Edwards County Economic Development

Fair Theme Contest

The Edwards County Fair Board is once again sponsoring the Theme Contest for the Edwards County Fair. The contest is open to any Edwards County youth 7 to 18 years of age as of 1/1/10. The contest rules are as follows:
1. The slogan mustnot exceed 12 words and must include 2010 or '10 and Edwards County Fair.
2. All slogans must be original and become the property of the Edwards County Fair Association.
3. Only one entry per perso will be accepted.
4. Type or print your slogan on a piece of 8 1/2" x 11" paper. On the back of the paper include: your name, age, address, parent's name and phone number.

Send all entries to the Edwards County Fair Board, P.O. Box 61, Kinsley, Kansas 67547 by March 1st.

Simple Ways to Save the Economy

By Linette Miller

Edwards County Economic Development

I was recently given an interesting flier put out by an organization called the 3/50 Project. The idea that was conveyed was to save your local economy three stores at a time. It suggests that you can save the brick and mortars our nation is built on by implementing this simple idea; Pick 3 locally owned stores, Spend $50, and Save your local economy. Here is some statistical information provided about that idea:

· Think about which three independently owned businesses you’d miss most if they were gone. Stop in and say hello. Pick up a little something that will make someone smile. Your contribution is what keeps those businesses around.

· If just half the employed U.S. population spent $50 each month in independently owned businesses, their purchases would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue. Imagine the positive impact if ¾ of the employed population did that.

· For every $100 spent in independently owned stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays here. Spend it online and nothing comes home.

If you like this idea you can get more information about it at www.the350project.net

I also recently read an email that was forwarded to me that suggested we all check the labels of the items we purchase; from canned goods to cleaning supplies. The email author suggested that many times you can purchase a product Made in the USA that is of comparable value and cost as those made in other countries. It is an interesting idea to try and can only help to save the jobs of our fellow Americans.

Edwards County Strategic Planning Retreat

Edwards County Economic Development Corporation is hosting a Strategic Planning Retreat to be held on Monday, February 1, at 5:30 PM at their office at 108 E. 6^th Street, Kinsley.

The retreat is open to any resident of Edwards County who would like to be involved in writing a strategic plan that will guide economic and community development activities for the next 3 to 5 years.

“We have gone through the process of making an inventory of assets and of weak areas. Now we will be working on developing specific goals and objectives and action steps to meet those goals,” said Linette Miller, Executive Director.

The retreat facilitator will be Joyce Webb of the Center for Community Research and Development at Wichita State University.

“This entire process is being funded through a Compassion Kansas Grant through Wichita State University,” said Miller.

She said the purpose of these grants is to provide technical assistance and funds to help non-profit organizations improve their function so that they can compete against larger organizations for funding.

The retreat will likely last until 9:00 or 9:30 PM. An evening meal will be provided so those wishing to participate are asked to RSVP to Miller at 620-659-2711 by Friday, January 29.

January 29, 2010 is KANSAS DAY!!!

The 129th Birthday of the State of Kansas is on Friday, January 29, 2010. Explore some of our history at the following sites:

Kansas Day Page at Kansas Museum of History

Kansas Day in the Classroom

Voices, Kansas Day Collection of Writings

Library of Congress: Kansas Day

ECHO Receives Award from KDHE

Connie Watkins, Coordinator for the Edwards County Health Organization, accepted an award on January 21st at the Chronic Disease Risk Reduction Summit in Salina. She was awarded a plaque for "Outstanding Grantee" for the Southwest Kansas Region by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Congratulations Connie! You deserve it!