The Pacific Marine Analysis Research Association (PacMARA), formed in 2003 to address a perceived lack of progress towards implementing an ecosystem-based approach to managing the marine environment. PacMARA retained Cortex in 2007 to help develop a business model for achieving its mission and to focus future activities.
Cortex prepared (1) a situation analysis, investigating current perceptions of and potential future directions for the organization, and (2) a business models report, assessing governance and administration options, based on existing literature and interviews with key people in similar organizations.
With these products as input, Cortex facilitated a strategic planning process with the PacMARA Board that produced an organizational vision and a set of strategies and actions to achieve the vision.
In 2012, Cortex facilitated an environmental scan and opportunity analysis with the PacMARA Board to review and realign work with the organization's strategic framework.