Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
The New Rockford Area Betterment Corporation (NRABC) has been busy in the past year. Executive Director Amanda Hegland has worked to find a balance between focusing on present issues and keeping an eye to the future since coming into the position in early 2018. This past fall NRABC partnered with independent communications contractor Sarah Smith Warren to lead the organization through a strategic planning process to define priorities. To get at the heart of the New Rockford area needs and the NRABC’s ability to facilitate those needs, Smith Warren implemented a research methodology known as appreciative inquiry.
Appreciative inquiry is a collaborative problem-solving based method that encourages participants to imagine what could be in the future, rather than what is wrong now. Smith Warren and Hegland worked together to facilitate a series of discussions among NRABC board members, area business owners and interested public. Between the two public community discussion sessions nearly 50 individuals participated— all diverse in age, gender and professional background. In the first session, participants gathered at the Sarah Smith Warren Photography Studio to discuss what it means to work, live and play in the New Rockford area. For the second session, another set of participants convened at the Eagles Club to consider their vision for this area in the next 20 years.
In addition, a survey was made available to area community members, both online and in print, which 202 individuals completed. The survey provided feedback regarding the potential for amenities, businesses and recreation opportunities that were identified in the community sessions.
With this compilation of information, the board then identified priority areas that most aligned with the mission and vision of NRABC to focus on for the next five years. The areas of focus are provided in detail below.
Community Development
In the strategic planning process, participants said they would like to see the community take pride in how it looks and presents itself. To that end, the NRABC will work to encourage the beautification and revitalization of the Hwy. 281 corridor and downtown area to create an overall welcoming look and feel. One survey participant noted that they would love to see welcome signage or banners on the highway and downtown clearly identifying key amenities so people will stop rather than drive through.
Participants also expressed concern about the condition of homes, commercial properties and sidewalks. Among survey participants, 74 percent expressed concern regarding the image and cleanliness of homes and properties and 71 percent were concerned about the image and function of the sidewalks. One survey participant pointed out that the sidewalks are very rough, and few are handicapped accessible, and cited concerns for residents.
Tourism and Recreation
Participants consistently conveyed a vision year-round tourism and outdoor recreation, especially with the accessibility to the river, park and reservoirs.
Indoor recreation and events were identified as essential in keeping youth and families engaged throughout the year. Participants also identified a variety of recreation interests— including some already existing, such as movies, live theatre and bowling. Other potential options for recreation included a youth center, regular art classes and outdoor recreation such as canoeing, kayaking and paddle board.
Business Development
Around the idea of new businesses and amenities comes the issues surrounding labor and job availability. In the final strategic planning report for NRABC, Smith Warren identified two different narratives surrounding labor. One is the shortage of reliable workers. The other is that the community lacks high-paying benefited jobs. This leads to two questions for NRABC to tackle in the coming years, “How can we attract and bring in more skilled and professional labor positions?” and “How can we inspire local investing and new entrepreneurs and support them? What incentives can we create and offer?”
Diversified Funding
NRABC is funded through a portion of city sales tax, a somewhat unreliable funding source. In order to ensure a steady focus on the vision, the NRABC needs to identify new funding sources. Revenue diversity and sustainability, citizen engagement and partnership, and leadership development are all options toward coordinated efforts.
Redefinition in motion
Undergoing this strategic planning process offers NRABC direction for the next five years. However, they are cognizant of the fact that things are bound to change over the next five years. “It’s about balancing both the present and the future with the big picture.” Hegland says.
Hegland invites citizens to connect with the NRABC. “This office is a resource for ideas regarding community needs and preliminary business plans. We can connect potential business owners with the Small Business Administration and help them prepare for that process,” Hegland said. In addition, NRABC provides information on housing and business incentives and is available to assist organizations searching for grant opportunities.
