Building strong communities takes vision, dedication and knowledge. The Community Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky (CEDIK), in partnership with the Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED), offers a community assessment program to assist economic development professionals and elected officials assess their potential and new economic opportunities.  

In late summer of 2022, CEDIK was enlisted by the LaRue County Extension Office to provide comprehensive recommendations for county-wide improvement through the community assessment program. CEDIK’s Economic Development Specialist led the project and evaluated the community’s economic competitiveness, past, present, and future economic development projects, conducted six interviews with community leaders along with the local extension agents, and performed an external assessment of the county. The economic, physical, and social characteristics were assessed and reported on by two industry professionals who have been involved in statewide economic development for a combined total of 45 years. 

The goal of this assessment was to understand the conditions that influence LaRue County’s ability to attract industry, as well as the infrastructure needed to support new and existing industry. Throughout the report, there were five high priority, five medium priority, and three low priority recommendations. The county also received three overall main recommendations. As of June 2023, LaRue has completed two of the high priority recommendations and one of the medium priority recommendations and is currently working on one high priority recommendation. LaRue County is also actively working towards two of the overall main recommendations. 

LaRue has been proactive in conducting a First Impressions program through CEDIK and has been working towards making additional changes in their county based on the recommendations of the First Impressions report they received. The LaRue County Extension Office took the lead in facilitating both the Community Assessment and the First Impression Report. The local extension agent was instrumental in setting up interviews with local elected officials and business owners along with creating multiple events for presentations on the report results. LaRue County has demonstrated how growth can be achieved by enlisting outside assistance to guide and recommend growth opportunities.