Over the next several months, local business owners, professionals and others with a stake in the viability Cass County’s economy will have a chance to help lay down the foundation for the future.

The Cass County Economic Development Corporation held the first of four strategic planning sessions Tuesday morning, at the county road commission complex in Cassopolis. Thirty-two business professionals, government leaders and others participated in the meeting, sharing their thoughts on how to improve business and economic growth in the region.

This and future meetings were made possible by a $15,000 grant given to the organization for the development of a strategic plan by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Working with Tim Terrentine and Jill Bland, consultants with regional economic developers Southwest Michigan First, the Cass County EDC is looking to establish a set of clear-cut priorities for the corporation to focus its time, energy and resources on in coming years, said Director Joe Sobieralski.

“Instead of being more reactive, having a strategic plan in place will allow us to be more proactive, with specific goals to work toward,” Sobieralski said.

Tuesday’s meeting served as kickoff for the planning process, with attendees being broken off into roundtable groups to discuss the county’s strengths, weaknesses and opportunities, Sobieralski said.

The EDC is hosting three other planning sessions this fall, each taking place from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Cass County Road Commission building, located at 340 N. O’Keefe St., Cassopolis:

• Sept. 22

• Oct. 20

• Nov. 17

Feedback from the discussions will be used by consultants with Southwest Michigan First to create the strategic plan, Sobieralski said.

“We want to have the sessions completed by the end of the year, so that by the first part of 2016 we’ll have a real plan to roll out with,” he said.

Residents and business owners are invited to take part in future meetings, the director said.

“The more input we get, the better the plan will be,” Sobieralski said

A free continental breakfast will be provided at each meeting. People wishing to attend future meetings can call the EDC at (269) 445-4421 or email them at EDC@cassco.org to RVSP.