Wayne County CES

Title:

Strengthening Wayne County Through Community and Economic Development

MAP:

Community and Economic Development

Agents Involved:

T Humble, G. Roberts, D. Shepherd, S. Coffey, D. Adams, S. Hart, T. Bertram

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD): Developing Core Leadership Skills

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Business Retention and Expansion

Situation:

Due to Covid-19, many families are dealing with financial hardships. Extension is equipped to assist families with farm diversification, family financial management and positive employability skills.  

Long-Term Outcomes:

- Policy changes to support Economic Development

- Diversified economy that sustains healthy community

- Job creation that doesn't rely on tax incentives

- Improved and diversified local economic base

- Improved and diversified tax base

Intermediate Outcomes:

- Community is better informed and leaders can identify policies that better support local Economic Development 

- Local policy makers encourage small business development 

- Businesses implement strategies identified through planning 

-Better financial mgt by community members and increase in positive employability skills 

Initial Outcomes:

- Increased awareness of the importance of entrepreneurship and small business development 

- Community Leaders and Partners have better understanding of their local economy - Businesses can identify new markets 

- Communities can identify factors to improve their local economic condition. 

-Individuals and families increase knowledge in healthy financial mgt. 

Evaluation:

Primarily state-led evaluation using CEDIK metrics; new/expanded jobs and new/expanded businesses; Change in local retail dollars; Grant dollars awarded to community because of Extension involvement; Number of plans adopted and

implemented; number of referrals to SBDC or KCARD by agents

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Local Businesses, Local Entrepreneurs, Farmers Market Vendors, Lake Cumberland Community Action, Volunteer leaders, KEHA members, 4H Leaders/Youth, Wayne County Schools, Organizations, Family Resource and Youth Services Centers (FRYSCs), Social service agencies, Libraries, Faith-based organizations, Government officials, Chamber of commerce, Work Ready Team,  

Project or Activity: Value Added Farm Products with potential for attracting local markets 

Content or Curriculum: Business Retention and Expansion program from CEDIK, Budgeting and financial mgt, Positive employability skills, Master Cattleman and other beef cattle master level programs, Home-based Micro processing, 

Input: Extension Staff, Extension Council, Program Advisory Councils, Community partners, Extension Facility, Volunteers, Wayne County Schools, Hope Center, Health Department, Quilt Guild members, Employment Services, Elected Officials, Local Businesses and Entrepreneurs,  

Date: July 2024 - June 2025