Extension
It Starts With Us
Sustainable Economic Development
Community Development
Elijah Wilson
Business Retention and Expansion
Community Design/Creative Placemaking
Local Food System Development and Mapping
Trail Design
Key to the success of any community is the active involvement and collaboration of agencies, civic organizations, businesses and citizens. This networking and collaboration is of outmost importance in a community such as Cumberland County, which has limited resources, both privately and publicly due to a small population (6,789)and tax base, and relatively no change in population since the early 1900's.
In 2013, the Extension Service in partnership with the Burkesville Cumberland County Industrial Authority, Cumberland County Fiscal Court, City Council of Burkesville, and the Cumberland Chamber of Commerce hosted a series of community forums focused on how to improve the quality of life of local residents. The information collected from the forums plus data from an online questionnaire was used in the development of a community strategic plan that established 5 priorities for sustainable community development. One of the 5 priorities is focused on facilitating and promoting communication and collaboration among community organizations, government agencies, and all citizens to maximize the impact of available resources.
The Extension Service has a strong history of collaboration with many agencies and the business community. Extension Agents are informed leaders in the community and are able to add value to planning efforts on wide range of diverse topics. The active community involvement of Extension Agents in a diverse range of groups coupled with ongoing and new Extension leadership programs will help to increase the social capitol of a community that is intended to result in sustainable economic development.
•Increased local economic development
Increased community capacity to address future community challenges that emerge as a result of fluctuations and changes in the economy.
•Community problems are solved through active and engaged local leaders
•Agencies, businesses and community groups work together to address pertinent issues
•Practice personal leadership skills in clubs, schools and outreach
•Improved skills in communication, problem solving, or group process in addressing organizational issues and needs
•Apply skills to address needs, develop programs and implement solutions for community problems
•Coalitions and partnerships are formed
•Adults and youth become more aware of community needs and the process for addressing those needs
•Adults and youth increase leadership capacity
Initial Outcome: Cumberland County citizens increase knowledge in personal and community leadership.
Indicator: Data retrieved from pre and post tests, follow-up evaluations and observation of hands-on activities.
Method: Pre and post tests, follow-up evaluations testimonials and hands-on activities.
Timeline: Evaluations will take place at the end of programs conducted with adults and youth.
Intermediate Outcome: Apply skills to address needs, develop programs and implement solutions for community problems
Indicator: Data retrieved from pre and post tests, follow-up evaluations
Method: Pre and post tests, follow-up evaluations testimonials and hands-on activities.
Timeline: Evaluations will take place at the end of programs conducted with adults and youth.
Long term Outcome: Community problems are solved through active engaged local leaders.
Indicator: Data retrieved from pre and post tests, follow-up evaluations and observation of hands-on activities.
Method: Pre and post tests, follow-up evaluations testimonials and hands-on activities.
Timeline: Evaluations will take place at the end of programs conducted with groups and individuals.
Audience: Local Entrepreneurs
Content or Curriculum: Small Business Training
Inputs: Small Business Administration
Date: Offer 4 class each year (1 each quarter)
Audience: Tourism and Community Leaders
Project or Activity: Operation Train Town - Planning Meeting and Community Forum
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky Trail Town Program Guide
Inputs: Kentucky Office of Adventure Tourism
Date: Fall 2016 - Ongoing committee work
Audience: Emerging Community Leaders
Project or Activity:Extension Ambassador Leadership Program
Content or Curriculum:KELD, American Private Enterprise Curriculum
Inputs: Chamber of Commerce
Date: Monthly - July-December
Author: Elijah Wilson
Major Program: Community Strategic Planning
As part of an on-going community strategic planning initiative focused on communication and collaboration, the Burkesville/Cumberland County Industrial Authority, Cumberland County Fiscal Court, City Council of Burkesville, Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce, and the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service worked together with the help of professional consultation to develop a community brand and identity that will result in an improved visual presence on the worldwide web
