Contact: Rebekka Dudensing, 979-845-1719, rmdudensing@tamu.edu
COLLEGE STATION – The U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development has selected a group of South Plains counties to participate in the Stronger Economies Together program, also known as SET.
The program facilitates regional collaboration in economic development, according to coordinators. The region currently includes representatives from Hale, Swisher, Castro and Floyd counties. Additional participants from these and surrounding counties are welcome, said program leaders.
The selection was a result of an application submitted by regional leaders following a workshop in September. Coordinators said the meeting and application demonstrated a willingness to bring ideas, assets and barriers to the table, and consider a variety of approaches including life skills, small business development and continuing adult education.
“Our rural communities and counties need to work together to leverage local assets. SET provides a framework and tools for that cooperation,” said Gary Cross, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent for Hale County.
“SET provides facilitation and coaching for local community stakeholders to work together to develop a regional economic development plan,” said Dr. Jamie Rae Walker, AgriLife Extension specialist. “This community-based approach uses evidence-based planning and goal-setting to empower local action.”
The program is a partnership between USDA Rural Development and AgriLife Extension with cooperation from the Texas Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas Farm Bureau and Texas Sea Grant Program. At the national level, the program’s key partners include the Regional Rural Development Centers, Economic Development Administration and National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
“Rural Development is pleased to partner with several federal, state and local organizations to provide SET resources throughout the South Plains of Texas,” said Rural Development State Director Paco Valentin.” “Participants will learn how to build a strong regional team and create plans and projects for achieving economic success. Program leaders will also provide technical assistance designed to help teams utilize the latest research, demographic and economic data, and regional resources to identify and pursue economic opportunities that will enhance the region’s overall level of income, employment and quality of life.”
Regional team members will receive the following:
– Intensive facilitated strategic planning for their regional team.
– Database tools specifically designed to help the regional teams examine the critical drivers of their region and identify emerging growth sectors and regional competitive advantages.
– Technical assistance and educational support from the Rural Development and AgriLife Extension staff.
– Other educational and information-sharing opportunities with other SET program participants around the country.
Residents from participating and neighboring counties are encouraged to become involved in the program. Persons interested in the program should contact Cross at the AgriLife Extension office in Hale County at Gary.Cross@ag.tamu.edu or 806-291-5267. More information is available at http://communities.tamu.edu/stronger-economies-together-set/.
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