A Brief History
The Wayne County Family Resource Network (FRN) and Wayne County Commission
initiated the Community and Economic Development Analysis and Strategic Planning Project - Achieving 20/20 Vision to help
move Wayne County forward and empower its citizens to effect change in their communities. A diverse team of stakeholders
came together to guide the process and this Planning Team obtained funding from a variety of supporters to catalyze community
and economic development in Wayne County and chart a course for the future. A number of strategies were employed to inform
the strategic plan including a series of discussion groups, key informant interviews, and community surveys. The Planning
Team also reviewed existing documents and best practices as they worked to prepare the Strategic Plan. Collective Impact, LLC was engaged to conduct the community and economic
development analysis and support the Planning team throughout the strategic planning project. The project was carried out
from February 2008 through August 2009.
Current Assets and Needs
Primary assets within Wayne County include:
·
Social service agencies
and organizations.
·
Access to rail and
air transportation.
·
Local leaders and
state representatives.
·
Historical significance
of Wayne County.
·
Strong religious values
of local people.
·
Natural resources.
·
Local civic organizations.
·
Faith based communities.
·
Wayne County Family
Resource Network.
·
Wayne County Economic
Development Authority and other local development groups.
Primary needs within Wayne County include:
· Good jobs.
· Lodging facilities.
·
County wide access
to broad band and cell phone services.
· Entrepreneurial activity.
·
Development of heritage
tourism industry.
· Expanded access to cultural events and activities within Wayne County.
· Effective land management policies.
· Increased participation by local citizens in community
projects.
· Coordinated planning for development.
Recommended
Goals for Wayne County
Goal 1: Improve the health and well being of Wayne County residents.
Goal 2: Develop needed community
facilities and enhance basic infrastructure within Wayne County.
Goal 3:
Increase capacity in Wayne County for economic and community development.
Goal
4: Enhance the quality of life for Wayne County residents and visitors through expanded cultural events and activities.
Goal 5: Protect and nurture the natural resources within Wayne County.
Goal
6: Build additional social capital within Wayne County.
Goal 7:
Enhance working relationships and joint planning among local governments, community agencies, and civic organizations.
Many Thanks
Many thanks to the Great Kanawha Resource Conservation & Development
Area, United Bank, Marathon Petroleum Company LLC, Wayne County Board of Education, Wayne County Economic Development Authority
(WCEDA), Wayne County Commission, Wayne County Family Resource Network (FRN), and the West Virginia Legislature for their
financial support of this effort.
Additional thanks go to the Wayne County Family Resource Network (FRN), Wayne County Commission,
and West Virginia University Extension Service for their tremendous leadership throughout the project. Exceptional gratitude
is expressed to the Planning Team members for their ongoing guidance, leadership, and hard work. Very special appreciation
is also extended to the many volunteers, residents, schools, students, churches, women’s clubs, non-profit organizations,
and governmental agencies who offered their support and expertise by participating in community discussions and interviews,
and completing surveys. Their support and input has been essential to understanding the issues in Wayne County.
Visit the Wayne County Commission
Website at www.waynecountywv.org
for a full copy of the Project Report, Action Planning
Spread Sheets, or other related project materials.
