So, what's new at the foundation?

Back in December, the Danville Regional Foundation posted a release on its site that a “comprehensive assessment of the interests and concerns of the region” would take place in 2007. Wonder when that is going to take place? Seems like now would be a good time, what with economic development and the current condition of healthcare in the region as the big topics in the area.

As I read through the release (dated Dec 20, 2006), a couple comments stood out:
-“The preface of the values statement is that the Foundation “believes in the ability and necessity of individuals working together to advance the common goal. We work in partnership with people who share our commitment to expanded opportunity and increased well-being for all the region’s residents.” The values that guide the Foundation’s work are equity, excellence, engagement and openness.”
-“The four areas of focus are 1) economic transformation, 2) educational attainment, 3) health and wellness, and 4) community engagement. “The Foundation believes that long-term investments in these areas are among the most beneficial that individuals can make in themselves and that the community can make in its people,””
-“A major task for 2007 will be developing an assessment of the needs, opinions and perceptions of the community to help set priorities for the Foundation. “We must have a definitive understanding of the landscape to help the Board make difficult decisions on allocation of its resources,” said Ashby. “We are aiming high, and our goal is that our work will make a transformational difference to build a brighter future for everyone in the region.””

http://www.danvilleregionalfoundation.org/vision.html

My question is how many different groups are looking at these exact issues, and how much collaboration will there be between them? We have the Foundation doing its assessment, a City Council-convened Citizens Commission to study healthcare in the city, and Citizens for a Better Danville (who has a healthcare subcommittee, by the way). Throw in the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region, the United Way and the Future of the Piedmont Foundation (are they still around now that the IALR is open for bidness?). Bottom line...lots of groups working on the same topics. The big question (some would say the $200 million question) is are they all working in the same direction?