Let your voice be heard at annual county-wide conference this week

The tables have been laid out, the packets have been compiled and the rooms have been set. The third annual “State of the Community” County-wide Conference is finally here.

After months of planning by the Richland County Planner Office, Richland County Health Department and the City/County Planning Board, the day has come for the community to gather to discuss the current state of the county and what our future goals should be. It is up to you to have your voice heard and make a difference in your community.

This year’s conference will address many different topics spread out over two days.

Thursday afternoon sessions include Youth Opportunities, which will address the creation of educational programs and risk factors relating to drop out rates; Transportation and Public Facilities, which will discuss safety on major routes and potential by-pass route; Educational and Cultural development, which will explore post-secondary education opportunities and the creation of a life-long learning center; and Natural Resources, which will evaluate water quality and management of natural resources.

Friday morning sessions will cover: Housing Opportunities and Development, which will address new development and improving the appearance of the county as a whole; Physical Health Resources, which will focus on supporting existing activities and generating new ones to get everyone in Richland County physically active; Public Safety Opportunities, which will look at reducing drug use and the impact of alcohol on our community; and Economy and Agricultural Resources, which will explore the expansion of high value crops and building county capacity.

To be successful, each session needs input from the community, those who are involved and those who are affected by changes made. To become part of this important process, please be sure to attend this year’s third annual “State of the Community” County-wide Conference Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

This event will be held at the St. Matthew’s Parish Center (please use the east door of the building), and for more information or to register, please contact Marcy Hamburg at the Richland County Planner Office at 433-6886, or e-mail her at mhamburg@richland.org. Online registration and information booth forms are available on the planning Web site at http://www.richland.org/planning.