In March of 2003, the Girard Area Chamber of Commerce initiated a series of discussions called “Town Talk” to focus attention on revitalizing the community. Participants at these meetings represented all sectors of the community and included the hospital, the local community action program, the library, education, retail and banking industry, local utility cooperatives and retired citizens. Ultimately, the group determined that in order to move the community forward, it must be done through increasing citizen engagement and development and implementation of a community plan.

      The group engaged the services of Mr. Terry Woodbury of Public Square Communities, His services were secured through funds donated by local banks, the City of Girard, Hospital District #1 of Crawford County and the local school district.  Mr. Woodbury began interviewing Girard residents and a steering committee was formed. A Commnuity survey was distributed to the residents of Girard, and leadership of the government, education, healthcare and busienss and industry sectors. In August of 2005 a community conversation was held with over 200 citizens in attendance. From that conversation, approximately 150 community improvement ideas were generated. During that meeting, forty community members were nominated to attend a Vision Retreat and an additional 45 volunteered for action teams.  The retreat was held in September of 2005 where leaders nominated from the business, government, health and human services and education sectors, representing the "public square", met for an entire day to shape our vision and identify action team members to complete designated goals. 

GIRARD VISION STATEMENT

Building a high-performing diversified community energized by

progressive education, trusted health care, responsive

government and innovative business

OUR MISSION

Goal 1: Create a centralized communication and information system among the Public Square and the citizens.

Goal 2:  Develop a community center serving all ages and sectors.

• Engaged 10 additional community members in the planning phase. Developed a community survey regarding the programmatic aspects of the center to be distributed to all households in the 66743 area code. Distributed a survey to middle school and high school students and their families and analyzed results.
• Developed recommendations per work group charters. Raised funds that enabled the group to distribute the community survey and analyze results.
• Action items this year include developing architectural plans for the building, selecting a site, beginning fund-raising activities for the center.

Goal 3: Form a community based team to plan several annual community events highlighting traditional art, crafts and local talent.

• Planned and implemented an event to host 800 Biking Across Kansas cyclists on June 16, 2006 in tandem with the Girard High School Alumni Celebration.
• Worked in unison with the Girard Area Chamber of Commerce to plan and implement the annual Fall Festival using a citizen driven approach.
• Possible events include an Arts Festival, Starry Nights Outdoor Theatre, School Foundation fund-raising activities, free dance, outdoor alumni celebration on the town square.
• The team is currently negotiating a contract with the Girard Area Chamber of Commerce to operate as a sub-committee of the chamber.

Goal 4: Revitalize the Downtown area.

• Become a Kansas Pride community

      * Organizational structure has been established, operating under a committee.

STEERING COMMITTEE

Kenny Boyd - Co-Convener

Gary Emry - Co-Convener

Wilda Pentola - Co-Convener

Kenny Boyd

Melody Cherry

Gary Emry

Maurice Harley

Marilyn Hey

Janet O'Brien

Wilda Pentola

Stacy Sullivan

Susie Thom

Vesta Wisenhunt

Brad Ulbrich

Administration: Vesta Whisenhunt

If you would like to volunteer to support a visioning team email one of the contacts listed above!

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