The Wendover Preservation Council, in partnership with the University of Kentucky’s Community and Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky (CEDIK), began a process to create the first strategic plan and conduct a feasibility analysis for the Wendover complex located in Leslie County, KY in early 2022.  The purpose of the strategic plan was to operationalize a process that articulates and affirms fundamental decisions and actions that will guide the organization over the next three years.

The Wendover planning process consisted of eight virtual meetings and a retreat. The process began with an exploration of the organization and current conditions to identify factors supporting and limiting the organization. This effort was linked to a process of identifying a clear vision, outcomes, and strategies to leverage assets to be a cultural, educational, and historical hub serving as a bridge from the past to the present, fusing mountain culture and character with the present to improve the local quality of life and promote economic opportunity in their region.  The main goal categories consisted of budgeting, programming, properties and marketing.  

As a result of this completed strategic plan the organization, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, was able to secure a $50,000 planning grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission.  This new grant allowed the Wendover Preservation Council to collaborate with cultural and historical institutions in adjacent counties to rethink and strategically approach regional tourism in innovative ways that provides a regional experience anchored by existing cultural assets.  The Wendover Preservation Council is currently engaged in this planning effort and expected to have their new regional tourism plan completed by Sept ’23.  In addition to the secured ARC planning grant the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky applied for an additional $100,000 to support regional trail development to compliment these tourism planning efforts that may be awarded in the fall of '23.