Furnas/Harlan Partnership
As I begin my fifth year with the Furnas/Harlan Partnership, I want to review what the Partnership and its mission is. The Furnas/Harlan Partnership – is an economic development partnership, working to ensure the future of our region. The Partnership works to build a unified vision for economic development in Furnas & Harlan counties. This is the mission statement of this organization. This is done by working together with a Board of Directors, made up of Village/City, City/Board Members or someone appointed by these entities. The organization also works directly with various regional groups, local groups, private individuals and various state & federal organizations and agencies. This is done through community assistance, providing information about resources, grant writing, and technical assistance. Communication and promotion of opportunities available to people in the area through newspaper articles, email notices, and the website.
Education is also a vital component to growth and development in the community. Programs such as EDGE (Enhancing, Growing, Developing, Entrepreneurs) is available for business owners that need to learn how to develop a business plan. Leading Locally is available for anyone that might have, would like to have or does have any interest in being involved in a Leadership role in the community, an organization or even in school. Business Transition is another area education is needed in our area. This is for business owners that are ready to move on to a different phase of their lives and need help understanding the process. Wealth Transfer is another facet of education important to the growth and development of the region. When people learn how to give back to the community and region with their time and resources everyone benefits.
Collaboration with regional organizations increases the circle of influence we have outside our local region as others learn who we are and what we have available. In this day when funds and resources are limited, collaboration is one of the key components that funding organizations look at when requests are made so it is vital that people, groups, and communities learn this. Because funds have become even tighter, grant writing has become an activity of greater importance for the Partnership. However, grant funds are only available to certain groups and entities and they take a lot of time and effort by a lot of people for the project to come together successfully.
The Furnas/Harlan Partnership is not a political organization, however we do try and follow the issues that can and do affect the area and will try to be an information source about those issues.
For more information about the Partnership contact Rosie Stockton Furnas/Harlan Partnership, 308-962-7894, email: director@furnas-harlan-partnership.org. www.furnas-harlan-partnership.org
- Furnas/Harlan Partnership
