Community Engagement and Economic Development
Community Development
Jessica Barnes, Jessica Sayre, Shannon Farrell, Shelley Meyer
Family and Consumer Science
Business Retention and Expansion
Building Healthy Coalitions
Activities and events are being held in Harrison County, many of them free to the public, to promote the wellbeing of the residents and the community. However, more opportunity is always requested.
The community will work together to offer more programs and awareness resulting in an increased overall wellbeing.
Increased communication and interaction with elected officials and underserved populations.
Create awareness and educate the community on resources available to them.
Initial Outcome: Increased attendance at community and extension events
Indicator: New and improved programs offered by extension office, Public Library, Chamber of Commerce
Method: attendance and registration statistics
Timeline: All Year
Intermediate Outcome: Increased Citizen Participation
Indicator: Farmer's Market Participation, New City Park Improvements. Volunteers continue to participate
Method: Sign-in sheets, phone calls, website hits, news articles, and visits to Extension Office. A perceived more positive attitude about community
Timeline: 4 years or longer
Long-term Outcome: Community Improvements made
Indicator: Community beautification, County and City cleanup, business networking, infrastructure improvements, park development, grants received
Method: Observation and personal testing
Timeline: 3-5 years
Audience: Community
Project or Activity: Continue to develop vision and needs for the future.
Content or Curriculum: Develop vision and needs for next 20 years.
Inputs: Agents, community members, local councils
Date: Ongoing
Audience: Community members
Project or Activity: Media
Content or Curriculum: Radio, Newspaper, Newsletter, Electronic Sign promoting Harrison County activities
Inputs: Agents, paid staff, The Democrat, WCYN radio
Date: July-June
Audience: Public
Project or Activity: Website
Content or Curriculum: Extension to develop and link to other sites related to Harrison County. Update monthly.
Inputs: Extension staff
Date: July-June
Audience: Community members and leaders
Project or Activity: Grant Writing/Resource Acquisition
Content or Curriculum: Guide leaders as they seek dollars for action plans
Inputs: Community leaders
Date: July-June
Audience: Public
Project or Activity: Sponsor Community Blood Drive
Content or Curriculum: Commitment to the Community, work with Central Kentucky Blood Center
Inputs: Central Kentucky Blood Center
Date: 3 to 4 times during the year
Audience: Community members
Project or Activity: Community Health Fairs
Content or Curriculum: Preventative Health
Inputs: Harrison Memorial Hospital, Health providers, volunteers
Date: April
Audience: 4th and 5th grade students
Project or Activity: Safety Day
Content or Curriculum: Prevention
Inputs: local businesses, emergency services, volunteers
Date: Septemeber
Audience: Public
Project or Activity: Harrison County Beef Day
Content or Curriculum: Create Awareness about the Beef Industry and where food comes from
Inputs: Harrison County Beef Cattle Association, Ag Council, Farm supply stores, local vets, volunteers
Date: May
Audience: Public
Project or Activity: 4-H Center Grounds Development
Content or Curriculum: Advise leaders as they seek funding and development.
Inputs: District Board members, Cooperative Extension Council
Date: July - June
Audience: 4-H members
Project or Activity: 4-H Teen Council
Content or Curriculum: Step Up to Leadership
Inputs: 4-H UK Specialists, neighboring 4-H agents and programs, Kentucky 4-H
Date: All Year
Audience: 4-H members
Project or Activity: Young Entrepreneurs
Content or Curriculum: Build Your Future Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H UK Specialists, Chamber of Commerce, 4-H Volunteers, Field and Main Bank
Date: All Year
Author: Shannon Farrell
Major Program: Economic Development and Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development
Cynthiana, KY is a town that has been flourishing in economic development, locally owned businesses, and increased tourism over the past decade. Thus, entrepreneurship is a popular trend in the community. About 6 months following my transfer as 4-H Agent to Harrison County (my hometown), I met with the Chamber Director/Tourism Director and Main Street Coordinator to make introductions, discuss opportunities, and share collaborative ideas. One of the shared thoughts was that of beginning a 4-H En
Author: Shelley Meyer
Major Program: First Impressions
Community support for local businesses is crucial for commerce success in a small town. Supporting local businesses is a community and economic development strategy that keeps dollars’ spent local and encourages downtown revitalization and growth. This is especially important in small town communities with an up-and-coming downtown area. Family & Consumer Sciences with the Harrison County Cooperative Extension Services has an annual tea party, which has occurred for 2022 and 2023, in a
Author: Shelley Meyer
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
The problem Downtown Cynthiana, KY is an up-and-coming rural community with flourishing tourism, plentiful growth of locally owned businesses, improving and enhancing facilities, sidewalks, and increasing walkability. An interest survey was administered through the Family & Consumer Sciences newsletter at the start of 2022 to gage the interest of community members for physical activity opportunities. Survey results indicated a strong need for increased exerc