Often, I tell people I am a process-over-outcomes type of person. Meaning I don’t get too hung up on the final outcome of a project or activity if I feel like the process of arriving at that outcome was well executed. Over the past few months, I have participated in an envisioning process with Heber City as they plan what the downtown core could be over the next 50 years. This process has been interesting, frustrating, and hard work, but also exciting, inciteful, and optimistic. I am impressed with the lengths the city went through to get public feedback. I was equally impressed with city leaders, both elected and staff, who patiently and respectfully listened to all sorts of opinions and ideas, especially when they challenged their own way of thinking.

With the help of consultants, the information from the dialogue, survey data, and the popular “dot democracy” (using sticky dots to ‘vote’ on aspects or ideas that resonate with participants) were used to create a master plan for the downtown core, including the central neighborhoods, and the railroad district. I am pleased with the outcomes of this planning effort the city underwent, but what is more impressive was the process of getting to these outcomes.

Creating a vision for a business, a project, or an activity is important; it helps establish what success will look like. Creating a solid process to reach that vision is equally important. I believe that creating an inclusive and creative process will help us reach even better outcomes than if we solely focused on the end result. The mission of the chamber is to Unite, Connect, and Promote local businesses and the Heber Valley to potential guests. We are working to create processes of gathering feedback, being creative, and using data-driven insights to help us explore new ideas and new programs to help us find
the best and most inspired outcomes. We are encouraged by the amazing things our business community is doing, combined those things with the efforts of our civic leaders and we truly have a process that will lead our valley to the brightest outcomes.