State launches rural effort in Seymour
September 21, 2006
State launches rural effort in Seymour. Check it out:(The Tribune (Seymour, IN)(KRT) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Sep. 21--Referring to the state's new Breaking the Boundaries economic development initiative as a beginning in economic growth for rural communities, Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman kicked off the initiative Wednesday in downtown Seymour.
Skillman said the framework for the initiative came from Rural Indiana Strategy for Excellence: A 2020 Vision for the Indiana Countryside, also known as Rise 2020.
Skillman spoke along with David Terrell of the Office of Rural and Community Affairs and Mayor Bill Graham of Scottsburg, who called both Seymour and Scottsburg role models for other communities for growth and helping small cities and towns prosper.
"Communities need to know the resources available to them at the state level," Skillman said. She said communities now have a "one-stop shop" within the Community of Rural Affairs office.
Referring to Jackson County as "aggressive" in industrial development, Skillman said the program is a blue print for other communities.
Having served as a state senator representing Jackson County for 12 years, Skillman said it was a pleasure to share the news of the initiative with residents here.
"Rural development should not happen by chance, but by choice," Skillman said. She said the initiative will benefit all aspects of rural life, including Internet, health and human services to rural areas.
Skillman said the Rise 2020 program is the first of its kind in the nation and it's going to be a model for many other states.
Skillman said she was aware before she took office as lieutenant governor that the "government alone would not be able to tackle rural issues that impact small cities and towns." She said it is important that the private sector get involved to deal with the issues.
Giving credit to the group behind Rise 2020, Skillman said it was developed by people who know the area the best -- the people who call it home.
She said the program is making available thousands of dollars for communities to support local entrepreneurship and welfare training education. She said funds are also available for water and sewer systems and micro enterprise projects.
Graham said it was an honor to work on the Rise 2020 program.
"The program was developed by people from the communities -- in the trenches that knew the daily chores and tasks," Graham said.
Seymour Mayor Jim Bullard said Seymour plans to participate in the program.
"Seymour is right in the heart of the rural community this program is geared to assist," Bullard said.
Bringing a tourism perspective to Skillman's announcement, Tina Stark, director of Jackson County Visitor Center, said the initiative is not about tourism but an economic base for family, friends and community.
"In general, 2020 is going to help the economics of the smaller communities who don't have the resources," Stark said.
Encouraging others to look toward the future, Stark said it is a new world that needs to be re-evaluated.
Skillman also announced a new state award for outstanding young people in Indiana. She said a new honor -- the Rising Star Award -- will be given to a Hoosier student from kindergarten through high school.
She said winners will be contributors in making their community grow and prosper and those actively engaged in their community.
Copyright (c) 2006, The Tribune, Seymour, Ind.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News.
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Related Tags: jackson county, skillman, Skillman, rural, seymour, Seymour
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