Please note: There are still two sessions left for anyone interested. It is understood that people have different comfort levels of participation and participation is encouraged, but not required. It is requested that if you would like to attend please contact the Chamber of Commerce at 618-783-3399 so that the head count for food and supplies is as accurate as possible.
Session Three of the Jasper Together programs brought a large group to Grove Community Center on January 19. (There was no meeting on January 26th due to Ash Wednesday.)
At the beginning of this meeting everyone had the opportunity to vote for their top five goals in order of personal belief of the priority order. Each person voted in order of 5,4,3,2, and 1 with five being the highest priority. The tallies were then collected and the goals chosen were
Goal 1: Industry
Jasper County is the industrial hub for the region with a variety of manufacturers providing well-paying jobs that have attracted a skilled workforce and a growing population.
Goal 2: Education
Jasper County has the best schools in the state that provide students with the skills they need to go on to a university, trade school, or to enter the workforce.
Goal 3: Festivals, Events, and Attractions
Jasper County attracts visitors and residents alike year-round with its lively festivals and events as well as tourism attractions drawing on its history and heritage.
Goal 4: Childcare
Children in Jasper County are well cared for with a variety of high quality childcare options as well as after school programs that allow parents to work without worry.
Goal 5: Entrepreneurship/Small Business Development
Jasper County is known for its entrepreneurial climate. Entrepreneurs are attracted as well as developed locally through a variety of programs designed to help them start up, relocate, or expand.
Goal 6: Parks and Recreation
Jasper County has drawn on its scenic location and natural resources to become a destination for recreation with amazing parks and modern high quality facilities.
Goal 7: Retail and Dining
Jasper County is known for its vibrant shopping and dining sector. A wide variety of unique locally owned shops and restaurants draw visitors from near and far.
Goal 8: Housing
Jasper County is a popular place to live due to its wide variety of housing options from new subdivisions to renovated older homes thanks to innovative programs to make housing more affordable and accessible.
Discussion was held about some of the other goals offered and how they could be incorporated into the chosen goals. For example, a point was made about creating an inclusive environment for both young and old. A discussion was held on this and the importance of remembering to be inclusive with the other goals was considered.
Then, after the votes were collected and tallied. The groups then began a speed dating style of idea sharing. Each group was given one of the goals and then for a set amount of time discussed possible ways to achieve the goal. This was repeated several times to get many different views for each goal.
The fourth meeting will be held at the Ste. Marie Legion with the doors opening around 5pm and the meeting starting at 5:30.
