to engage in professional development opportunities. develop opportunities to export your technologies and services nationally and internationally.

Our industry members and consumers exchange ideas and work together on issues for the common good. We collaborate on initiatives such as the development of strategic alliances, industry marketing campaigns, education and workforce development, eLearning research, attracting new companies and suppliers, stimulating and supporting start-ups, and developing a business climate that supports technology development and adoption of elearning. Expanding and supporting the consumer base for eLearning is a top priority.

Exporting technologies and services grows the Arizona economy by importing new money into the state. GAZEL, as a cluster, will support Arizona companies in developing national and international markets to grow their company and our economy.

eLearning Consumers and Practioners

We support eLearning consumers and practitioners with opportunities to learn more about eLearning benefits and opportunities. They participate in professional development opportunities and explore best practices. GAZEL makes it easier for them to find Arizona resources, technologies, and services that will enable them to create eLearning initiatives to effectively address the needs of their organization.

Gazel Services

1. Industry updates, resources and a calendar of events provided by the new GAZEL web site, our eNewsLetters and e-mail broadcasts

2. An Arizona online eLearning Industry Directory

3. Trade shows, educational events, and product demonstrations for networking and business and professional development

4. Legislative and policy advocacy on behalf of the industry

5. Special Projects such as collaborative marketing /PR initiatives that promote eLearning and the industry.

6. Strategic relationships with other business, technology and education organizations

7. Community initiatives such as ESATS, the eLearning System For Arizona Teachers and Students

8. Facilitating online meetings for nonprofit business, education and technology organizations

9. Forums to share industry knowledge, white papers, etc.

10. Encouraging and providing access to eLearning research in Arizona

 Attachments

1. 2005 Strategic Plan
2. PowerPoint prepared for  GAZEL Strategic Planning session in 2006 (Steve Peters)
3. Draft Strategic Plan for 2009-2010 (prepared bt Steve Peters)
4. Summary of the 2009 CEO Breakfast input