Johnson County CES

Title:

Building Strong Communities

MAP:

Community and Economic Development

Agents Involved:

Cockerham, Jeffiers

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Agritourism Planning

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Arts Engagement

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Local Food System Development and Mapping

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Economic Development

Situation:

The distressed economy is well documented in this once thriving coal producing region. With per capita income at $19,925, and 23.3% poverty rate, job creation and entrepreneurship, by using tourism and related industries are strategies being utilized to address the issue at hand. The Kentucky Appalachian Proud initiative is one by which local farmers, culinary artists and the hospitality industry can work hand in hand in the re-making of a different kind of economy, one that is natural to the environment and compatible with its inhabitants.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Participants have increased income that can help sustain themselves and their families

Community nonprofits have sustainable revenue streams.

Tourism represents a strong component of the economy.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Participants have improved skills that will increase income generating capabilities.

Nonprofits utilize the Kentucky Apple Festival for fundraising.

Tourists are drawn to the area.

Initial Outcomes:

Attendees participate in educational programs and community sponsored opportunities designed to assist in teaching skills necessary to build the economy as well as the community.

Nonprofit groups understand how to get involved in fundraising through the Kentucky Apple Festival.

Tourism event operators understand how to promote and develop their events.

Evaluation:

1.Long-term Outcome:

Indicator: Participants have improved skills enhancing income generation capacity; nonprofit groups generate revenues

Method: Surveys, testimonials, observable evidence

Timeline: 1 year following program efforts

2. Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator: Documentation of knowledge gained; nonprofit groups operate fundraising booths

Method: evaluation; festival follow-up

Timeline: directly following programs, events or activities

3. Initial Outcome:

Indicator: Attendance to Extension offered programs, events and activities; feedback from Festival participants

Method: Sign in sheet

Timeline: during program

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Students and tourists

Project or Activity: Cultural events and opportunities

Content or Curriculum: The history of farming and farm life (Extension publications) Agri-tourism

Inputs: CHN, Extension and FCS advisory council

Date: To be determined annual by the participating councils and advisory committees.

Audience: Families

Project or Activity: Entrepreneurship

Content or Curriculum: Extension Materials, and/or successful advisors, FCS curriculum and mentorship program with the arts

Inputs: FCS Council, Route 23 Cultural Heritage Network

Date: 2019-21 as scheduled through each year  

Audience: CHN membership and community

Project or Activity: OSCAR classes and programs (Community engagement and creative place making, arts engagement), History of Johnson County curriculum

Content or Curriculum: Extension Materials (ie:e-commerce for artisans, SBDC business planning…), cultural arts shared with both FCS curriculum and leadership skills brought by volunteers.

Inputs: CHN Board, Advisory Council, FCS Council, Extension Council

Date:2019-2021

Audience: Tourists, families, students

Project or Activity: Arts Program

Content or Curriculum: FCS materials and relevant curriculum

Inputs: Route 23 Cultural Heritage Network, FCS Council, Extension Homemakers

Date: ongoing project and dates are scheduled quarterly as selected by governing committees

Audience: Nonprofits

Project or Activity: Kentucky Apple Festival vendor training

Content or Curriculum: Food safety regulations, Festival policies

Inputs: Festival staff, health department

Date: Every July

Success Stories