Extension
It Starts With Us
Provide Resources and Training regarding Financial Literacy, Career Skills, and Business Management
Improving Economic Outlook and Financial Stability
Katherine Jury, Jeremy Teal, Katie Jury, Erika Wood, and Curtis Dame
Farm Management
Securing Financial Stability (general)
4-H Youth Development Programming
Business Retention and Expansion
The consequences of the Great Recession and the extended period of slow economic growth which followed, encouraged Kentuckians to become more aware of their financial situation. Kentucky consistently lags behind other areas of the United States in key household economic indicators, including: personal income, population living below the poverty line, unemployment, and revolving debt. Hopkins County boasts a mere 13.4% of the population with a Bachelor's degree or higher education, and the average household income in Hopkins County operates on average $12,000 shy of the national average. It is important to acknowledge the impact of current economic conditions on family financial management, farms, and small businesses. With the knowledge of available Extension programming, the Hopkins County Extension Council and Area Program Councils recommend increased financial literacy programming, career skills, and business management to help citizens understand and respond to changing economic conditions, while promoting healthy financial behaviors across the lifespan.
Maximize or extend resources to maintain or increase financial stability
Increased number of individuals and businesses reporting family financial stability and economic well-being.
Maximize profits for commercial ag producers
Adopt one or more short, mid and long term financial planning strategies.
Practice one or more resource management behavior(s) resulting in increased savings or investments personally or in a business setting.
Apply practical living skills to advance education or employability
Youth and adults will show increased knowledge and skills related to managing available financial and non-financial resources.
Youth and young adults will simulate life situations to recognize importance of education and employability skills.
Participants will identify short, medium and long term personal goals and objectives related to maintaining and improving their financial stability.
Initial Outcome: Participants will identify short, medium and long term personal goals and objectives related to maintaining and improving their financial stability.
Indicator: pre-test/post-test evaluations, observable increase in knowledge
Method: survey, evaluation results
Timeline: 2018-2019
Intermediate Outcome: Apply practical living skills to advance education or employability.
Indicator: self-reported institution of practical living skills
Method: pre-test/post-test evaluations, post-post test surveys
Timeline: 2017-2020
Intermediate Outcome: Adopt one or more short, mid and long term financial planning strategies.
Indicator: self-reported behavior change, self-reported instituted financial planning strategies
Method: pre-test/post-test evaluations, post-post test surveys
Timeline: 2017-2020
Intermediate Outcome: Practice one or more resource management behavior(s) resulting in increased savings or investments personally or in a business setting.
Indicator: self-reported behavior change, self-reported increased savings or investments
Method: pre-test/post-test evaluations, post-post test surveys
Timeline: 2017-2020
Long-term Outcome: Increased profitability and economic viability for producers, consumers, families and clientele in Hopkins County.
Indicator: CEDIK Data, Annual Ag Economic Situation Report, and Ag Census
Method: data comparison
Timeline: 2017-2020
Audience: High School Students
Project or Activity: American Private Enterprise Seminar
Content or Curriculum: American Private Enterprise System
Inputs: UK Curriculum, school system, local business owners, chamber of commerce
Date: 2018-2019
Audience: Families
Project or Activity: Budgeting Programs
Content or Curriculum: Where Does Your Money Go, Small Steps to Health and Wealth, Managing in Tough Times, Healthy Money Habits
Inputs: UK Curriculum, Madisonville Community College Ready to Work Program, School System, Family Resource and Youth Service Coordinators.
Date: 2017-2020
Audience: Agriculture Enterprises
Project or Activity: Farm Management, Marketing and Risk Management Meetings
Content or Curriculum: Farm Business Management Programs, agriculture economics workshops and economic updates
Inputs: UK Curriculum, local business owners, farm business management personnel, and chamber of commerce
Date: 2018-2019
Author: Curtis Dame
Major Program: Ag Marketing
Agriculture and natural resources play a major, but hidden role in most local economies. The attributes that define this segment of the economy are easy to overlook given the fact that they are not in the form of large building projects, but rather standing trees or increasing numbers of cattle of local farms. With that said, efforts have been made locally by staff at the Hopkins County Cooperative Extension Service to provide data and assistance to local economic development authorities to help
Author: Curtis Dame
Major Program: Farm Management
Skilled labor is a highly debated and sought after need for business development and expansion in Hopkins County, Kentucky. Cooperative programming efforts facilitated by the Madisonville-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation (MHEDC) and the Hopkins County Cooperative Extension Service have highlighted the needs for a skilled agricultural workforce with vocal support received from local large farming operations. With that said efforts have been extensively pursued with Madisonville Com
Author: Katherine Jury
Major Program: Securing Financial Stability (general)
A study released in December 2013, by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce suggested that Kentucky cities are recovering more slowly than expected from the economic recession that began in 2008. Changes in the economy have forced many individuals to reduce spending in order to manage their finances. Buying and selling used materials is one strategy for earning money, while purchasing gently used items at reduced costs allows consumers to spend less. The National Association of Resale and Thrift Shop
Author: Katherine Jury
Major Program: Leadership 4-H Core Curriculum
The Hopkins County Family & Consumer Science Agent and 4-H Agents partnered with the Hopkins County School System, Hopkins County Regional Chamber of Commerce, and First United Bank to bring the American Private Enterprise System to a selected group of 40 high school students throughout the school-year in Hopkins County. The program helps prepare students for an active role in business through direct involvement with local business and professional leaders—offering and encouragin
