Organizational Chart
By-laws
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Executive Director
General Pillar Groups Information
Community Development Pillar Group
Economic Development Pillar Group
Education Development Pillar Group
Leadership Development Pillar Group
Foundation
Technology Center for the Delta
Partnerships
Organizational Chart
The following graph represents the structure of the Crossroads Coalition.
By-laws
Full text of the by-laws here (PDF)
Board of Directors
The Crossroads Coalition Board of Directors is designed to provide leadership and policy for the Coalition in accordance with its BYLAWS which in part state the following: Governance: The Crossroads Coalition will be governed by its Board of Directors. Duties: Duties of the Board include but are not limited to the following: .  Being an advocate for and representative of the Crossroads Coalition; .  Representing and communicating the activities of the various Pillar Groups, the Foundation and the Technology Center of the Delta to the Board and others; .  Setting priorities and making decisions about the allocation and expenditure of funds received from the Foundation and other sources; and .  Establishing policy for the Coalition. Classification of Board membership: The Board has three different classifications of members: Standing Members, At-large Members and Non-voting Members. Standing Members: The Standing Members of the Crossroads Coalition Board of Directors shall be elected from the membership of the Crossroads Coalition. Of these, directors shall be drawn equally from the membership of each Pillar Group, the Crossroads Coalition Foundation, and the Technology Center for the Delta. The first elected Board (which began serving in January 2007) arranged for the division of its Standing Members into staggered terms in a manner agreed to by the majority of the Standing Members. At-large Members: In any year, at-large voting members may be elected by the Standing Members to insure that Coalition interests are adequately represented. Election of any at-large member requires a two-thirds vote of those Standing Members present at an official Board meeting. Each at-large Board member is to serve only during the year in which elected. Non-voting Members: The Board may choose to invite individuals, irrespective of whether they are members of the Coalition, to become non-voting members of the Board with two-thirds approval of the Voting Members present at any official Board meeting. Non-voting members serve only during the year elected and are selected based on unique capabilities that they offer the Coalition. The Executive Director is automatically a non-voting ex-officio member of the Board of Directors. Officers: The officers shall consist of a Chair, Vice-chair, Secretary and Treasurer. Executive Committee: The Board of Directors will have an Executive Committee. Members of the Board of Directors: 2008 Board of Directors,2007 Board of Directors and 2006 Inaugural Board of Directors For additional information, contact: Melissa Rivers, Executive Director of the Crossroads Coalition mrivers@crossroadscoalition.org
The 2007 Executive Committee of the Board of Directors is listed below:
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors is comprised of the chair of the Board, the respective chairs of each of the pillar groups, the chair of the Foundation Board of Directors, the chair of the Technology Center Board of Directors, the past chair of the Board (if applicable) and the Executive Director (if applicable, non-voting). The chair and vice-chair of the Board of Directors shall serve as the chair and vice chair, respectively, of the Executive Committee. Additional members may be assigned to the Executive Committee as deemed necessary by the Board of Directors. Duties: The Executive Committee has the following duties: •  To employ, evaluate, advise and if necessary terminate employment of the Executive Director, all in consultation with the Board as a whole. •  Notify the membership of all the Coalition's official meetings. •  Appoint a nominating committee with chair at least 30 days prior to the Annual Meeting for purposes of preparing a slate of directors and recommendations for officers at the annual meeting. •  To advise and represent the Board as a whole. Executive Committee Members:
Jerry Smith - Arkansas State University
Pat Audirsch - Marianna Economic Development Commission
Carol Brown - Wynne School Board
Randal Caldwell - Technology Center for the Delta
Kay Brockwell, chair - City of Marion
For additional information, contact:Melissa Rivers, Executive Diresctor of the Crossroads Coalition, at mrivers@crossroadscoalition.org
Executive Director
The Executive Director is expected to report directly to the Crossroads Coalition's (CRC) Executive Committee and will work directly with the chairs of the Coalition's Development groups (see * below). The Coalition's staff will report directly to the Executive Director. Responsibilities: The Executive Director will have the following responsibilities: To promote, support, and complement entities within the Region; To work towards achieving the crosscutting and overarching goals and objectives established by the Coalition Board of Directors; To promote communication, cooperation and coordination among the core components that comprise the Crossroads (Pillar Groups, Foundation, Technology Center for the Delta, Board of Directors and its Executive Board, Coalition partners); and Other duties and assignments as directed by the Executive Board. Examples of Possible Duties and Assignments: The following are categorical examples of duties that the Crossroads Board of Directors Executive Committee via the Crossroad's Board of Directors might assign to the Executive Director within legal, organizational, ethical and resource boundaries: Marketing of the Coalition at the state, national and international levels. Grant writing and related resource leveraging activities. Lobbying at all levels for the collective interests of the Coalition. Data collection associated with the activities listed above. Timetable for Hiring Executive Directors: The hiring of a full-time Crossroads Coalition Executive Director will not occur until adequate resources and organizational structure are in place. In the meantime, Crossroads Coalition will partner with the University of Arkansas Economic Institute (UAEDI - Otto Loewer, Director) in moving the Coalition forward in a manner consistent with the responsibilities of the Executive Director. For additional information, contact: Melissa Rivers, Executive Diresctor of the Crossroads Coalition, at mrivers@crossroadscoalition.org The expected role of the Executive Director was defined in the report of the Crossroads Organizing Committee but these duties are not part of the Coalition's bylaws.
