Session Two of Jasper Together is completed and Session Three is rapidly approaching. Before we begin with a breakdown of session two, we would like to clarify a few points we have seen misrepresented between the first meeting and now.
This event is being led by Jasper County with the Chamber of Commerce and Embarras River Tourism Council helping spearhead it, along with many area businesses and individuals as sponsors. This all inclusive event provides an opportunity for everyone to offer their opinions, collaborate to create community goals, vote on the goals to determine which ones are the highest priority for our community. Diverse opinions and ideas are welcome and encouraged, and those who disagree are not asked to change instead they are welcomed to help make a difference in a positive way to help create a future for the county that addresses the issues they currently have.
In Session Two, goals were discussed and gathered by the leaders to combine and create a shared vision based upon what was written down during the session. The ideas which will move on are chosen with each person voting for what they feel are the most important items. Each person will be able to choose their top five goals from the list created out of the options given in Session Two. These votes will then be tabulated and the top voted for items are the ones which will move forward in this process. There are no pre-set goals and there will be a town meeting after the five sessions for anyone who has not attended, but would like to help with the goals.
While one can still join in and attend the meetings, it is requested to call and RSVP ahead of time since there is a meal included each week. The meals begin at 5:00pm with the meeting beginning at 5:30.
Session Two:
Upon entering the Knights of Columbus, participants were asked to sign in and they were given their weekly information with a number to designate which table participants would be at for the evening. This provides an opportunity for people to meet new people and at the same time create new ideas and have different conversations which might not be had if people get to sit with their same friends for each session.
The tables were asked to create lists of challenges., assets and goals. Among the challenges mentioned were youth retention, lack of jobs, internet and broadband, beauty and cleanliness, fallen family structure, speed of opportunity, lack of industry, childcare/daycare, publicity of events, transportation, and quality affordable housing, just to name a few. Assets included, but were far from limited to, enterprise zone, TIF, Newton Lake, Agriculture, thriving tavern scene, variety of faith denominations, variety of businesses, EMS, Health department, auto and implement dealerships, sense of community, vocational business opportunities, mentoring program, hunting, fishing, traditions, trails, and camping.
Today, Linda Blaine sent an email to those in attendance who provided emails to share the goals the group brainstormed. She collected all of the goals and combined them to create a collective goal for each set of similar goals.
During session three these goals will be voted on to determine which ones are priorities for the community.
Below are the goals she sent:
- 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.
- Jasper County has drawn on its scenic location and natural resources become to a destination for recreation with amazing parks and modern high-quality facilities.
Childcare/Daycare:
- 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.
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.
Ag:
- The agricultural sector is booming in Jasper County with increased production and crop diversity as well as processing of local crops into a wide variety of food goods that are exported worldwide.
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.
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.
Senior Citizens
- Senior citizens are well cared for in Jasper County where a variety of programs help them stay healthy, happy and in their homes as long as possible. In addition, independent as well as assisted living options are available for senior citizens as need requires.
Medical/health
- Residents of Jasper County are healthy and safe due to the high-quality health care available as well as emergency care.
Education/youth
- Jasper County has the best schools in the state that provide students with the skills they need to go on to university, trade school or to enter the workforce.
Arts and Culture:
- Jasper County is a hotbed for arts and culture. Residents and visitors enjoy experiencing the arts at local galleries and studios and have opportunities to make their own art. In addition, theater, dance, live music and more are available in state of the art facilities.
Technology:
- Jasper County, the rural Silicon Valley, has positioned themselves as the location of choice for technology firms and telecommuters thanks to their high-speed internet and focus on technology training in local schools and colleges/universities.
Transportation:
- Jasper County is a transportation hub. Residents enjoy easy and affordable transportation around the County as well as to regional population centers and businesses enjoy easy access to markets.
Beautification:
- Known for its natural beauty, Jasper County also boasts well cared for homes as well as lovingly restored historic buildings and attractive streetscaping and design elements.
Entrepreneurship/small biz 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.
Green Community:
- Jasper County is on the cutting edge of all things green. The County is known for alternative energy, recycling, and green industry.
Inclusive/accessible:
- Jasper County is an inclusive community that embraces the aging and disabled citizens through transportation, accessibility and programs that improve the quality of life.
Help for those in-need:
- Those in need or at risk are cared for in Jasper County through a community-based support system and programs designed to get them back on their feet.
Session Three will be held at Grove Community Center (formerly Grove School) with the meal beginning at 5pm and the meeting promptly at 5:30.
