2001 Annual Report Executive
Summary
City of Salem Champion Community
Long-range planning efforts are making a real difference in the development of the community in and around Salem, Missouri. The Ten Year Strategic Plan outlined a plan of work to meet high priority issues identified by local citizens. This plan was reviewed and updated in the fall of 2000. Continuing education opportunities, support to elementary and secondary education, a trained, educated and skilled work force, recreational activities for youth and adults, tourism development, and enhancing infrastructure were areas identified needing major improvement. More dollars were needed to address these issues than are available locally. Leaders have sought ways to work together effectively to accomplish as many of the objectives outlined as possible. Leaders in the community have worked cooperatively to address major issues. Salem Area Community Betterment, SACBA serves as a strong umbrella organization for many cooperative program efforts in the community. They have a number of active committees that serves the community well. These different committees align with the Salem Area Strategic Plan. This past year, Community Betterment sponsored a community planning process called a CHARETTE. The planning group made an intensive study of arts, culture and historic preservation. As a result of this program, a local Community Culture Council was formed. The council serves as a coordinating board for all community organizations involved in art, culture and historic programs. SACBA participated in the statewide Community Betterment program receiving the Grand Prize Award in 2001. Continuing education opportunities have been greatly enhanced in the Salem area in the last several months. A new satellite campus for Southwest Baptist University (SBU) was constructed in Salem. Funds to construct this facility were generated by local donations. The Telecommunications Community Resource Center, TCRC had it first full year of operation with courses offered in law enforcement, emergency management, prevention of child abuse and computer technology. This TCRC center is a cooperative effort of local partners of City of Salem, Salem Memorial Hospital, U S Foodservice, Salem R-80 School and the University of Missouri working together to provide face-to-face, interactive video and computer instruction. Major accomplishments were made in tourism development this past year, through the work of a local citizens advisory group, the City of Salem and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. Marketing efforts were enhanced, urban redevelopment efforts to support a modern motel was adopted and a tourism development plan is being created. A community web site committee was developed as a cooperative effort of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Salem and the Salem Telecommunications Community Resource Center. This is a major effort to market the community. The community made major strides in enhancing infrastructure. New streets, sidewalks, curbs and gutters in the area, have provided easier and safer access to goods and services. The city government has adopted a plan to construct an adequate storm water disposal system in Salem and has started construction on a major portion of the plan. Beautification in the area has been enhanced significantly this past year. The best practice that we have learned is to involve stakeholders in the community planning processes. During strategic planning sessions, tourism planning and the planning process (CHARETTE) for cultural development, the involvement of stakeholders were held as a high priority. Communicating effectively with interested citizens about the opportunity to be involved in the planning process is critical to good participation. Small group discussions and nominal group processes have been used as a means to identify areas for needed improvement and establishing high priorities. When the community leaders feel ownership of an issue, they are supportive in finding solutions to the solving them. Resources to complete all of the plans are limited. Leaders are seeking matching grants to help extend limited funds. Twenty-four community leaders attended a special grant-writing seminar this past year. Leaders are searching for resources from corporations, foundation and government entities that would help to meet community needs. Leaders continue to be very involved in community work. The community betterment organization, citizens advisory committee for tourism development and leaders developing the Commons complex are just some of the examples of commitment to community improvement.