Board Business                                                                                                       

Highlighting Today, Envisioning Tomorrow

Writing annual reports compels both reflection on the year completed as well as a view forward on a host of fronts.

In its most recent fiscal year, the Partnership continued to convene, lead and support programs that advance the objectives established by our Board and further our mission to improve the quality of life and work in Stamford.  This includes ongoing support of neighborhood revitalization by way of the East Side Partnership and the West Side NRZ, two 501(c)3 organizations launched by the Partnership.

We have also been an active and vocal member on a number of other initiatives: the strategic development of affordable housing, assisting and facilitating projects to support youth and families, championing entrepreneurship, and promoting awareness of Earned Income Tax Credits for low and moderate income residents.

One of the most exciting efforts undertaken by the Stamford Partnership this year, in conjunction with a number of other governmental and civic organizations, was Reinventing Stamford.  Reinventing Stamford brought internationally recognized thought leaders in urban development and planning to Stamford to lead conversations with local and regional leaders and the community at large about the challenges and opportunities facing our great City.  Held over several months, the stimulating discussions brought together diverse groups of people for the common purpose of ensuring Stamford’s continued prosperity.  It will be very exciting to watch the fruits of these labors in the months and years to come.

Financially, the Stamford Partnership faced the same difficult economic circumstances as other not-for-profits. Nonetheless, through the creativity and tireless efforts of our tremendous staff, as well as the generous support of the City, our corporate sponsors, and several grants, we are able to look to the future with cautious fiscal optimism.

For the first time in 14 years, Stamford has a new Mayor and the Partnership a new Vice-Chairman; new to the Partnership as well are several new government sector members whose perspectives help to enrich our discussions.  Our board’s unique composition will continue to guide the collaboration  with the City as we further mutual objectives and support Mayor Michael Pavia and his administration on important strategic initiatives.

It continues to be an honor to serve as Chairman of this exceptional organization.  I must say that I am always impressed and often humbled by the level of commitment that our wise Board and strong staff show to this organization.  To our Board, staff and supporters, I want to personally thank you for your outstanding and important contributions which allow The Stamford Partnership to continue to fulfill its mission.  I know you share my belief that as a result of your efforts, Stamford continues to be a better place.



Eric Dale
Chairman



Connecting People and Ideas

“Part think tank, part community convener, part incubator” and “an intentional collaboration among the city’s business, government and community sectors” are among the terms I regularly use to describe the Stamford Partnership, and our Annual Report highlights some of our accomplishments in those roles during FY2009-2010.

Building on the exploration of Stamford’s Past, Present and Future which we began in 2008 during our 30th Anniversary year, this year we’ve helped to launch Reinventing Stamford.  Together with our partners in the URC, Land Use Bureau and Economic Development Commission, the Partnership initiated a thoughtful discussion of emerging issues and trends impacting the city and region.  Throughout the year, we’ve expanded that conversation to engage additional organizational partners and the community at large.  New ideas, collaborations and projects are underway as a result.

We’ve updated the strategic planning objectives which will shape our activities over the next several years, reflecting our examination of those issues and trends:  we’ll focus on developing business and workforce opportunities, strengthening families and neighborhoods and growing key community institutions.   From coordinating the 2010 Census Complete Count, to creating tools which help immigrant families succeed and low income families build financial stability, from connecting young adults across the labor region with training and career opportunities, to supporting expansion of programs and facilities at UConn and Stamford Hospital—each of the activities outlined in the pages which follow targets one or more of these objectives.

We’ve also redesigned our website at www.stamfordpartnership.com, partnered in developing a Spanish-language website at www.Kairoslatino.com to enhance our ability to reach Stamford’s diverse populations, and will continue to create new ways to communicate.

At midyear, we welcomed incoming Mayor Michael Pavia and other newly elected government representatives to the Partnership’s board of directors.   Each brings considerable knowledge and experience to their roles, and I look forward to working with them and all our board members to meet the challenges and opportunities of the coming year.



Kathleen Walsh
Past President & CEO