SOAR BLUEPRINT
This Blueprint was developed through input of individuals from across Appalachia Kentucky. The first goal is broadband connectivity and the other six are about what we're going to do with it.
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This Blueprint was developed through input of individuals from across Appalachia Kentucky. The first goal is broadband connectivity and the other six are about what we're going to do with it.
Increase the availability of affordable high-speed broadband, through fiber, to businesses and residents; and increase adoption rates throughout the SOAR region
Complete the construction of the middle-mile effort, KentuckyWired, while involving existing local internet service providers in the process
Generate immediate local economic activity by facilitating career pathway training opportunities for displaced workers to be retrained into the fiber installation and maintenance industry to support the deployment of fiber throughout the region
Support the development of community-based strategic plans to determine the best method to improve broadband availability and affordability in their community by partnering with KentuckyWired (Last-Mile Action Team)
Ensure stakeholders working in the region understand and work collectively to increase the high economic impact uses of broadband including remote work opportunities and eCommerce
Develop and implement a structured approach to last mile development in the SOAR region (Last-Mile Action Team)
Develop our regional workforce to be competitive in the digital economy and other emerging industries
Strengthen employer-led training and education efforts to provide clear paths to jobs including reciprocal relationships with national/global employers that employ a remote workforce
Leverage public-private partnerships to create short and long-term training programs supporting industries primed for growth such as: Telecommunications (specifically fiber), Healthcare, Energy, Machinists, and the Digital Economy
Invest in programs across the K-16 education continuum that increase access to training and career pathways related to STEAM skills, digital economy skill sets, agribusiness and other emerging technologies
Develop modern co-working facilities that can also serve as business innovation hubs
Improve access to employment training/retraining programs for low-wage/unemployed individuals
To create more and expand existing small businesses within the region by taking full advantage of the digital economy
Focus assistance to support expanded market expansion opportunities for existing companies via the digital economy including e-commerce and export\
Strengthen entrepreneurial education, including K-16, and the promotion of successful entrepreneurs within the region
Increase the network density of small business owners and/or entrepreneurs through social networks (digital or physical)
Improve awareness and usage of existing and expand availability of business resources, technical assistance, equity capital, and other assistance programs
Create and expand opportunities for entrepreneurs to competitively pitch ideas for monetary awards
To reduce the physical and economic impact of obesity, diabetes, and substance abuse
Implement innovative evidence‐based programs to address regional health disparities in access, quality of care, and health outcomes
Strengthen community partnerships and collaborations with stakeholders to increase focus on health and disease prevention throughout the region
Reduce the scope and impact of substance abuse and related consequences through education, awareness, prevention and access to services
Increase access to healthy, affordable foods and opportunities for physical activity
Increase the amount of industrial employment which includes manufacturing, natural resources, processing, and distribution by expanding existing companies and attracting new ones
Develop strategies for targeted sectors, identified by a third-party professional, for recruitment, expansion, and workforce development
Support the continued development of regional and/or public-private partnerships to drive industrial development in the region
Increase industrial demand of skilled trade workers (construction, electricians, HVAC, welding, plumbing) and the availability of fast-track certification programs for experienced workers
Improve the economic competitiveness of most viable (based upon objective third-party professional analyses) sites and buildings in Appalachia Kentucky
Provide resources to transition established businesses to value added chains and/or connect them with new markets both outside of their existing industry and in the global marketplace
Collect and positively communicate detailed data on the workforce in the region
Support value added opportunities for extractive industries including, but not limited to: coal, natural gas, oil, and forestry
Create a local foods movement by connecting local producers to markets for their products both within and outside the region
Increase the amount of locally sourced food served in institutional food service (schools, jails, colleges, hospitals), restaurants, and commercial grocers.
Start new and support the expansion of existing value-added agricultural businesses including processing, warehousing, distribution, etc
Improve access to locally sourced food through the development of modern community-based farmer’s markets.
Increase the competitiveness of local products and connect local producers to markets outside the region
Establish Kentucky's Appalachian region as a tourism destination
Support tourism projects that leverage existing assets to create attraction/destination based economic activity through private businesses such as theme parks, resorts, ATV Trails, etc.
Improve regional branding and marketing efforts increase awareness and demand for recreational activities
Increase demand for local arts and crafts by improving availability and visibility of products from our region
Invest in redevelopment of downtown spaces that focus on arts, heritage, and entertainment to improve the quality of place
Build upon regional assets that create unique identities for communities
Develop or facilitate training pathways for careers in the hospitality industry to prepare the region to leverage increased tourism demand for economic growth