General Information about Pillar Groups
There are four pillar groups in the Crossroads Coalition, each is described in more detail below. Responsibilities: Identify strategic partners Develop and implement innovative approaches Help Crossroads communities to leverage resources to effectively address issues deemed important by the people of the Coalition How Pillar Groups function: Pillar Groups will follow these basic steps: •  All individuals and organizations who may wish to be members of a given Crossroads Coalition Pillar Group will be identified and encouraged to participate with the understanding that members are expected to work respectfully with each other; •  Through discussion groups, the Pillar Group will identify common development issues that are important to the Coalition; •  Those members who wish to champion one or more of these issues will generate creative solutions and begin working towards implementation. •  The Pillar Group will identify the assets (infrastructure, partners, etc.) available to the Coalition that could be utilized in addressing these issues; •  The Pillar Group is responsible for implementing its ideas through to completion and identifying new opportunities so that the process repeats itself. •  There will be an ongoing continuous effort to identify partners and develop innovative approaches that help the Coalition leverage its resources. Pillar Group Projects: The various pillar groups work independently or jointly to help advance the mission of the Crossroads through a wide range of projects. Examples. .
Community Development Pillar Group
Definition: Community development is a process that entails the mobilization, participation, and involvement of local people on common issues important to them. It aims to promote community through the community members defining and meeting their own needs using creative and co-operative processes. How does the Community Development Pillar Group work? The basic steps are: (1) Identify all individuals and organizations who wish to be members of the Crossroads Coalition Community Development Pillar Group. (2) Conduct discussion groups to identify community development issues that are important to the Coalition. (3) Identify the assets (infrastructure, partners, etc.) available in the Coalition that can be used in addressing these issues. (4) Work with those members who wish to champion one or more of these issues to generate creative solutions and begin working towards implementation. Communication among all Pillar Groups is essential and will be facilitated by the Crossroads Coalition Board of Directors and other methods like the Coalition website. Pillar Groups will look for areas where benefit can be obtained by working together. There will be an ongoing effort to identify strategic partners and develop innovative approaches that help the Coalition leverage its resources. Simultaneous Activity: The Community Development Pillar Group may choose to have several initiatives going on at the same time with different communities involved in different initiatives. Individual members may choose to be active in as many of these as desired. In fact, it may be that "subpillar" groups develop that focus on a particular aspect of what the Community Development Pillar Group is doing. For more information: Contact Community Development Group Chair Pat Audirsch, Marianna Economic Development Commission, 870-295-6510; fax: 870-295-5688.
Economic Development Pillar Group
Definition: Economic development is a process of creating and utilizing physical, human, financial, and social assets to generate improved economic well-being and quality of life that is broadly shared in a community or region. Economic Development creates assets that enable a region to sustain itself and recreate its desired economic and community goals as circumstances change over time. How does the Economic Development Pillar Group work? The basic steps are: (1) Identify all individuals and organizations who wish to be members of the Crossroads Coalition Economic Development Pillar Group. (2) Conduct discussion groups to identify economic development issues that are important to the Coalition. (3) Identify the assets (infrastructure, partners, etc.) available in the Coalition that could be used in addressing these issues. (4) Work with those members who wish to champion one or more of these issues to generate creative solutions and begin working toward implementation. Communication among all Pillar Groups is essential and will be facilitated by the Crossroads Coalition Board of Directors and other methods like the Coalition website. Pillar Groups will look for areas where benefit can be obtained by working together. There will be an ongoing effort to identify strategic partners and develop innovative approaches that help the Coalition leverage its resources. Simultaneous Activity: The Economic Development Pillar Group may choose to have several initiatives going on at the same time. Individual members may choose to be active in as many of these as desired. In fact, it may be that "subpillar" groups develop that focus on a particular aspect of what the Economic Development Pillar Group is doing. For more information: Contact Economic Development Pillar Group Chair Kay Brockwell, Director, Marion Department of Economic Development, 870-739-5414; fax: 870-739-5448.
Education Development Pillar Group
Definition: Education encompasses everything from kindergarten through advanced degrees. A critical component for the Crossroads Coalition is Workforce Development, which includes all of the public and private investment activities undertaken 1) to ensure that individuals are employable and have jobs and 2) to ensure that companies can find and develop the skilled workforce they need to be successful in the world marketplace. How does the Education Pillar Group work? The basic steps are: (1) Identify all individuals and organizations who wish to be members of the Crossroads Coalition Education Development Pillar Group. (2) Conduct discussion groups, the Pillar Group to identify education issues that are important to the Coalition. (3) Identify the assets (infrastructure, partners, etc.) available to the Coalition that could be utilized in addressing these issues. (4) Work with those members who wish to champion one or more of these issues to generate creative solutions and begin working towards implementation Communication among all Pillar Groups is essential and will be facilitated by the Crossroads Coalition Board of Directors and other methods like the Coalition website. Pillar Groups will look for areas where benefit can be obtained by working together. There will be an ongoing effort to identify strategic partners and develop innovative approaches that help the Coalition leverage its resources. Simultaneous Activity: Our goal is to take those things we have in common and use them to enhance the areas in which our communities are unique. Through sharing different perspectives and experiences, we can benefit our communities. In fact, it may be that "subpillar" groups develop that focus on a particular aspect of what the Education Development Pillar Group is doing. For more information: Contact Education Development Pillar Group Chair Carol Brown, Wynne School Board.
