SOAR Working Groups Report Key Recommendations
Press Release
Ten working groups organized under the Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) initiative presented their top findings today at Natural Bridge.
Despite the different working group topics, several common themes emerged among the recommendations: the need for cross-agency collaboration, especially in economic development; a desire for training and investment in entrepreneurship; and a strong interest in a robust public relations effort to both market the region to the United States and beyond and to reinforce the citizens' understanding and support of the uniquely eastern Kentucky story.
The recommendations -- some familiar, some novel -- are the synthesis of a summer spent talking with eastern Kentucky residents in more than 100 meetings and listening sessions across the region. In all, more than 2,500 citizens participated in discussions about topics ranging from education to tourism to economic development.
"It's clear that the people of eastern Kentucky are still energized and excited about the possibilities developing under the SOAR initiative, and they demonstrated their commitment by attending these meetings and offering ideas to further the work," said Governor Steve Beshear. "That continued enthusiasm is key to making some of these innovative suggestions work."
"The first year of SOAR has been a fruitful season of information gathering, organizational efforts, developing partnerships, and capturing funding opportunities," said Congressman Rogers. "However, as the season is changing, SOAR now moves toward the harvest and must prepare for future successes and bigger opportunities."
The SOAR Futures Forum committee, chaired by former Governor Paul Patton, met for the first time on Tuesday. The committee will focus on long-term strategies to improve the region. Members of this group will work with the executive committee and work groups to translate immediate and ongoing efforts into future strategies. The Futures Forum committee will also develop a SOAR 2025 Vision to be presented to the region next spring.
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