Tourism destination? Here?

Over the past several years, the endeavors of citizens from all corners of the county have initiated a renewed focus on Greene County's ability to attract potential tourists. While you might think that there's nothing to see or do here, just ask some of the participants of the Greene County Tourism Workshop who have repeatedly learned of places, events, and interesting tidbits about Greene County that they never realized existed.

Whether it is Clifty Chapel, Sunset Recreation Area, Rosie's Diner, or even the more well known Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area (FWA); there is something for everyone to see or do just a short drive away from your home right here in Greene County.

We may not have the frills and thrills of Gatlinburg, Orlando, or Vegas; but that's probably not what we want anyway. The tourist that will be drawn to Greene County will most likely not be looking for that kind of pomp and circumstance, but more of a bucolic and serene atmosphere with a rich history and pristine undeveloped land. It's often difficult for us to think that someone would want to visit here, but if you ask someone that has decided to move here from another area of Indiana or even another state, they will tell you why.

The bigger questions that we have been asking ourselves: "So let's say they do want to come to visit; how do they know we are here? And once they get here, how will they know where to go?" These questions seem quite simple, but really there is much more to consider than one might think. Over the past six months, three groups have been thinking, discussing, and brainstorming to provide answers to these questions.

Working closely with the Greene County Economic Development Corporation (GCEDC) and spring-boarding from the previous efforts of the Greene County Citizen's Academy, the Greene County Comprehensive Plan Steering Committees, the Greene County HomeTown Competitiveness Program (HTC), and a few active Chambers of Commerce; interested persons from across the county have identified three focus areas and thus three corresponding workgroups: 1) Destinations, 2) Marketing, and 3) Product Development.

All participants have been meeting monthly alternating the location and criss-crossing the county, to report on the efforts and challenges each group faces each month. When we first refocused our efforts back in April of this year, those in attendance were charged with developing three quick-and-easy goals for their group each month. One goal might be simply making a phone call to gather some information or maybe even sitting down and making a list. While these activities might seem like a limited plan of action, one needs to remember that everyone is a volunteer, no one is paid, no one is getting any credit, and everyone has a busy life with a hundred other things that they need to do. We may be taking "baby steps," but we are at least moving in the right direction or some might even say, "At least we are moving."

Regardless of the effort or the outcome, the conversation has begun and you, "yes you," are invited to join us.

We have been meeting the first Thursday of each month, with our next meeting on Thursday, Oct. 1 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. (not a minute less or more) at the Carnegie Heritage & Arts Center in Linton at the old library building on the corner of NE 1 Vincennes Sts.

Look for future updates on our efforts and watch for my new blog at www.gcdailyworld.com/blogs/.

David is a former Greene County resident, graduate of Linton-Stockton High School and a Community Planner. He can be reached by e-mail at dabenefiel@juno.com or by telephone at (765) 749-0321.