"I am certain that some of the best ideas have started as chicken scratch on the back of a napkin between the appetizer and main course. Traveling the state for the Kentucky Chamber, I have a collection of such napkins with great ideas that could truly change the face of our commonwealth. Unfortunately, I also have a full library of concerns about issues facing Kentucky.
Kentuckians often get so focused on the challenges facing our state that we have little time to think about what could be possible if the right kind of energy was put to work on behalf of a great idea. And, for every great idea put forth, there are ten that don't pass muster. Regardless of which category they fit, I believe that capturing them is essential to the dialogue for progress.
Looking at things in a different way, thinking creatively about our challenges and opportunities and creating an energetic new agenda to move the state forward is the focus of an innovative Kentucky Chamber project that got underway in mid-April. The New Agenda for Kentucky will develop an action plan of ideas and innovations that represents the best thinking of Kentucky's business and civic leaders, young entrepreneurs and other citizens reflecting the state's geographic and demographic diversity.
Our goal is to be able to present the next governor of Kentucky with three to five initiatives that represent a consensus of what Kentuckians think are most critical to moving our state forward.
Everyone is welcome to participate by visiting newagendaky.com, where an idea exchange invites users to submit new ideas and react to others through a five-star rating system. If you need help expanding your thoughts, an information toolbox highlights studies, reports and other resources that present new ideas, while links direct you to data sources and other relevant resources. Visitors to the Web site also will have access to a number of reports that have been developed in the past by various Kentucky groups or organizations whose recommendations could still have relevance today. These range from "Kentucky: Designs for Her Future," issued in 1945 by the University of Kentucky, to the 1984 report of the Kentucky Tomorrow Commission to "Visioning Kentucky's Future," issued periodically by the Kentucky Long-Term Policy Research Center.
With the Web site up and running now for just over a month, we've had more than 100,000 visits so far and have collected nearly 100 ideas ranging from the environmentally conscious: "Invest in clean fuel technology research;" to friendly and welcoming: "Kentucky needs a top-quality destination resort;" to some that spark controversy and speak directly: "Fire all the educators and start over." While not all ideas may be popular, we are sure to give everyone an opportunity to voice their thoughts. Content is only reviewed to ensure language is appropriate for most audiences.
We ask that each idea submitted follow three simple guidelines:
Be relevant to Kentuckians. Every idea should speak to the concerns of Kentuckians and be relevant to their lives.
Focus on the future. Each idea should be about the future and aimed at making Kentucky a better place to live and work.
Think beyond the government. Although government's role in communities and the economy is vital, ideas should focus not only on government action but also should consider the role of private enterprise and individuals in making Kentucky the best it can be.
To determine a fair evaluation of the ideas for final inclusion in the New Agenda, a task force of established business executives and young entrepreneurs from throughout Kentucky is providing the oversight and guidance needed to ensure the innovation of the project. Craig Grant, regional president for PNC Bank, chairs the task force. In Lexington, task force members include Kris Kimel, president, Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation; Anne McBrayer, president, Kentucky Eagle Beer; and entrepreneur/author/consultant Phil Wilkins.
We are currently traveling the state to kickoff the project in various communities including Lexington, Louisville, northern Kentucky, Ashland, Morehead, Somerset, Bowling Green, Owensboro and Paducah. By mid-July, we hope to have generated enough ideas that the task force can use a criteria-based selection process to identify a certain number of the most compelling suggestions to present to the next administration.
Please take the opportunity to attend one of the events or contribute your great ideas at newagendyky.com. I have a few napkins I need to translate into great ideas myself.
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