Ivan Potter
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By Ivan Potter
The future of West Kentucky will be framed by the extent that broadband communications penetrate the 34 counties west of I-65. Presently, the counties and small towns are held captive by the business models of the 1960s and buildings of the 1930s.
If the businesses and citizens of West Kentucky are ever to fulfill their true destiny as a part of a new and modern Kentucky, then a new 21st Century economic model must be designed and established.
Smokestack jobs and robber baron natural resources exporting will have to give way to a new concept of individual worth. Our jobs of the future will come from information and knowledge workers, not from strong backs or unskilled hands.
Forward in West Kentucky will push for new thinking about how we embrace the future. Our staff and support team will work to design a regional plan for development out to 2018. The plan will be our vision for 2018.
Vision 2018 will explore the ways technology can open the human and physical resources of this region. We will define how the Internet Era will allow small towns and rural regions to be a part of a new global village.
With the expected baby boomer retirement, we must build a new way of cultural heritage in West Kentucky that is “development friendly” for new neighbors who want to see the sun set and enjoy the quality of life that we take for granted.
Vision 2018 will be our gift to the generations of West Kentuckians who will follow in our steps. We do this not only for the present, but for our grandchildren and their children.