Extension
It Starts With Us
Business Retention & Expansion
Economic Development for Rural and Urban Monroe County
Susan Turner, Jamille Hawkins, Kevin Lyons
Business Retention and Expansion
Situation: Over the last several years several manufacturing companies have left Monroe County for other places. Combine this with the county’s population drop of nearly 40 per cent in the last 50 years and the stage is set for financial hardships for business and families. Supporting the remaining employers is a high priority throughout the county. Finding ways to develop leadership within the county to look for possibilities to increase employment and ways to keep local dollars local is primary.
Long-term Outcomes:
?Growth of existing industry within Monroe county
?Find new ways to use abundant raw materials
?Add value to products currently being manufactured in the county
Intermediate Outcomes:
?Extension and other local entities will develop a resource survey to determine what current businesses need and what they can supply within the county
?Work with the Chamber of Commerce, TVA, etc. to develop a strategic plan for the county.
Initial Outcome:
Citizens understand that agritourism and locally grown foods can provide income.
Local citizens appreciate the diversity of foods offered at the local farmer's market.
More people participate in Christmas on Main and support merchants by shopping locally
Outcome: Develop a strategic plan
Indicator: Number of organizations represented on the planning committee
Method: Survey of participants
Timeline:2017-2018
Outcome: Keep local dollars local
Indicator: Improvement in local economy including new businesses
Method: Survey of local businesses
Timeline: 2017-2018
Learning Opportunities:
Audience: Monroe County Citizens
Project or Activity: Farm-City Week
Content or Curriculum: Economic data, interaction activities
Inputs: Speakers, tour hosts, local leadership, agents
Date:2018
Audience: Business leaders
Project or Activity: Strategic Planning
Content or Curriculum: UK CEDIC supplied
Inputs: UK personnel, agents, business leaders
Date: 2018
Audience: Monroe County Citizens
Project or Activity: Buy Local campaign
Content or Curriculum: Ways to promote keeping dollars local
Inputs: Economic Development Council, Agents, Specialists
Date: 2018
Audience: Monroe County Citizens
Project or Activity: Added value products
Content or Curriculum: From successful businesses
Inputs: Business and UK speakers, agents
Date: 2017-2020
