Sustainable Economic DevelopmentPlan of Work

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Cumberland County CES

Title:
Sustainable Economic Development
MAP:
Community Development
Agents Involved:
Elijah Wilson
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Economic Development
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Trail Design
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Community Engagement
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Community Strategic Planning
Situation:
Key to the success of any community is the active involvement and collaboration of agencies, civic organizations, businesses and citizens. This networking and collaboration is of outmost importance in a community such as Cumberland County, which has limited resources, both privately and publicly due to a small population (6,789)and tax base, and relatively no change in population since the early 1900's.

In 2013, the Extension Service in partnership with the Burkesville Cumberland County Industrial Authority, Cumberland County Fiscal Court, City Council of Burkesville, and the Cumberland Chamber of Commerce hosted a series of community forums focused on how to improve the quality of life of local residents. The information collected from the forums plus data from an online questionnaire was used in the development of a community strategic plan that established 5 priorities for sustainable community development. One of the 5 priorities is focused on facilitating and promoting communication and collaboration among community organizations, government agencies, and all citizens to maximize the impact of available resources.

The Extension Service has a strong history of collaboration with many agencies and the business community. Extension Agents are informed leaders in the community and are able to add value to planning efforts on wide range of diverse topics. The active community involvement of Extension Agents in a diverse range of groups coupled with ongoing and new Extension leadership programs will help to increase the social capitol of a community that is intended to result in sustainable economic development.




Long-Term Outcomes:

•Increased sustainable  economic development

Increased community capacity to address future community challenges that emerge as a result of fluctuations and changes in the economy.

•Community problems are solved through active and engaged local leaders



Intermediate Outcomes:
•Agencies, businesses and community groups work together to address pertinent issues
•Practice personal leadership skills in clubs, schools and outreach
•Improved skills in communication, problem solving, or group process in addressing organizational issues and needs
•Apply skills to address needs, develop programs and implement solutions for community problems
Initial Outcomes:
•Coalitions and partnerships are formed
•Adults and youth become more aware of community needs and the process for addressing those needs
•Adults and youth increase leadership capacity

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Cumberland County citizens increase knowledge in personal and community leadership.

Indicator: Data retrieved from pre and post tests, follow-up evaluations and observation of hands-on activities.

Method: Pre and post tests, follow-up evaluations testimonials and hands-on activities.

Timeline: Evaluations will take place at the end of programs conducted with adults and youth.


Intermediate Outcome: Apply skills to address needs, develop programs and implement solutions for community problems

Indicator: Data retrieved from pre and post tests, follow-up evaluations

Method: Pre and post tests, follow-up evaluations testimonials and hands-on activities.

Timeline: Evaluations will take place at the end of programs conducted with adults and youth.


Long term Outcome: Community problems are solved through active engaged local leaders.

Indicator: Data retrieved from pre and post tests, follow-up evaluations and observation of hands-on activities.

Method: Pre and post tests, follow-up evaluations testimonials and hands-on activities.

Timeline: Evaluations will take place at the end of programs conducted with groups and individuals.





Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Entrepreneurs and Innovators Facebook Group

Content or Curriculum: Small Business Development Training

Inputs: Small Business Administration, Chamber of Commerce, CEDIK, SOAR, Center for Rural Development 

Date: Weekly Webinars, Resource Awareness, and Support  


Audience: Tourism and Community Leaders

Project or Activity: Operation Trail Town: Planning Meetings, Community Forums, and Community Events

Content or Curriculum: Kentucky Trail Town Program Guide, CEDIK

Inputs: Kentucky Office of Adventure Tourism, Cumberland County Tourism Commission

Date: Ongoing committee work


Audience: Business Owners and Operators 

Project or Activity: Community Strategic Planning - Street Development 

Content or Curriculum: Kentucky Main Street Program 

Inputs: Cumberland County Fiscal Court, City of Burkesville, Burkesville - Cumberland County IDA., Chamber of Commerce, Partners With Pride

Date: Monthly - Ongoing committee work, activities and events

 

Audience: Economic Development, Tourism, Industrial Development Community Leaders,  Business Owners and Operators 

Project or Activity: Marketing and Communication Alliance - Increase Community Web Presence 

Content or Curriculum: Community Strategic Planning - Communication and Collaboration   

Inputs: Cumberland County Fiscal Court, City of Burkesville, Burkesville, Cumberland County IDA., Chamber of Commerce, Partners With Pride, and Tennessee Valley Authority 

Date: Monthly - Ongoing committee work, activities and events



Success Stories

Increased Community Leadership Capacity - Certified Kentucky Trail Town

Author: Elijah Wilson

Major Program: Trail Design

   Trail Town

Full Story

Engaging Youth in Community Conversations

Author: Elijah Wilson

Major Program: Economic Development

Cumberland County continues to reap the benefits of a project that first began 8 years ago as a youth service project focused on community beautification and revitalization. The Partners with Pride project convened a group of dedicated community leaders that resulted in a long-term partnership among local businesses, Cumberland County Extension, and the Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce. In 2018, Partners with Pride created and sponsored a new festival designed to grow the local economy

Full Story

Collaborative Community Marketing and Branding

Author: Elijah Wilson

Major Program: Economic Development

Extension Agents are informed community leaders and can add value to planning efforts on a wide range of diverse topics. The active community involvement of Extension Agents, coupled with ongoing Extension volunteer development and leadership programs, help communities to increase capacity to address challenges and to develop community assets. Extension adds value and helps to maximize the positive impact of public and private available resources.   In 2019, as part of an on-going comm

Full Story

Brownsfield Site Redevelopment

Author: Elijah Wilson

Major Program: Economic Development

Key to the success of any community is the active involvement and collaboration of government agencies, civic organizations, businesses, and residents. Networking and collaboration are essential for sustained community and economic development, especially in a community such as Cumberland County, which has limited resources due to a relatively small population (5,879 US Census, 2021) and tax base compared to other Kentucky counties.  The perceived need for collaboration is evident by its in

Full Story
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