STRATEGIC MARKETING PLAN UPDATES
Wednesday, January 25th, 2006
COMMITTEE FORMATION UNDERWAY IN ROCKWOOD FOR STRATEGIC MARKETING PLAN INITIATIVE
ROCKWOOD - The grass roots effort to further develop and market Rockwood spearheaded by City Industrial Board and Planning Commission members has entered a new phase. Three main committees have been formed with objectives identified during previous phases of the strategic planning process.
At a special meeting held on October 24th, 2005, Rockwood citizens brainstormed ideas for Rockwood's future. This brainstorming session provided input subsequently categorized into three main topic areas involving Rockwood's quality of life, Rockwood's identity or theme, and how to best prepare Rockwood for visitors as a destination. Specific ideas under these three categories were then prioritized by urgency of need and feasibility by Industrial Board and Planning Commission members during November 2005.
"Our committees will not be addressing every issue identified at the brainstorming session," explained Vicki Watts, Rockwood Industrial Board. "The committee work will include research on specific programs or projects so we can make recommendations to the City Council. These recommendations will include cost projections as well as potential sources for funding. Some of our projects could be realized within the year, while others may be scheduled for implementation over a several year period."
The committee for enhancing the Quality of Life in Rockwood will address family recreation and parks, illegal drug usage, and educational needs. The Destination Rockwood committee has been tasked with changing the aesthetics of Rockwood and developing tourism opportunities, while the Theme Rockwood committee will concentrate on brand development and recommending changes for local policies that may advance Rockwood.
Rockwood committees will be aided by a "best practices" presentation from Melinda Keifer, Director, Community Economic Development and Tennessee Main Street Program - Tennessee Dept. of Economic & Community Development and Regional Economic Development Specialist Rebecca Smith, Cookville, TN. The date for this presentation will be announced as final arrangements are confirmed.
Volunteers and interested persons wishing to contribute to the Quality of Life Committee efforts should contact Wayne Duggin at 865-354-6011 or email at rockwood@icx.net. Destination Rockwood committee volunteers should contact Stan Wassom, 865-354-2877, email: jsw@ornl.gov, and Theme Rockwood committee volunteers can call Vickie Watts, 865-354-9380, email: jorvwatts@earthlink.net.
Watts advised volunteers should not wait to be contacted for work on the committees. "People should look at the committees and find areas they are interested in, then call the contact person to volunteer. We've already had some initial ideas we are following up in the Theme Rockwood committee. I'm very hopeful about what we may be able to accomplish, and invite people to join us in making Rockwood a place we can effectively market."
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Prepared by Beverly Stroh