Imagine Chase County is a citizen based initiative to bring together leaders from four sides of our public square (government, education, health and human services, and business).  This group has sought to identify community assets and build consensus and action toward community needs.

In this effort the group hired Terry Woodbury and Kansas Communities.  Funds were raised from small and large donations made from businesses, organizations and families across Chase County.  Woodbury facilitated interviews, a county wide survey and several community forums. (the survey results will be posted as soon). A "vision retreat" was held with more than 50 leaders from every side of the public square.

From this group came 5 proposed Action Teams:

• Comprehensive Community Center/Services: charged with assessing needs and prospects of developing a community center.
• Children & Youth Mentoring: charged with increasing participation in activities for youth and educational programs with adults.
• Public Image & Services:  charged with the creation of a Visitor Center
• Local Asset Development: first project was developing a visitor's guide
• Intergenerational Service & Volunteers: charged with developing an inter-generational volunteer program
• New Economic Development: goal to increase taxable base by 12%; bring new employers who will hire 15 -20 people; increase economic base 10%

Well that was over 2 years ago and some of the groups continue while others have faded away.

Today Imagine Chase County has focused it's efforts in three main areas:

• Economic Development: worked to qualify Chase County as an E-Community
• Youth and Children: working to provide comprehensive care for children of all ages throughout Chase County
• Public Image - worked with local businesses to create billboard on US Hwy 50 and created this website.

The group welcomes your involvement and encourages you to become engaged.  Join the online community or register on the front page of the site.  You will receive updates and information about all of the great projects going on around the county.

Imagine Chase County works in partnership with Public Square Communities LLC and Kansas Department of Commerce.