Extension Agents are informed leaders in the community and can add value to planning efforts on a wide range of diverse topics. The active community involvement of Extension Agents coupled with ongoing volunteer development and leadership programs, helps communities to increase social capitol and the capacity to address challenges and to develop community assets. Extension Agents add value and help to maximize the positive impact of public and private available resources.  

As part of an on-going community strategic planning initiative led by Extension Staff focused on communication and collaboration, the Cumberland County Extension Service, Burkesville/Cumberland County Industrial Authority, Cumberland County Fiscal Court, City Council of Burkesville, and the Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce have worked together with professional consultation and supported by grant funding to develop a community brand and identity. The goal is to improve the visual presence of "Burkesville" "Marrowbone" and "Cumberland County" to support local tourism and economic and community development efforts. 

The ongoing planning efforts led by Extension Staff have resulted in a repository of high quality photos, videos, and professional logos needed for community branding and marketing. In June of 2021, the Burkesville/Cumberland County Industrial Authority in partnership with the Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce, and the Cumberland County Tourism Commission finalized a plan to continue joint marketing and communication efforts. The groups have contracted with a national economic development firm and are in the process of creating a comprehensive community website. The new website will serve as an online portal to the Cumberland County community. It will provide information to the public about local food, lodging, events, programs, and activities plus links to local businesses and organizations. It will also include information about current community and economic development projects and available property for industry development. Essentially, the website will serve as an information source for everything Cumberland County. Additionally, the fore-mentioned group have partnered to open a new welcome center on the Square in Burkesville.