Success StoryConnecting Gardeners to Local Resources



Connecting Gardeners to Local Resources

Author: Kelly Jackson

Planning Unit: Christian County CES

Major Program: Home & Consumer Horticulture

Plan of Work: To add value to the life and well being of citizens through actions that produce tangible benefits.

Outcome: Initial Outcome

The Christian County 2020 Vision Plan, prepared by the local Chamber of Commerce, is a plan to guide improvements in the community and bring together multiple community partners in a unified approach to achieve progress. One goal of the vision plan seeks economic growth through more retail opportunities. Another goal is to enhance recreational opportunities that bear a low user cost to the average citizen. Utilizing Master Gardener volunteers, the Cooperative Extension Service in Christian County developed and hosted a Garden and Outdoor Living EXPO in April 2019 to provide more retail opportunities to local and regional horticulture product and service providers in a free, family-friendly atmosphere. Short educational classes were offered on the second day. Over 800 local residents interacted with 46 vendors during the 2-day EXPO. A survey of vendors (n=41), indicated sales totaling nearly $14,000 during the event. Prospective sales estimates by vendors totaled $23,000. Vendors said the EXPO was a valuable tool to help reach their customers. Exit surveys of 72 EXPO attendees, indicated they spent a collective total of $1,880 and comments included “We enjoyed the speakers and Q and A times” and they indicated they “loved the variety of vendors”.






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