Definitions of Planning Terms

1. GOALS: Broad statements of what the organization hopes to achieve in the next 3 years. Goals focus on outcomes or results and are qualitative in nature.
2. STRATEGIES: Statements of major approach or method (the means) for attaining broad goals and resolving specific issues.
3. OBJECTIVES: Specific, concrete statements of what will be done to achieve a goal generally within a one-year time frame.
4. ACTION STEPS: Usually included in an action plan or work plan, these are specific tasks that are necessary to accomplish an objective and that are assigned to a person or small group with a defined timeframe.

A.     Support Effective Business Recruitment

1.      Identify building sites.

·        Explore potential locations.

·        Determine support needed.

2.      Support the development of a business marketing plan to attract new businesses.

·        Work with EDC to determine action steps needed for developing a business marketing plan.

3.      Explore the viability of establishing business tax incentives.

B.    Support and Assist Existing Businesses Growth

1.      Work with EDC to assist existing business.

2.      Increase networking opportunities for businesses.

3.      Enhance Agricultural Opportunities.

·        Work with local grocery store and restaurants to buy Graham County produce.

C.    Develop Creative Entrepreneurial Opportunities

1.      Support and secure Certified Entrepreneur Community designation efforts.

2.      Recognize and support small businesses and entrepreneurial efforts.

3.      Consider infrastructure needs for retirees.

4.      Explore more services needed by seasonal tourists and visitors.

D.    Support the Development of Tools and Resources for Economic Development

1.      Encourage the installation of high-speed internet service (also listed in Goal IV).

2.      Support the work of other committees to address infrastructure, resource, health, leadership and education needs for economic development.

A.     Support Strategies to Assist Businesses with the Workforce Development Needs

1.      Identify workforce development needs.

·        Work with Tri-County Community College on workforce training options.

·        Work with Stanley Furniture to identify their training needs.

·        Collaborate with public schools to identify work training issues.

2.      Utilize Cooperative Extension to provide resources and training in schools, especially youth leadership.

3.      Encourage entrepreneurs to continue to pursue training in areas relevant to small business.

4.      Address hospitality skills through training opportunities.

5.      Work with legislators to enhance and improve workforce development programs.

B.     Support the Needs of Graham County Schools in Efforts to Provide the Highest Quality Education

1.      Continue the Dolly Parton Imagination Library project.

2.      Help secure funding for STEM projects and other key educational initiatives for Graham County Schools.

·        Identify priority projects for seeking grant funding.

·        Lobby for maximum benefit of lottery funds.

3.      Support quality preschool opportunities.

4.      Support the expansion of quality after school and summer activities.

5.      Support drop-out prevention and alternative education programs.

6.      Support drug and alcohol abuse prevention programs.

7.      Collaborate to increase the number of students participating in higher education.

8.      Focus on leadership skills (also addressed in Goal VI).

A.     Support a Tourism Plan to Strategically Promote Graham County

1.      Assist in the development of a tourism plan.

2.      Support the compilation and dissemination of regular tourism statistics.

3.      Support the increased use of social media and internet to promote tourism.

B.     Expand and Enhance the Opportunities to Preserve and Promote Graham County’s Mountain Culture

1.      Promote arts, cultural, and agriculture-based tourism.

·        Recognize and support “Heritage-based entrepreneurship” (arts/crafts, food products, agri-tourism and others) for creation of heritage tourism programs and products..

·        Support expansion efforts of Junaluska Museum.

·        Support and expand educational opportunities for traditional cultural and traditional life skills.

·        Promote “history projects” and involve WCU Mountain  Heritage Center.

2.      Provide continuing support and promotion of the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center as the cultural arts center of the county.

3.      Promote the development of a new Visitor & Welcome Center that meets the needs of the growing tourist population.

4.      Increase collaboration and communication with tourism partners.

·        Collaborate with Blue Ridge National Heritage Area and others in regional efforts to promote heritage tourism..

·        Participate in monthly Travel and Tourism Board Meetings.

·        Work with Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Snowbird Community to promote Native American culture and history.

