Project Title:

FÅC + Centrum gruppen

Description:

Dialogue and cooperation are keys to success.

Several groups have been formed in Åmål to promote dialogue and cooperation. "FÅC" (Putting Åmål in the Centre), with representatives from associations, business, banks, real estate and the municipality, is an association of over 120 companies.

 The "Centrum gruppen" (Town Centre Group), has representatives from real estates, businesses and the municipality. There are two mentors in the group who act as advisors. The group provides advice and ideas to the town planners. Work is on the way to combine the "FÅC" and "Centrum gruppen" to create a stronger network and to coordinate their work.

Objectives:

FÅC's goal is to support and coordinate events and activities to keep the town alive. The members are even important discussion partners for planning changes and preserving Åmål's unique environment.

Process/Stages:

FÅC have board meetings every month and a large member meeting in November when a check is made, of the outcome of the year and when every member have the possibility to make their  ''voice heard''.

The Centre group have 4 meetings every year to inform and to get information of the present situation in the city, and to take part of ''what's going on'' among the members. For example, new shops starting up in the future and so on.

Outcomes/Results:

• FÅC´s work has led to Åmål being named Sweden's "Town Centre of the Year" in 2002.
• Awarded in LivCom 2005 second best town in the world
• Have make people feel proud over being citizens in Åmal

Learning Points:

• Cooperation is important
• Listen to others
• How you can get people feel important in a process by letting them take part

Contact Information:

Håkan Jarnryd: 0047 705 46 066 8. hakan.Jarnryd@amal.se