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Economic Strategy Panel: Regional Economies Project

Participant Feedback Process

The economic information developed by the California Regional Economies Project was presented at regional forums, one in each of the state’s nine economic regions. At the forums, participants heard from noted economists about the region’s changing economic base, and about emerging areas of industry opportunity. A panel of employer representatives discussed challenges and opportunities in these areas. Participants were also provided with “how-to” information on the project’s methodology, so they may improve their own use of the data.

Participants reviewed and commented on the information and methodologies, and provided their recommendations on which industry cluster should be chosen for more in-depth analysis. A Project Team member facilitated the feedback session:

• From the Economic Base Reports and other data sources, the project team identified ten “industry clusters of opportunity” for the region. These clusters appear to be key to the region’s economic health.
• The names of each of these ten industry clusters were posted across the top of a large blue “sticky” cloth.
• Each participant received three yellow half-sheets of paper, on each of which they were to write down the name of an industry cluster and one reason why they thought that industry cluster should be selected for additional in-depth study. To do this, they could write down a question about the industry cluster that they would like answered.
• The feedback was posted on the wall under the appropriate industry cluster.
• The facilitator then reviewed each item, to be clear on the point or question and to bring out further group discussion on each industry cluster area, to get a sense of which of the clusters were most important to the participants for further study.
• The feedback was orally summarized, to bring conclusion to the session.

The yellow papers were later summarized, and the input was used by the Project Team and Joint Committee during the decision-making process for selecting three clusters for further study. (The Joint Committee consists of three members each from the California Workforce Investment Board and the California Economic Strategy Panel, and oversees the project.)