Henry County CES

Title:

Develop Henry

MAP:

Community and Economic Development

Agents Involved:

Levi Berg

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Arts Engagement

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Business Retention and Expansion

Situation:

The Henry County Extension Council recognized economic development needs as their number one priority. According to (KIPDA) Henry County is in the Metropolitan Louisville Economic Development Area and central to the ‘golden triangle’ located between Cincinnati, Louisville, and Lexington. The type of development that will occur in the next several years will be dependent upon energy policies that will affect the entire region. The local economy of Henry County has traditionally been heavily dependent upon agriculture with a large percentage of this income based on the tobacco market. Surveys of local leadership (Eminence 2020/Leadership Henry and the Henry County Chamber of Commerce), have indicated a strong desire to maintain the rural landscape while achieving increased levels of economic development. One way to improve local economies without negative development is to assist the rapidly expanding Baby Boom generation in personal finance. When Social Security was started the life expectancy of an individual was 63 and SS did not begin until age 65. Today life expectancy has increased to 75 making it essential that we take care of our personal financial situation to assist with local economic development, including an emphasis on Ag Tourism/Value Added as a means to impact local economies with little environmental degradation. With most employment outside of the county, a lack of cohesiveness and involvement in community pride keeps Henry County from achieving its potential social and economic initiatives.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Enhanced economic growth and improved standard of living for the citizens of Henry County while maintaining the rural landscape and avoiding the ‘bedroom community syndrome”.

Collaborations from Extension and Community Organizations to promote tourism and new opportunities to improve social, economic and environmental conditions

Henry County becomes an important location for local food aggregation and distribution into the Metropolitan area, creating local job opportunities and increasing marketing opportunities for local farm families

Intermediate Outcomes:

Use of proactive rather than re-active approaches with economic development opportunities

Citizens and community leaders to take an active part in providing a climate for tourism and economic development

Initial Outcomes:

Increased awareness of the importance of entrepreneurship and small business

development; Citizens have better understanding of their local economy;

Businesses can identify new markets; communities can identify factors to improve

their local economic condition. Primarily state -led evaluation using CEDIK

metrics; new/expanded jobs and new/expanded businesses; Change in local retail

dollars; because of Extension involvement; Number of plans adopted and implemented; number of referrals to SBDC or KCARD by agents

Evaluation:

Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator: farmers, public places, parks, recreational areas identified

Method: Individuals stated about will participate in an online website to bring the community together.

Timeline:Monthly

Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator: attendees develop a plan to begin cottage style business to create income

Method: items submitted to become members of the arts and craft guild

Timeline:Monthly

Initial Outcome:

Indicator: Meetings offered by extension

Method: Attendance at meetings

Timeline: Sign in sheets

Learning Opportunities:

Learning Opportunities (repeat as needed):

Audience: Local Entrepreneurs

Project or Activity: Holiday Bazaar

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs:Promotion, set up, coordination, evaluation

Date: November 2021

Audience: Craft Guild Members

Project or Activity: Craft Guild Show

Content or Curriculum: By-laws and guidelines

Date; September 2021/April 2022

Audience: Jr. Arts and Crafts Guild Members

Project or Activity: Member of the 4-H Means Business Club must be juried into the Henry County Arts and Crafts Guild

Content or Curriculum: Based on bylaws of the guild

Date; Nov. 2021

Audience: Chamber Members

Project or Activity: Economic Development

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs:Educational programming, promotion

Date: Monthly Board meetings; Quarterly Dinners;