Owen County CES

Title:

Developing Local Tourism Potentials

MAP:

Economic and Community Development

Agents Involved:

FCS Agent, 4-H Agent, ANR Agent, Program Assistant, NEP/SNAP assistants

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

First Impressions

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Agritourism Planning

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Community Strategic Planning

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Economic Development

Situation:

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.

Long-Term Outcomes:

-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.

Intermediate Outcomes:

-Farmer's, landowners, businesspeople & 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.

Initial Outcomes:

-Farmer's, landowners, businesspeople 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.

Evaluation:

Intermediate Outcome: Individuals start or expand agri-tourism business

Indicator: Number of individuals making changes in business

Method: Personal observation

Long-term Outcome: Local leaders complete a 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.

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

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Leadership Owen County group, County Officials, Agents, the general public

Project or Activity: Leadership Owen County Community Service Project-Trail Town Project & Main Street Project

Content or Curriculum: Approved UK Extension curriculum(s) related to the program 

Inputs: leadership groups, businesses, and community leaders, Owen Co. Community Planners, Country Judge Executive 

Date: July-June (2020-2025)

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: Jan-Dec (2020-2025)

Audience:  Business Owners

Project or Activity:  Business Retention & Expansion.  Survey and Results shared with the community.

Content or Curriculum:  Using information provided by the Community and Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky 

Inputs:  Chamber of Commerce, County & City government, business owners

Date:  July through June (2020-2025)