Todd County CES

Title:

Enhancing Economic Development

MAP:

Empowering Individuals and Families to Succeed

Agents Involved:

Jill Harris, Lee Ann McCuiston, Curt Judy

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Business Retention and Expansion

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Arts Engagement

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Community Strategic Planning

Situation:

The Todd County Community Alliance was first formed in 2008 as the Elkton Community Alliance after a group of concerned citizens and business owners met to discuss what more could be done to promote Elkton and Todd County to facilitate positive growth and development. The group decided to start small and named itself Elkton Community Alliance. The Elkton Community Alliance organized Elkton Bike Night, HarvestFest and other special projects. But, since the goals of the Alliance were always to promote the entire County, in 2011 the new Board of Directors voted to change the name of the group to the Todd County Community Alliance to better reflect this goal.

The Alliance is organized to advance and protect the general welfare and prosperity of the Elkton and Todd County areas so that the citizens and business community shall prosper. The purpose of the organization is to promote the area, with particular emphasis on its members, and the business interests of Todd County. This is to be done by the following objectives:

1. Enhancing, advancing, and promoting the well-being of commerce, industry, agriculture, education, artistic, historic and civic interests in the area.

2. Undertaking an active leadership role in the community by initiating, coordinating and developing programs and events for the benefit of the community.”

With the difficulties communities are facing with the current economic situation, tourism is receiving renewed attention, especially in smaller communities. Counties are also turning to Extension for more help to plan, organize and market tourism attractions and businesses.

In 2015, the Extension Office joined the Todd County Community Alliance and the FCS Agent was asked to serve on the Board of Directors. The Community Alliance meets monthly and is currently working toward several projects to promote Todd County, including a Quilt Trail, Hay-Bale Trail, and one-day trip itineraries.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Tourism contributes substantially to local economic viability of communities, counties, and regions.

Communities are more diverse and resilient due to arts inclusion.

Key community events intentionally have arts and artisans involved.

The arts are seen as critical to community development and economic growth by key non-arts leaders.

The arts contribute to local viability.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Unique tourism features of local areas and regions are identified and supported by communities, counties, and multi-county organizations.

Evidence in the form of publicity, brochures, and advertising that tourism venues are thriving in all regions of the state.

Leadership focuses on collaborations and coalitions with other community groups.

Key community events include arts and artisans.

Informal arts activities are held in various venues.

Initial Outcomes:

The Todd County Community Alliance will identify tourism venues with market growth potential.

The Todd County Community Alliance will become aware of the potential for tourism development and the impact it can have on a community.

The Todd County Community Alliance will include arts and artisans in activities throughout the county.

Extension will work with artisans and businesses to identify new markets; communities can identify factors to improve their local economic condition.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Participation in tourism activities sponsored by the Todd County Chamber of Commerce

Indicator: Number of people attending events

Method: Tally

Timeline: Ongoing

IInitial Outcome: Participants will make baskets in class

Indicator: Number of completed baskets

Method: End of meeting total

Timeline: Ongoing

Intermediate Outcome: Participants will make baskets on their own

Indicator:

Method: Follow-up with people participating in basket classes

Timeline: Yearly

Long-term Outcome: Participants will sell baskets to others

Indicator: Dollars earned

Method: Follow-up with people who attended basket classes

Timeline: Yearly

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Tourists

Project or Activity: Hay Bale Trail

Content or Curriculum: Tourism

Inputs: FCS Extension, Extension Homemaker Volunteers, Todd County Chamber of Commerce, Other community partners

Date: Yearly (September - October)

Audience: Artisans

Project or Activity: Basket-making classes

Content or Curriculum: FCS

Inputs: FCS Extension, artisans, participants

Date: 4 times per year

Audience: Todd County residents with barns

Project or Activity: Develop a quilt trail

Content or Curriculum: FCS

Inputs: FCS Extension, FFA, artisans, Todd County Community Alliance, community participants

Date: On-going

Success Stories