Leadership Development Pillar Group
Definition: Leadership development is the preparation and strengthening of individuals in order to create a group of qualified people with leadership promise and potential. It encompasses the study of leadership - styles, models, effective and ineffective practices, etc. - and provides an opportunity for leaders to reflect on issues confronting their group, explore multiple strategies to address the current challenges, and plan for the future. How does the Leadership Development Pillar Group work? The basic steps are: (1) Identify all individuals and organizations who wish to be members of the Crossroads Coalition Leadership Development Pillar Group. (2) Conduct discussion groups to identify development issues that are important to the Coalition. (3) Identify the assets (infrastructure, partners, etc.) available in the Coalition that could be utilized in addressing these issues. (4) Work with those members who wish to champion one or more of these issues to generate creative solutions and begin working towards implementation. Communication among all Pillar Groups is essential and will be facilitated by the Crossroads Coalition Board of Directors and other methods like the Coalition website. Pillar Groups will look for areas where benefit can be obtained by working together. There will be an ongoing effort to identify strategic partners and develop innovative approaches that help the Coalition leverage its resources. Simultaneous Activity: The Leadership Development Pillar Group may choose to have several initiatives going on at the same time with different members involved in different initiatives. Individual members may choose to be active in as many of these as desired. In fact, it may be that "subpillar" groups develop that focus on a particular aspect of what the Leadership Development Pillar Group is doing. For more information: Contact Leadership Development Pillar Group Leader Jerry Smith, EDA University Center for Regional Economic Development, Arkansas State University, phone: (870) 972-3000, fax: (870) 972-3860
Foundation
Foundation Mission : The Foundation's mission is to provide financial support for the goals, projects, and needs of the Crossroads Coalition. Foundation Legal Status: All the necessary legal work has been submitted for approval but final notification regarding its tax status has not yet been received. The expectation is that the Foundation will be fully functional no later than mid-2008. Organizational Structure: The Foundation is envisioned as a non-profit organization for fundraising and fund-management and will have a separate Foundation Board of Directors. The Foundation will provide funds to the Crossroads Coalition. The Crossroads Coalition will only fund projects that are closely aligned to its mission. Unsolicited proposals provided to the Foundation will not be accepted. Details on membership and structure of the Crossroads Coalition Foundation have yet to be finalized. However, it is expected that membership in the Foundation will require an annual financial commitment with no limit on number of foundation members. Ideally, membership would be representative of the interests of the entire Crossroads Coalition. Foundation Responsibilities: Initially the Foundation group will be responsible for setting its membership dues, recruiting members, generating public and private funding, and prioritizing use of the funds that it receives. The intention of the Foundation is to fund key common development activities within the region that enhance the ability of the region to leverage its resource base. Examples considered for funding by the Foundation will likely include an Executive Director and staffing for activities such as grant writing, lobbying, marketing, and other development activities that support the overall mission of the Crossroads Coalition. For more information: Contact Foundation Chairman Buddy Billingsley, Capital Financial Services Group, Forrest City, AR, 870-633-4941.
Technology Center for the Delta
The Technology Center for the Delta (TCD) is the official headquarters of the Crossroads Coalition. The Technology Center is owned by Cross County and has its own Board of Directors, the chair of which serves on the Crossroads Coalition Board of Directors and its Executive Committee. Relationship with the Crossroads Coalition: Insofar as is possible and appropriate, the Technology Center for the Delta provides the physical facilities and basic administrative support and infrastructure required for operation of the Crossroads Coalition and serves as its official headquarters address. Examples of support and infrastructure include provision of meeting space, office space, and clerical and administrative support for the Executive Director, CRC Board of Directors, administrative components of the CRC Development Groups, Crossroads Coalition Foundation and the Foundation Board of Directors, and other partners as appropriate. Address: Technology Center for the Delta 1790 North Falls Blvd. Wynne, AR 72396 Location: The Technology Center for the Delta is located approximately one mile south of the intersection of US 64 and AR 1 on the east side of the road Technology Center for the Delta Board of Directors: TCD Board of Directors and Contact Information Technology Center Manager: For more information about the Technology Center for the Delta, contact: Mr. James Langston Technology Center Manager (870) 238-4025
Partnerships
The Crossroads Coalition has many organizational partners. Linkages to a number of these appear in Menu Bar under Partners. Of special interest is the linkage to the Arkansas Delta Training and Education Consortium (ADTEC), which is comprised of the five community colleges that serve the Crossroads Coalition counties.