2000 Annual Executive Summary
Lake County Enterprise Community
The year 2000 was one of celebration and accomplishment. The Lake County Enterprise Community Board started with 64 Benchmarks. At the request of USDA that number was condensed to 22 Benchmarks. When making decisions the Board continues to refer to the original 64 Benchmarks so as to assure the community strategic plan is being addressed. Therefore, we have a different count when determining the number of Benchmarks that have been addressed. However there is no differing on what has been accomplished and the work that lies before us as we enter the second half of our ten year strategic plan.
Interest and public participation remains high. The number of community meetings and outreach meetings held in 2000 numbered 14. Efforts to assure the involvement of traditionally under represented groups in the community includes representation on the EC board and meetings with groups such as Head Start parents. Meetings in predominately minority and low-income communities are held. Methods used to inform the public of EC activities include: newspaper, television, newsletters and annual reports.
Noteworthy is the EC Boards ongoing relationship with Wackenhut Youth Correctional Facility. Wackenhut reports that 30% of their workforce are Lake County residents. Ongoing alliances with USDA Rural Development, MSHDA, MI Arts Council, HUD, Family Health Care, Baldwin Schools, WSCC and Habitat for Humanity.
Resistance by militia-type groups to countywide zoning ordinances continues. However, elected officials and community leaders feel that zoning is necessary to address problems related to planned development and economic growth.
Community leaders will continue to meet and work with the broader public including the segment of the community who have put personal interests (ie: abandoned buildings, old cars and trash in yard) over community image and well-being.