Business Retention & ExpansionPlan of Work

Back to Plans for the County

Monroe County CES

Title:
Business Retention & Expansion
MAP:
Economic Development for Rural and Urban Monroe County
Agents Involved:
Susan Turner, Jamille Hawkins, Kevin Lyons
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Business Retention and Expansion
Situation:

Situation: Over the last several years several manufacturing companies have left Monroe County for other places.  Combine this with the county’s population drop of nearly 40 per cent in the last 50 years and the stage is set for financial hardships for business and families.  Supporting the remaining employers is a high priority throughout the county. Finding ways to develop leadership within the county to look for possibilities to increase employment and ways to keep local dollars local is primary. 


Long-Term Outcomes:

Long-term Outcomes:

?Growth of existing industry within Monroe county

?Find new ways to use abundant raw materials

?Add value to products currently being manufactured in the county


Intermediate Outcomes:

Intermediate Outcomes:

?Extension and other local entities will develop a resource survey to determine what current businesses need and what they can supply within the county

?Work with the Chamber of Commerce, TVA, etc. to develop a strategic plan for the county.

Initial Outcomes:

Initial Outcome:

Citizens understand that agritourism and locally grown foods can provide income.

Local citizens appreciate the diversity of foods offered at the local farmer's market.

More people participate in Christmas on Main and support merchants by shopping locally


Evaluation:


Outcome: Develop a strategic plan

Indicator: Number of organizations represented on the planning committee

Method: Survey of participants

Timeline:2017-2018


Outcome: Keep local dollars local

Indicator: Improvement in local economy including new businesses

Method: Survey of local businesses

Timeline: 2017-2018




Learning Opportunities:

Learning Opportunities:


Audience: Monroe County Citizens

Project or Activity: Farm-City Week

Content or Curriculum: Economic data, interaction activities

Inputs: Speakers, tour hosts, local leadership, agents

Date:2018




Audience: Business leaders

Project or Activity: Strategic Planning

Content or Curriculum: UK CEDIC supplied

Inputs: UK personnel, agents, business leaders

Date: 2018




Audience: Monroe County Citizens

Project or Activity: Buy Local campaign

Content or Curriculum: Ways to promote keeping dollars local

Inputs: Economic Development Council, Agents, Specialists

Date: 2018





Audience: Monroe County Citizens

Project or Activity: Added value products

Content or Curriculum: From successful businesses

Inputs: Business and UK speakers, agents

Date: 2017-2020







Success Stories

Ladies in Ag

Author: Kevin Lyons

Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy

Women make up nearly 40% of the agricultural producers in Kentucky. The number of ladies who own and operate farms and agribusinesses continues to increase each year. The importance of their contributions to a vibrant agricultural economy are tremendous. “Ladies in Ag” was an educational series designed to educate, empower, inspire, and connect ladies who are involved or interested in agriculture. It featured motivational stories presented by strong women who shared their experi

Full Story
Back to Plans for the County