Worth County Youth Interns Shine

 Worth County Economic Developer's Report
by Tammy Ueligger

Kayla Martell and Jennifer Runde worked in the office of Worth County Economic Developer over the summer, 2012. I would recommend them both for employment elsewhere.
  
While working at the office, I relied on them to answer the telephone and work independently on a multitude of projects. I allowed them to put together creative documents to enhance the projects with which they were involved. Their creativity, resourcefulness and ability to see a project through really made their contributions distinctive and successful! They have made bank deposits, created file folders and worked diligently on the upcoming 2012 Worth County Business Directory, all the while taking pride in their office environment.
  
During this time, they have become more effective communicators, often serving as my liaison to various members of our business community. They were invaluable during the creation of County Market Day! quickly learning the set-up procedure and duties, as well as working collaboratively with the vendors. County Market Day! was 2 - 3 Saturdays per month that they volunteered as part of their Community Service hours. In addition, they volunteered for Community Services on a number of projects, including the Back to School Fair.
  
Kayla’s energy and eagerness to learn new things AND Jennifer’s sense of humor and dedication to staying on task made working with them both a joy! I will miss them greatly.

Yes, my time with three great youth (Kayla Martell, Jennifer Runde & Derek Lykins) is done so that they may go elsewhere to learn new skills and further their knowledge of business practices in other environments. While working for Missouri Steel & Hose, Derek was NEVER late and worked very hard to complete each task that was asked of him. Those are awesome traits for a young man to possess! These young people gained valuable skills during this program that will enable them to be an asset to any business.
 
Unless further funding is found, we will wait until April 2013 to hire another batch of Worth County youth. There is a WIA Youth Workforce fund that will pay the wages (400 hours) of qualifying youth. This program runs from May - October. So, if your business needs help, let me know!
 
FOOTBALL! FOOTBALL! FOOTBALL! We are right in the middle of Football Season, and what an honor is to be part of Worth County Football! Our Football Team has been State Champions six times!! The opposition knows they have their work cut out for them long before they get to the field. Our reputation for hard hitters, quick hands and feet, and teamwork precedes us. The coaching staff, support staff, parents and players all need a high five (or a pat on the behind – depending on your atta boy! or good job! method of operation). The success of this program is evident of their hard work. Currently, Coach Chuck Borey and his support staff: Chris Healy, Larry Kinsella, Josh Smith and with the insight of Andy Ross, are working those players tirelessly to prepare for each game. The accurate info from our Statisticians, Janice Borey and Jeanie Fletcher gives them the ammo to work with. Thanks to all of you for your commitment to these youth! It gives me great pride to feel a part of this. I tout their successes everywhere I go and you can be sure it comes up when coffee is served in Allendale, Grant City and Sheridan. Do we earn this bragging right simply by living in this County? YES!
 
It takes a village (or villages) to raise a child and we can all share in their success. With that, we also must take responsibility for that which may inhibit their success. What can you do to encourage young people to achieve their goals? How can we create an environment that is evident of our desire to have young people be a part of our community? Call me or e-mail me with your ideas. (660) 254-3592 or wced@grantcity.net
 
Get Your Peanuts Here!! As part of an annual fundraiser, the Worth County Progress Organization will be selling peanuts at each home football game. These are roasted, salted and in the shell. You can’t eat just one! The next game against North Nodaway will be Homecoming on September 21st at 7:00 p.m. We will also be selling peanuts at the Lil’ Tigers Games on September 22nd beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Football Stadium.
 
Through past efforts of others, Worth County has benefited from paved streets, high-speed internet, new emergency equipment, an ADA compliant Courthouse, a renovated swimming pool, 911 services, updating and creation of community and county strategic plans, a new Lil’ Tigers athletic shed, and new sidewalk and lighting on our county seat’s Square; not forgetting the Dollar General Store and the new Firehouse. In the last ten years, the quality of life in Worth County has improved by having leaders to facilitate, assist and spearhead these projects.
 
The Worth County Progress Organization was founded in 1999. In addition to their belief in the success of the communities of Worth County, they have been the driving force behind the creation of the position of Economic Developer for Worth County. It is part of the mission of the Worth County Progress Organization to work to insure long term vitality in a community that is attractive, clean, safe and rich in educational and entrepreneurial opportunities. In order to accomplish this, they are committed to being pro-active in the area of economic and community development. Many of you will receive a letter of invitation for your financial support of the Worth County Economic Developer.  Please consider your donation thoughtfully and prayerfully to continue funding this position.
 
In the next few months, you may be well aware of many visitors to our County. You will recognize license plates from all over the United States. These folks have traveled great distances to come to Worth County to help us limit the number of deer on our roadway. At the right time of year, they may also want to gather a turkey or pheasant, as well. These ‘visitors’ are here to reap the benefits of what Mother Nature has provided us in abundance. It is our civic duty to make them feel welcome and encourage them to return. The Economic Development office has created another “Worth County Bounty” basket showcasing the talents of local people. This basket will be left where these visitors stay to improve the sales of our Worth County Artisans. Offered will be honey, jams, jellies, books and soaps, to name a few. Do you have something to add? Are you a business owner who would like to share some sort of advertising? Please call me and I will pick it up to be sure you are included. When you run into a ‘foreigner,’ make it a point to nod, tip your hat, wave or acknowledge them in some way. Some of these persons may even be landowners. Part of the beauty of our County is the people who live here.

 I marvel at the beauty of the County each time I leave Grant City (in any direction!); I am awestruck at each sunrise and sunset I witness! I am enthralled with all the folks I am blessed to meet each day! No wonder those ‘foreigners’ choose this little spot of heaven on earth to visit! Until we meet again.............