D2N2 – the UK's Most Inspirational Postcode" declares the cover to the local enterprise partnership's Growth Plan.
The leaders of the four main local authorities have signed it alongside the vice chancellor of Derby University, Prof John Coyne, property developer Peter Gadsby, public relations expert Richard Horsley and Tevor Fletcher, of Hardstaff Transport.
Mr Ralph who joined D2N2 in March is an energetic leader. He gives the impression he is not someone who will wait for things to happen.
"Our vision is long term and it will not be a quick fix," he said.
In the short term, D2N2 will prioritise investment and infrastructure – roads, and rail links – to accelerate economic recovery. But development of skills for young people and the region's workforce is critical. So is growing key sectors.
"Data demonstrates that, in order to close the gap with the UK average and achieve our vision, the D2N2 economy needs to deliver a step change in employment," added Mr Ralph.
"D2N2 is ready for that challenge."
Mr Ralph makes it plain that the local enterprise partnership will be very focused on growth areas, concentrating on areas with the potential to have a positive impact.
What is clear is that little if any job creation will come from the public sector as the Government seeks to re-balance the economy towards the private sector.
Although Government cash is in short supply, there European Structural and Investment funds will be "crucial fuel in the tank" for delivery of the plan, said Mr Ralph.
"It is highly ambitious, with a very ambitious target plan delivering a step change in the number of jobs, a step change in skills and a step change in growth.
"This is a deal with Government and Government expects us to show leadership and coherence. This is a first step. D2N2 is setting out our deal to Government.
"The real growth is around accelerating fast-growing companies.
"We have a weak business base so we need to start, then grow more companies. A minimum of 25 per cent of the jobs will come from the key sectors.
"We are trying to demonstrate that we will deliver this change from a reliance on public sector jobs to private-sector jobs, a re-balancing of the economy, making things and selling them, sometimes internationally."
Mr Ralph said that, unless the right skills are generated for local communities, the jobs that are available will largely be met by inward arrivals.
"It is a global market place and companies will go for talent. Derby already delivers the highest wages in the country outside the South East. Some of that is about unmet demand.
"Some of our existing companies will grow further and that is important. But we need to grow small companies within those supply chains."
The Nottingham Enterprise Zone on the Boots site and the University of Nottingham's Innovation Park, where GSK is planning new sustainable laboratories, are expected to attract moves from firms in the bio-science sector.