Successful Strategic Planning: Metrix Company Teams up with CIRAS and NICC

The Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS), in partnership with Northeast Iowa Community College, provided guidance to The Metrix Company of Dubuque on their strategic planning process and leadership coaching. The Metrix Company is a medical equipment manufacturer celebrating 60 years in operation in 2024.

Connecting local industry to the experts and training resources they need is the focus of customized training through NICC Business and Community Solutions. Greg Willging, Director of Economic Services for NICC, received the initial contact from Metrix and reached out to CIRAS.

“I knew what type of training Metrix was looking for and that CIRAS was the right fit for the company’s needs,” Greg said. “We have partnered with CIRAS for many years and know how strong their training depth is in the area of strategic guidance.”

Starting in March 2023, CIRAS consultants helped align Metrix’s leadership team with the vision for the company’s future and implementation plan. A partner in training and research with NICC for decades, CIRAS is part of the College of Engineering and the Office of Economic Development and Industry Relations (EDIR) at Iowa State University.

“The Metrix Company partnered with CIRAS, with the assistance of Northeast Iowa Community College, for strategic guidance and coaching, resulting in a united management team actively pursuing the company’s vision. Metrix anticipates a financial impact of more than $500,000,” said Mike O’Donnell, CIRAS Director.

Metrix immersed its leadership team in a comprehensive two-day retreat and ongoing coaching sessions. From April to June 2023, with the guidance of CIRAS Strategic Advisor Joy Donald, the company now boasts a newly formed and cohesive management team actively working towards the realization of the company's future vision.

Metrix believes the successful strategic planning and training, conducted in two major phases that conclude in 2024, will impact its organization for years to come. Metrix CEO Dan Schoen said, “The leadership team at The Metrix Company has a renewed energy and focus. CIRAS has facilitated our strategic process which has helped us become a more efficient and effective team.”

This success story underscores the transformative potential of strategic planning, showcasing how collaboration with CIRAS, and partnership with NICC, can pave the way for sustainable growth and innovation within Iowa's business landscape.

Grow and develop your leadership team through NICC and its training resource partners.

Learn more at nicc.edu/customized-solutions