A.     Support the implementation of Reimagining Robbinsville plan. 

1.      Encourage continued renovation or removal of downtown buildings.

2.      Support the installation of lighting and construction of walkways, sidewalks, and greenways.

3.      Explore opportunities for restructuring the placement of existing utilities.

4.      Encourage the development of new businesses.

5.      Develop and cultivate working relationships with key partners including town and county governing boards.

B.     Create County-wide Broadband and Internet Capability

1.      Encourage the installation of high-speed internet service.

·        Implement recommendations from NC Broadbrand Committee Report.

2.      Identify partners and funding opportunities.

C.     Advance Plan for Roads

1.      Provide information about transportation system enhancements.

D.    Support Land Development and Housing

1.      Explore grant opportunities to purchase property for public use such as a recreation complex.

2.      Increase opportunities for affordable housing.

Strategies, Objectives, and Actions

Timeline

Lead

Status

A.     Improve Existing and Create New Community-Based Recreation Facilities and Infrastructure.

1.      Open and maintain Santeetlah Bike Trail.

2.      Support the development of a recreation complex.

·        Identify and support acquisition of additional property appropriate for recreation programs and complex.

3.      Support trail and overlook maintenance and signage.

4.      Expand recreation opportunities in the county.

·        Establish a priority list that includes the needs of each community.

·        Provide support in seeking funding to accomplish the goals of the Recreation Master Plan.

B.     Assist in the Sustainability and Preservation of Natural Resources

1.      Promote lake water quality.

·        Work with existing watershed associations.

·        Establish plan for water testing and invasive plants at Santeetlah Lake.

2.      Support the establishment and growth of recycling.

3.      Promote lake and community clean-up.

·        Promote and assist with Big Clean Sweep activities.

·        Encourage and support educational programs that promote natural resource protection.

C.     Improve and Enhance Nature-Based (Eco/Ag) Tourism

1.      Support marketing and branding of nature-based tourism.

·        Explore Adventure Recreation opportunities.

·        Develop an Outdoor Recreation Visitor’s Guide in collaboration with Travel and Tourism and USFS.

2.      Advocate for increased releases on the Cheoah River.

A.     Encourage Leadership and Involvement among Young Adults

1.      Support leadership programs for young adults in the county.

·        Continue to support a young leaders program for middle and high school students.

B.     Increase Collaborations and Partnerships with Government

1.      Increase communication with governmental organizations and officials.

·        Establish and maintain productive relationships with state and federal legislators.

2.      Encourage participation of public officials in GREAT.

·        Encourage elected officials and other county leaders to attend regional, state and national conferences and relevant training opportunities.

3.      Increase regional collaboration with leaders from surrounding counties, towns and states.

C.     Recruit and Train Volunteers

1.      Promote training for volunteers.

·        Provide information and access on training opportunities.

2.      Collect information about potential volunteers.

A.     Improve the Health and Well Being of Citizens of Graham County

1.      Encourage the reduction of the county’s diabetes rate.

2.      Help reduce and prevent obesity.

3.      Support substance abuse prevention and treatment programs.

B.     Improve Physical Activity among Citizens of Graham County

1.      Increase active living options.

C.     Increase Access to Health Care

1.      Recruit more health professionals.

2.      Increase after hours health care.

D.    Improve the Social Well Being and Quality of Life for the County’s Citizens

1.      Increase food security.

2.      Collaborate with religious institutions to address social issues.

·        Study the changing fabric and values of the community and understand the future impact.

3.      Support efforts that address reduction in the county’s poverty rate.

4.      Develop strategies to increase social and entertainment opportunities for all segments of the community.

A.     Work with local, state, and federal government officials to focus on the priorities for GREAT

1.      Increase communication with local, state, and government officials.

B.     Conduct outreach to build relationships with other organizations and individuals in the community

1.      Add membership through membership drives.

2.      Conduct outreach to community organizations and business leaders.

3.      Create a process for regular program evaluation and results tracking.

4.      Increase marketing and promotion of GREAT.

C.     Focus on development of the Board of Directors

1.      Recruit additional Board of Directors members.

2.      Establish a process for the Board to provide a regular performance evaluation for the Executive Director.

D.    Ensure sufficient revenue for future years

1.      Create a financial sustainability plan that includes a fundraising plan.

·        Plan for funding additional staff.