MAPPING THE WAY FORWARD NORTE’S STRATEGIC PLAN BY CHRIS HINZE
We’ve all been there as the sun starts to descend and darkness is taking over the woods. Yet, you’re nowhere close to the trailhead. A feeling of panic hits your belly. Maybe you turned left when you should have gone right? Did I see that tree earlier? Am I lost? Will I be able to find my way back before dark? But then with a sigh of relief, you remember you have a map. You take it out, zero in on your position, and chart a course back to your trailhead. An organization can get lost, as well. An organization’s trail map is its strategic plan. Without one, they’re just blazing along trails in the woods. Exhilarating, sure, but also exhausting, dangerous, and disrespectful to everyone in the party. A detailed and accurate map ensures an organization can find its way no matter the terrain, the weather, or the challenges. As 2020 came to a close, Norte decided to recalibrate our map—our strategic plan—based on what we learned in our earlier years and in responding to this stressful and challenging year. Our destination is our mission, and our current strategic plan is our trail map towards it. At Norte, we will build stronger, better connected, and more walk/bike-friendly communities by empowering the young and young at heart. We have four focus areas that guide us toward that destination:
• ACTI VE-FOR-LIFE KIDS •H APPY, HEALTHY, STRONG COMMUNITIES • GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY • A LEVELED UP TEAM ORANGE 20 2020 NORTE ANNUAL REPORT
Each independent yet interconnected focus area is vital to transforming the culture of health in the Grand Traverse region. Most importantly, we have an incredible team working hard to help us achieve this mission—a rocking staff, dedicated volunteers, and an engaged board. Thank you to the community for your unwavering support of Norte. Your gifts of time, money, and heart allow us to keep rolling, even when the trail gets bumpy or we miss a turn and need to pull out the map. In Gratitude, Chris Hinze, Board President
