Ballard County CES

Title:

Ballard County's Plan for the Future

MAP:

Ballard County Leadership, Community and Economic Development

Agents Involved:

Paula Jerrell, Tom Miller, FCS Agent

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Community Strategic Planning

Situation:

In the last few months, the major employer in Ballard County has completely shut down after over 40 years as a first rate employer. The major employer in McCracken County and the second largest employer of Ballard County workers has greatly reduced its operations over the past few year. The new 4 lane highway 60 has been stopped at the Ballard County line for almost 10 years completely halting expansion or new building in our major towns that may be bypassed.  The road discussion is picking up again.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Employment opportunities for citizens of Ballard County will improve as new employment options become available. Economic growth will improve with the completion of a new 4 lane road through the county.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Ballard County Citizens will develop a plan to address employment opportunities in the future and to address the funding and route of new 4 lane highway 60 through the county.

Initial Outcomes:

Ballard County citizens will recognize the impact that the latest plant closing will have on all economic activity in Ballard County.

Ballard County Citizens will have input on setting the direction for the next few years

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Participants will have input

Indicator: # of participants

Method: participant survey

Timeline: at conclusion of each listening session

Intermediate Outcome: Ballard County Plan will be developed

Indicator: Finished Plan

Method: participant survey

Timeline: 2018-19

Long-term Outcome: Employment opportunities will improve

Indicator: lower unemployment rate

Method: use state and federal statistics on unemployment

Timeline: 2019-20

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Ballard County Citizens

Project or Activity: Needs assessment and SWOT analysis

Content or Curriculum: Current needs vs Future needs

Inputs: CED faculty as moderators, Ballard Extension Agents Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Board

Date: Throughout 2019-20

Audience: Ballard County Citizens

Project or Activity: Develop opportunities based results of listening sessions

Content or Curriculum: Strategic Plan Development

Inputs: CED faculty as moderators, Ballard Extension Agents Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Board

Date: 2020

Audience:

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Content or Curriculum:

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