Todd County CES

Title:

Enhancing Economic Development

MAP:

Strengthening Leadership, Civic Engagement, and Economic Development

Agents Involved:

Jill Harris, Lee Ann McCuiston, Curt Judy

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Business Retention and Expansion

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Arts Engagement

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Community Strategic Planning

Situation:

The Todd County Community Alliance was first formed in 2008 as the Elkton Community Alliance after a group of concerned citizens and business owners met to discuss what more could be done to promote Elkton and Todd County to facilitate positive growth and development. The group decided to start small and named itself Elkton Community Alliance. The Elkton Community Alliance organized Elkton Bike Night, HarvestFest and other special projects. But, since the goals of the Alliance were always to promote the entire County, in 2011 the new Board of Directors voted to change the name of the group to the Todd County Community Alliance to better reflect this goal.

The Alliance is organized to advance and protect the general welfare and prosperity of the Elkton and Todd County areas so that the citizens and business community shall prosper. The purpose of the organization is to promote the area, with particular emphasis on its members, and the business interests of Todd County. This is to be done by the following objectives:
1. Enhancing, advancing, and promoting the well-being of commerce, industry, agriculture, education, artistic, historic and civic interests in the area.
2. Undertaking an active leadership role in the community by initiating, coordinating and developing programs and events for the benefit of the community.”

With the difficulties communities are facing with the current economic situation, tourism is receiving renewed attention, especially in smaller communities. Counties are also turning to Extension for more help to plan, organize and market tourism attractions and businesses.

In 2015, the Extension Office joined the Todd County Community Alliance and the FCS Agent was asked to serve on the Board of Directors. The Community Alliance meets monthly and is currently working toward several projects to promote Todd County, including a Quilt Trail, Hay-Bale Trail, and one-day trip itineraries.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Tourism contributes substantially to local economic viability of communities, counties, and regions.

Communities are more diverse and resilient due to arts inclusion.

Key community events intentionally have arts and artisans involved.


The arts are seen as critical to community development and economic growth by key non-arts leaders.

The arts contribute to local viability.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Unique tourism features of local areas and regions are identified and supported by communities, counties, and multi-county organizations.

Evidence in the form of publicity, brochures, and advertising that tourism venues are thriving in all regions of the state.

Leadership focuses on collaborations and coalitions with other community groups.

Key community events include arts and artisans.

Informal arts activities are held in various venues.

Initial Outcomes:

The Todd County Community Alliance will identify tourism venues with market growth potential.

The Todd County Community Alliance will become aware of the potential for tourism development and the impact it can have on a community.

The Todd County Community Alliance will include arts and artisans in activities throughout the county.

Extension will work with artisans and businesses to identify new markets; communities can identify factors to improve their local economic condition.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Participation in tourism activities sponsored by the Todd County Community Alliance
Indicator: Number of people attending events
Method: Tally
Timeline: Ongoing

Intermediate Outcome:
Indicator:
Method:
Timeline:

Long-term Outcome: Increase in dollars from tourism
Indicator:
Method:
Timeline:

Initial Outcome: Participants will make baskets in class
Indicator: Number of completed baskets
Method: End of meeting total
Timeline: Ongoing

Intermediate Outcome: Participants will make baskets on their own
Indicator:
Method: Follow-up with people participating in basket classes
Timeline: Yearly

Long-term Outcome: Participants will sell baskets to others
Indicator: Dollars earned
Method: Follow-up with people who attended basket classes
Timeline: Yearly

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Tourists
Project or Activity: Hometown Heroes Smithsonian Exhibit
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs: FCS Extension, Extension Homemaker Volunteers, Todd County Community Alliance, Other community partners
Date: Fall, 2017

Audience: Tourists
Project or Activity: Hay Bale Trail
Content or Curriculum: Tourism
Inputs: FCS Extension, Extension Homemaker Volunteers, Todd County Community Alliance, Other community partners
Date: Yearly (September - October)

Audience: Artisans
Project or Activity: Basket-making classes
Content or Curriculum: FCS
Inputs: FCS Extension, artisans, participants
Date: 4 times per year

Audience: Todd County residents with barns
Project or Activity: Develop a quilt trail
Content or Curriculum: FCS
Inputs: FCS Extension, FFA, artisans, Todd County Community Alliance, community participants
Date: On-going

Success Stories