COMMUNITY VISION PLAN:
THE VISIONING PROCESS: GREAT BEND – BETTER THAN GREAT
The visioning process is an opportunity for the entire community to pause, take stock and define, as a community, what we want Great Bend to be in the future and how we get there. Specifically, it will outline a path of continued success for the next 10-20 years. It is based on input from a community that cares about the future of Great Bend as a place to thrive, succeed and prosper. To complement these aspirations, the plan is grounded in an understanding of current conditions and trends. The vision plan will align all aspects of our community life and identify goals and specific actions for Great Bend to implement.
A community visioning process is typically crafted through a collaborative process that involves a wide variety of community residents, stakeholders, business leaders and elected officials. With the assistance of a consultant, the Great Bend visioning and planning process consists of Co-Chairpersons, a steering committee, community connectors, public input and feedback. Once the final plan is completed - the adoption, approval, and implementation of the plan falls to various units of government, organizations, businesses, and non-profit organizations.
WE VALUE YOUR THOUGHTS AND INPUT
Go to on-line survey seeking input from all community residents:
SURVEY
THE OUTCOME:
A STRATEGIC PLAN AND ROAD MAP FOR THE NEXT 10-20 YEARS
This plan will reflect the goals, objectives, and development outlook of the entire community. The final plan lists future opportunities, and includes a description of what the community could look and feel like in the future. The community vision road map guides government, business, and citizens in decision-making according to the stated goals and objectives of the community.
THE COMMUNITY LEADERS:
The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Board of Directors along with the amazing Barton County Young Professional group is leading the charge for this exciting community Visioning Project. We want to ask the hard questions, get new ideas, and come up with a dynamic plan of action that everyone and every organization can support. A lofty idea, perhaps - but we know it can be done and we are excited to get started!
FUNDING:
The project which is funded by a grant from the Harms Trust, who immediately saw the need and grasped the process has made a significant contribution to support the process and the plan. They realize this is an exciting endeavor that will allow all citizens to participate in determining what the future of Great Bend can be!
MEET THE CONSULTANT:
We have enlisted the assistance of a dynamic consultant - Shockey Consulting to help us in this process with the end result being a working plan to be shared with all of the community next February. The lead consultant - Sheila Shockey grew up in Kinsley, Kansas and understands the challenges and opportunities facing rural communities. In addition, she brings experience in helping
both large and small communities to be the very best they can be.
Check out this great company http://www.shockeyconsulting.com
MEET THE STEERING COMMITTEE:
The process calls to mobilize a dynamic Steering Committee who possess vision, insight, wisdom and valuable experience in all aspects of the community. They:
- Are a great representative of the larger community
- Are interested in inclusive engagement
- Have a pulse on a variety of issues
- Have an open-minded attitude and will consider the interests of others
- Can think futuristically, strategically, and holistically about the entire community
- Will be helpful in the execution of a dynamic plan
- Are hopeful about the future of Great Bend