Extension
It Starts With Us
Developing Local Tourism Potentials
Economic and Community Development
Judy Hetterman, Steve Musen, & Jessi Williams
First Impressions
Agritourism Planning
Community Strategic Planning
Owen County is located within 1 1/2 hours of 3.7 million people. There are numerous attractions to visit in adjoining counties, and the county is blessed with a landscape that provides for some beautiful scenery. Some recreational infrastructure is already in place (local winery, golf courses, resorts, hunt clubs, wildlife preserves) & the county has a reputation for a widely diverse wildlife population. A number of artist and craftsmen call the county home. There is great potential for the development of an agricultural-and nature-based entertainment and recreational business. There are presently twelve bed & breakfasts, cottages, inns, and hotels located in the county. The Kentucky River borders the county for 37 miles and a new boat ramp was recently constructed.The county is adorned with 150 quilts squares on barns and other places throughout the area as well as the six agricultural heritage trail murals.
-Owen County to become a destination for tourists who want to experience the advantages that a small, rural, farm-based community has to offer.
-Community leaders complete plan of action to increase tourism to the community.
-Farmer's, landowners, business people & homeowners to develop agricultural, wildlife & entertainment-related enterprises that attract tourists into the county.
-Community leaders to learn about strengths and shortcomings through first time visitors and develop a plan of action to make the improvements to increase tourist to the county.
-Farmer's, landowners, business people and homeowners, recognize the opportunities available to them through an entertainment or tourist based farming business.
-Identify potential improvements to attract tourist to the community.
Intermediate Outcome: Individuals start or expand agri-tourism business
Indicator: Number of individuals making changes in business
Method: Personal observation
Timeline: June 2017
Long-term Outcome:Local leaders complete plan of action to increase tourism to the community.
Indicator: Number of suggestions made by CEDIK that the county implemented
Method: Community leaders implemented the plan of action that was developed.
Timeline: On-going
Intermediate Outcome: Develop a plan of action to increase tourism in the county.
Indicator: List of improvements to attract tourism in the county
Method: Results of First Impressions Projects presented to community leaders
Timeline: July thru June
Audience: Leadership Owen County group, County Officials, Agents, general public
Project or Activity: Leadership Owen County Community Service Project-Trail Town Project
Content or Curriculum: Depending on project
Inputs:leadership group, businesses and community leaders-Owen Co. Community Planner, Country Judge Executive
Date:July-December 2017
Audience: General public
Project or Activity: First Impressions Committee
Content or Curriculum: Using results from First Impressions report
Inputs: Community leaders, government officials, tourism board, chamber of commerce and agents
Date: On-going
Author: Judith Hetterman
Major Program: Economic Development
Owen County is blessed with a landscape that provides for beautiful scenery along with some recreational infrastrurture in place such as golf courses, resorts, hunt clubs and winery, and wildlife preserves. A number of artists and craftsmen call the county home.Kentucky's tourism industry generated $14.5 billion in economic impact during 2016, up more than 5% from the previous year. Commissioner Kristen Branscum stated that tourism is "a vital economic driver" for the state..  
