WHITLEY CITY —
In her three weeks on the job, new McCreary County Economic Development Director has jumped headlong into marketing this community.
All while setting up her office within the visitors center on Geary Avenue, Stephens’ first few days were spent introducing herself to officials and entrepreneurs throughout the county. But she’s not exactly a stranger.
The daughter of Brent and Mary Ruth Stephens, Susan Stephens is a fifth-generation McCreary native. After graduating from McCreary Central in 1985, Stephens attended Eastern Kentucky University where she studied business administration. Upon earning her degree, she joined the Wal-Mart corporation — managing 10 different stores in seven years.
“Once I was away, I realized I was a small town girl,” Stephens said.
However, when she sought to relocate back to the area in 1996, Stephens found few jobs available in her field. She got as close to home as she could, first serving as Human Resources Manager for Williamsburg Plastics before joining Firestone and ultimately the University of the Cumberlands, where she earned her MBA.
From promoting UC’s Business Online Programs, the leap into public service promoting McCreary County seemed a natural progression. Stephens said she has a wide network of contacts in the retail and manufacturing arena which she plans to tap but she is also quickly becoming familiar with the tourism industry, which county officials believe is our best bet for economic prosperity.
As part of delegations to Livingston, KY, and Damascus, VA, Stephens is involved with the effort to certify Stearns as a Trail Town. The new Kentucky program will assist communities in developing trail access and attracting visitors. With Stearns’ proximity to the Sheltowee Trace and Big South Fork, Stephens is excited about the opportunity.
“Economic development and tourism go hand in hand,” she said. “It will be a collaborative effort to meet the county’s goals.”
With the recent departure of Tourism Director Ginger McCartt, Stephens is assisting tourism commission chair Michelle King and deputy judge-executive Andrew Powell on grant projects in addition to the Trail Town initiative (which also involves the McCreary County Heritage Foundation).
Stephens will also be working closely with the McCreary County Economic and Community Development Advisory Council, which met Friday for the first time since she had been hired. In addition to advising the council on her recent activities, Stephens recommended several ideas to strengthen the small business revolving loan program.
Though very busy very early, Stephens is happy to be in her new position.
“My main motivation is a love for McCreary County,” Stephens said. “I would love to see the county grow and prosper. I think it’s a little piece of heaven.”
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