NEK Collaborative Vision

The Vision

All of the information generated by the small group participants was later recorded and analyzed by the Northeast Kingdom Enterprise Collaborative to find common themes prevalent through all or many of the groups. A summary of the common themes for each issue area is presented below, along with all of the information generated by each small group. The information is organized according to the groups that generated the information. Each underlined subheading represents the beginning of an individual group's work.

It is important to note that all of the information generated at the visioning session is recorded here. In some cases, one vision may actually contradict another. For example, honoring diverse opinions and bringing an end to negativism were both mentioned as value visions. It is not the intent of this report to prioritize one vision over another. Instead, each vision is reported as part of a realm of ideas. Common themes from the visioning session are identified, but it is otherwise up to the user of this information to decide which visions they would like to move toward.

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Vision presented by Theme Area

Economic Development

The workforce skills of the population will be enhanced to meet all workplace needs. Jobs at a livable wage are available for everyone willing to work. There is synergy between large and small industries, with small industries supplying larger ones. Home businesses and entrepreneurship flourishes. Agricultural niche marketing and value-added forest products are important economic sectors. Information technology provides opportunities for marketing and creating other businesses. Young people have employment options to "stay" in the Kingdom. Economic development will not harm the environment.

Discussion Notes

Education

Schools will be an important hub in the community, providing opportunities for life-long learning. Schools will be available to the public year round, all day. All individuals will be able to acquire the skills and knowledge they need. Distance learning and other technologies will broaden educational opportunities. Education will take place in and outside of schools, and people will be empowered to be teachers and learners.

Community

Decisions are made at a local level with a high degree of citizen involvement. Leaders lead by values, and citizens are involved in a number of community activities. Families are supported and quality daycare is available. A high level of communication exists between community members, and between communities and outside government agencies. Communities are linked by goals and mutual assistance.

Environment/Landscape/Recreation

There is significant open space, access to public land, and permission to enter private land. The natural environment will be respected, and sustainable relationships between natural resources and individuals will be the norm. A sound environment will be crucial for recreation and tourism.

Health and Wellness

All people have access to physical and mental health care through local providers. Lack of transportation to health care is no longer a barrier. Prevention and personal wellness are strong areas of focus, including wellbeing of children. Domestic violence and substance abuse are not accepted.

Arts and Culture

Small towns have an excellent variety of arts and cultural opportunities.

Values

Respect for diversity and diverse opinions will be the norm. Strong interpersonal relationships pervade the community. Respect for the individual is not lost. Community responsibility and individual responsibility are important for overall wellbeing.

GROUP 1 Greg MacDonald, Nancy Warren, Charlie Browne, Ann Creaven, Karen Ducharme, Al Stevens, Sara Gregoire, Janet Nunziata, Christopher Kaufman. Deb Brown, Facilitator.	GROUP 8 Jennifer Davis, Rene Rose, Sherry Belknap, Chuck Kezar, Marilyn Pastore, Ben Harris, Paul Bengtson, Terri Hurlbert. Linda Dean, Facilitator.
GROUP 2 Barbara Postman, Lucy Hickey, Joseph Gresser, Carol Moore, Sigurd Andersen, Jack Davis, Larry Donna, Jim Erwin, E. Anne Allen. Sas Cary, Facilitator.	GROUP 9 Cher Smith, Micky Smith, Sharon Fournier, Ernie Merson, Tony Leger, Fred Schmidt, Anne Dennison, Marie Waring, Reynold Choiniere. Peter Perkins, Facilitator.
GROUP 3 Barbara Null, Warren Null, Irene Dela Bruerre, John Warren, Richard Dabriri, Jane Price, Howard Reed, Jim Gallagher. Barbara Christie Garvin, Facilitator.	GROUP 10 Tom Pristow, Mike Wilson, Sandy Raynor, Doug Spates, Margaret Trautz, Eileen Maher. Brian Ward, Facilitator.
GROUP 4 and 6 David Tucker, Mary Lee Blais, Eunice Richards, Kevin Geiger, Mel Richardson, Teresa Oughton, Fred Kenney, Ellie Primeau, Dorothy Weinstein. Forrest Green, Judy Clark, Facilitators.	GROUP 11 Jim Newell, Al Drown, Joel Schwartz, Rosalie Harris, Beverly Priest, Tony Tribul, Dana Leavitt, Thelma White. Cynthia Tokos, Facilitator.
GROUP 5 Rob Ide, Mary Paull, Bill Eddy, Lois Wolfe, Dave Reynolds, Spike Wellman, Mary Ann Riggie, Berbie Henault. Barb Gassner, Facilitator.	GROUP 12 Rod Zwick, Bonnie Nash, Darcie McCann, Harv Gregoire, Jon Margolis, Kate Steward (age 9). Diana Webster, Facilitator.
GROUP 7 Ed Levy, Heidi Barker, Margaret Trautz, Jim Fearon, Thomas Adams, Daniel Leahy, Mary Brenner, Marc Dixon, Brent Beck, Anne Mercer. Jean Hall-Bouffard, Facilitator.	GROUP 13 Dale Meehan, Bill Davies, Gail Fabrizio, Steve Parker, Laura Dolgin, Cathy Swain, Cedric Pierce, James Wood, Irene McDermott, K.C. Whitely, Facilitator.