Community and Economic Development
Community and Economic Promotion
Allison Lewis, Bryce Roberts, Mollie Tichenor
Agritourism Planning
Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Empowering Community Leaders (general)
Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD)
The Spencer County Extension Council and Agents see the need for new a way to incorporate promotion and development of community and economic growth to the county through a variety of programs that the Extension Service can offer.
Increase community involvement in extension programs and collaborative programs with other agencies and groups in the county. Increase economic net income to residents of Spencer County and increase number of residents shopping local.
Program participants will learn how to manage finances, collaborate with other agencies to promote local retail markets, learning agritourism adventures, and development of local leaders.
Youth will learn how to use basic budgeting skills. Participants will learn about markets to purchase locally grown/made products to help the economy.
Outcome: The number of on farm visits.
Indicator: Increase the number of participants visit local farms.
Method: Observation.
Timeline: July – June
Outcome: Participants will use alternative marketing outlets.
Indicator: The number of participants using alternative marketing programs.
Method: Pre and Post surveys/ observation
Timeline: July – June
Outcome: Participants will learn how prepare financially for the future.
Indicator: Increase the number financially minded students.
Method: Pre and Post surveys.
Timeline: March-May
Audience: Local Producers
Project or Activity: Farmer’s Market (AL, BR, MT)
Content or Curriculum: Farmer’s Market Materials
Inputs: Family Resource Youth Service Center, Multipurpose Community Action, Spencer County School System, Conservation District, Farm Bureau, Local Producers, Community Members, University of Kentucky Specialists, Farmers Market Committee, Local Businesses and Organizations, Elected Officials.
Date: July – June.
Audience: Seniors, Adults, and Youth
Project or Activity: Financial Management (AL, BR)
Content or Curriculum: University of Kentucky financial publications
Inputs: Family Resource Youth Service Center, Multipurpose Community Action, Spencer County School System, Local Producers, Community Members, University of Kentucky Specialists, Farmers Market Committee, Spencer County Fair Board, Local Businesses and Organizations, Elected Officials.
Date: July - June
Project or Activity: 4-H Reality Store (MT, AL, BR)
Content or Curriculum: Job Preparedness and Financial Awareness
Inputs: Family Resource Youth Service Center, Multipurpose Community Action, Spencer County School System, Community Members, University of Kentucky Specialists, Local Businesses and Organizations, Elected Officials.
Date: August – May
Project or Activity: Gourd Project Day (MT)
Content or Curriculum: Promote imagination and creativity through gourd art for the KY Gourd Festival held locally every year and County Fair participation.
Inputs: Family Resource Youth Service Center, Spencer County School System, Local Producers, Community Members, Kentucky Gourd Society, Spencer County Fair Board, Local Businesses and Organizations, Elected Officials.
Date: April – July
Author: Bryce Roberts
Major Program: Beef
Educating local beef producers is a high priority in Spencer County. According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, total beef animal sales yearly in the combined counties totals nearly $25 million, emphasizing the need for beef producers to take herd management and marketing decisions seriously. Increasing consumer demand for locally sourced protein and Spencer County’s proximity to urban markets in Louisville, provide incentives for producers to seek out new ways to add value to thei