VisionWorks' Breakthrough Solutions
Community and Regional Success Stories
Garland County Focuses Toward 2010 – November 2001
Leaders in Garland County have formed a collaborative strategy
for success with the Vision 2010 process. This new initiative, Focus
Garland County, is a formal collaboration of these eight
organizations in the county, including:
- Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce (provided leadership to
the Vision 2010 involvement)
- Advertising and Promotion Commission of Hot Springs
- City of Hot Springs
- Garland County Community College
- Garland County Cooperative Extension Service
- Garland County Economic Development Corporation
- Garland County Government
- Hot Springs Village Property Owners Association
"We are excited about this strategic planning process, as it will
involve the citizens of Garland County in developing our vision for
the future," stated Jay Chesshir, president of the Greater Hot
Springs Chamber of Commerce. "I am firmly committed to this project
because it is one of the most important things we can do in the
county."
Through a formal Memorandum of Understanding, the team has committed
to long-range strategic planning and contributed resources to hire a
Focus Garland County Vision 2010 Coordinator. This effort
demonstrates both commitment to long-range planning and a desire to
build the community and county together. Focus Garland County is an
outgrowth of Garland County’s participation in the state-wide VISION
2010 Program, coordinated by the University of Arkansas Cooperative
Extension Service.
Challenges facing Garland County include: transportation, preserving
the environment, education, and economic development. In working
through these critical issues, the energies of the communities
involved will merge to form one Garland County vision.
On November 8, the Memorandum of Understanding was signed by leaders
of the collaborating organizations. A broad-based steering committee
will seek feedback and involvement from throughout the county.
Facilitators will be trained by Garland County Community College,
the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, and the
Arkansas Department of Economic Development. Residents of the county
will be invited to set priorities, develop plans, and take action to
realize their desired future. We congratulate the leaders of Garland
County for their vision and commitment to this initiative.
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