• Unemployment rate:  Campbell County, TN  7.1%, Bell County, KY  14.3% and Whitley County, KY  18.75% (Average of the four census tracts)

• Median Household Income:  Campbell County, TN $20151, Bell County, KY  $13,078 and Whitley County, KY  $14,979    (1989 income reported in the April 1990 Decennial Census)

• Per Capita Income:  Campbell County , TN  $8098, Bell County, KY  $7037 and   Whitley County, KY  $8028 (Based on 1990 US Census Data)

• Education:  The eight (8) census tracts included in the AUV area indicates that only 42.7% of persons 25 years of age and over are a high school graduate or higher.

Community Overview:

The Appalachian United Vision Champion Community includes eight census tracts in three counties (two counties in Kentucky and one county in Tennessee).  It is a contiguous area.  Interstate 75 runs through the AUV area, providing transportation access to other areas.

Due to the coal industry historically providing a large portion of the economic development for our area, there is also a good rail system that winds throughout the area, which is currently owned and operated by CSX, Inc.  This rail system provides industrial transportation options for area employers.  It does not, however, provide passenger transportation.

The mountainous terrain, although providing natural beauty for all to enjoy, also creates major obstacles for transportation and infrastructure.  Many of our residents, especially those in the far reaching rural areas, find themselves feeling isolated and cut off from the world. 

This terrain, however, is also a source of tourism dollars being brought to our area.  We believe this is an area that can be expanded.  Indian Mountain State Park, in Tennessee lies within the area.  There are several state parks that lie within a 60 minute drive from the area, such as Cumberland Falls State Park and Pine Mountain State Park in Kentucky.  Cumberland Gap National Park also lies within this driving distance.

Strategic Plan Highlights:  

With the implementation of its strategic plan, the Appalachian United Vision Champion Community seeks to achieve a balance in economic and community development.

• Education--Increase number of area residents served by the adult education program.

• Community/Youth/Family Resources--Expand current youth programs.

•  Capacity Building--(1) Develop an effective, cost efficient administrative structure with appropriate governance through the Board's collaboration & develop staff to successfully implement the AUV strategic plan; (2) Increase number of Senior Citizens served by Senior Programs.

•  Business Development/Job Training--(1) Coordinate efforts to market area as a location for economic opportunity; (2) Encourage the growth of existing businesses and develop new businesses through start-ups and expansions; (3) Promote the development of vertically integrated wood-based industry; (4) Develop a workforce prepared for work in a wide range of technologies and businesses in the area; (5) Promote environment in which entrepreneurial activity will thrive.

• Public Infrastructure--(1) Increase number of households with treated water service within AUV boundaries; (2) Provide improved sewage service to the area; (3) Increase the number of households that have suitable septic tanks; (4) Decrease the number of dump sites.

• Tourism and Culture--(1) Promote the development and marketing of local crafts by offering technical assistance to artisans; (2) Market the area as a recreational destination. 

Partnerships

Regional Education and Community Health Services, Inc (REACHS, Inc.) and Henderson Settlement, Inc., have been the lead entities for Appalachian United Vision (AUV).  The Champion Community has partnered with the not-for profit agencies, school systems, Tourism Commission, Community Service Agencies, clubs and churches, USDA Rural Development, Division of Community and Economic Development, Small Business Administration (SBA), Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Universities, businesses, local, state and federal agencies, etc.

Leveraging

Funding sources from USDA Rural Development, Economic Development Administration, Appalachian Regional Commission are some of the funding sources and resources being used by the Appalachian United Vision Champion Community to help implement the strategic plan.

Community Involvement:

The communities represented in the AUV Champion Community conduct monthly Board meetings that are open to the public.  AUV has had a good working relationship with the media in the area.  The various newspapers and radio stations have always been willing to advertise meetings in the community service sections of their broadcast/newspaper. 

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