Staff report

PINEVILLE — It was a meeting of Bell County’s movers and shakers. Over 100 Bell County citizens put away the “us versus them” mindset on Thursday — convening from every town, community, holler and corner of the county to get priorities in order. On the agenda? The future of Bell County — as a whole.

Eager attendants crowded a meeting room at Pine Mountain State Resort Park. This group had likely never all been in one room together until Thursday. Who was there? Elected officials from both Middlesboro and Pineville, the district senator, a state representative, school system superintendents, teachers, lawyers, judges, bankers, doctors, nurses, business owners, coal miners, book authors, civic organization leaders, retirees and more.

“The future is yours to choose,” Community Development Consultant Lori Garkovich said to the group as they settled in for a day-long session.

“You all have shown that you care about Bell County by being here,” stated County Judge Executive Albey Brock. “We are all actively aware of our problems and we all want to work to get better.”

The unlikely crew needed little motivation, and the enthusiasm endured throughout the day.

The crowd was divided into “thinking teams” that then conveyed ideas and concerns back to the whole group. In small sessions of ten to twenty people, brainstorming led to common discussions: Economy, industry, tourism, education, and drug abuse were hot topics. The group reviewed untapped local potential and resources.

Attendants pointed out that the region is uniquely positioned in the center of Appalachia and the feeling that the natural beauty of the region should be capitalized on resonated throughout the discussions. Also noted as significant county assets: The county’s two golf courses, post-secondary education facilities, industrial parks and the historical significance of the region.

The following concerns for the county’s future consistently arose in group discussions: The widespread drug-abuse problem, education attainment levels, resistance to change, a lack of enthusiasm and community involvement, and the struggling economy and job market.

Perhaps Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College’s Ron Mason said it best, “We have to change in order to get where we want to be.”

It was emphasized that, unfortunately, many residents recognize Middlesboro, Pineville and Bell County as separated entities — not as a whole. These invisible barriers present hurdles for county residents, visitors and most importantly, for elected officials. The ultimate purpose of this meeting was to make an effort to bring those walls down. The crowd cumulatively agreed that unity would be key in accomplishing a prosperous Bell County future.

“This is an amazing effort in terms of consistency and honesty,” said Garkovich.

Facilitators requested that the summit’s attendants group themselves together one last time before the conclusion of Thursday’s meeting and voice one small goal or common action plan that could be accomplished within the next two to three months. The outcome was unanimous.

The goal is to eventually establish a county “brand”, but only after a joint meeting between the governing bodies throughout the county. A county “brand” will allow for easier promotion of the area in tourism and in attracting industry. (For example, Las Vegas’ “brand” is gambling, Gatlinburg’s “brand” is cabin rentals and getaway weddings.)

Garkovich said she was very proud to have facilitated a meeting for such an energetic crowd of people and said that she saw great possibilities for Bell County. She will return in 2009 with a strategic plan that will contain goals, strategies, a resource list, tactics, individuals who should be responsible and time schedules.

“No matter what I do, this will depend on you to say ‘we’re going to move forward,’” Garkovich concluded.

Staff Writer Sarah Miracle (smiracle@middlesborodailynews.com) and Managing Editor Brandy Calvert (editor@middlesborodailynews.com) compiled this report.

Photo: During the first ever event of its kind, the Bell County Summit on the Future, held Thursday at Pine Mountain State Resort Park, over 100 concerned Bell County citizens shared their thoughts, concerns, ideas and visions regarding the future of our county. Pictured at the summit are (from left, clockwise) Food City Manager Richard Smith, Bell County Chamber of Commerce Administrative Assistant Candice Jones, Bell County Chamber of Commerce Director Nioma Lawson, Bell County Circuit Court Clerk Colby Slusher, Middlesboro City Councilman Rob Lincks and Bell County Judge Executive Albey Brock.

(SARAH MIRACLE/ Middlesboro Daily News)