Extension
It Starts With Us
Tourism; Farmer's Market; Economic Development; Ag Diversification; Agritourism
Building Stronger Communities
Greg Comer, ANR Agent; Tiffany Calvert, FCS Agent; Gary Druin, 4-H Agent
Farmer's Markets
Agritourism Planning
Trail Design
Economic Development
Assisting farm families and small businesses to remain economically viable and providing more entertainment/ tourism opportunities have been identified as major needs for Ohio County. Changes in Kentucky’s agricultural structure, have lead producers to alternative enterprises and increased interest in diversification. Ohio County has seen a gradual increase in tourism expenditures, in recent years, with over $11 million spent in the county in 2014. The county is strategically situated to take advantage of tourism opportunities, being located at the intersection of the Ford and Natcher Parkways, with the Natcher Pkwy to be reclassified as an I-65 spur, within the next 5 years. It also has major river ways, in the Green River, as the southern-most border and Rough River travelling thru the middle of the county. The Ohio County Trail Town Taskforce is currently promoting outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, ATV, horseback riding, kayaking, and canoeing, to increase both recreational and tourism opportunities. Ohio County Extension is aggressively partnering with the Ohio County Chamber of Commerce, OC Trail Town Taskforce and other community organizations to enhance the economic situation in our communities.
•Youth/adults will utilize the skills gained through education and involvement in Extension entrepreneurial programs to contribute to their communities by starting a local business or improve marketing strategies of existing businesses
•Agriculture diversification and agri-tourism increases contribution to the local economic viability of local communities and county
•Recreational and tourism opportunities contribute to the improved health and economic capability of the local citizens, communities and county
•Development of new businesses/ activities related to trail town
•Youth/ adults practice entrepreneurial skills to promote local products/ services
•Unique agri-tourism and recreational opportunities of the county are supported by communities and the county
•Identify and provide technical and market development support for start-up venues
•Utilize existing trails and develop new access points on the river for water sports
•Youth will gain entrepreneurial skills that will allow them to market products/ services at the local Farmer’s Market/ other venues
•Local citizens become aware of the potential for Agriculture diversification and Agri-tourism development and the impact it can have on their community
•Increase awareness of recreational trails and events held
•Increase appreciation of the Trial Town Taskforce efforts and goals
•Promote existing trails and events
Initial Outcome: Educate the public on Trial Town Taskforce efforts and goals
Indicator: Increase of Facebook Traffic, Increase in participants for Trail Events
Method: Facebook hits, sign-in sheets at trail events
Timeline: all year
Evaluation:
Outcome: Develop and Market products/ services
Indicator: $sales
Method: record of sales
Timeline: 2018
Evaluation:
Outcome: Develop Entreprenuership and Marketing Skills of Teens
Indicator: Sales and Marketing of products produced
Method: Record of Sales
Timeline: 2017-2018
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Youth Entrepreneurship
Content or Curriculum: Be the Entrepreneur
Inputs: Youth, Extension Staff, Community Leaders, Farmer’s Market, KDA Sharon Spencer
Date: Spring/ Summer 2017
Audience: 4-H Teen Club
Project or Activity: Youth Entrepreneurship
Content or Curriculum: Be the Entrepreneur
Inputs: Youth, Extension Staff, Community Leaders
Date: 2017-2018
Audience: Local youth and families
Project or Activity: Learning to paddle
Content or Curriculum: Paddling Lessons
Inputs: Trail Town Taskforce, Extension Staff, OC Wellness Center
Date: Yearly
Audience: Local adults/ families
Project or Activity: Walking Club
Content or Curriculum: Wednesday Walking Club
Inputs: Extension Staff, Ohio County Hospital, OC Wellness Center, OC District Health Dept., PIU recipes, MyPlate,
Date: Every Wednesday
Audience: Local youth and families
Project or Activity: Paddling Event
Content or Curriculum: River Run
Inputs: Trail Town Taskforces, Local sponsors, local media,
Date: Bi-yearly
Author: Tiffany Calvert
Major Program: Economic Development
Over 89% of Ohio County businesses are classified as microenterprise businesses. In 2015, there were 44% more new startups in Ohio County, an increase from 186 new startups in 2014. Farmer’s markets can be a starting point for retail businesses by offering an opportunity to test, market, and improve products to meet customer preferences, build a customer base, practice sales skills, with the goal of becoming a sustainable business. Extension plays an active role in providing Beaver Da
