The McCreary County Record

Homepage

Related Photos

  • Susan Stephens Janie Slaven

    Susan Stephens
September 12, 2012

A Little Piece of Heaven

New economic director dedicated to county growth

By JANIE SLAVEN News Editor

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.”

Text Only
Homepage
Madie Parriman

McCreary County Sheriff Gus Skinner (center) and Deputy Tom Smith escort Madie Parriman to a cruiser following her arrest on a federal indictment yesterday.

Local News
  • Feds target local woman

    WHITLEY CITY  — A Pine Knot woman was arrested yesterday on a federal warrant related to drug trafficking.
        Madie S. Parriman, 57, has been indicted by U.S. District Court grand jury for conspiring to

    May 21, 2013 1 Photo

  • Bond set in school threat case

     WHITLEY CITY  — James Paulson, the computer technician accused of making threats while on the job at Pine Knot Primary, was arraigned Thursday in McCreary District Court.
        The 50-year-old Stearns man was arrested May 7 after a brief investigation into statements

    May 21, 2013 1 Photo

  • Low turnout again for second town hall meeting

    WHITLEY CITY — Attendance wasn’t any better for the District 2 Town Hall meeting held Saturday afternoon but the conversation was much livelier.
        As with last month’s meeting at the Stearns Depot, fewer than 20 citizens came to this event —

    May 21, 2013 1 Photo

  • County budget passes 1st reading

    WHITLEY CITY  — Topping the agenda for the May meeting of McCreary County Fiscal Court last Tuesday was the first reading of the 2013-14 county budget.
        At $7.65 million, this budget is down more than $650,000 from last year’s $8.3 million budget.

    May 21, 2013

  • KY 92 dedicated as Veterans Memorial Highway

     WHITLEY CITY — Several state and local officials were on hand at the McCreary County Senior Citizens Center yesterday for a ceremony dedicating East KY 92 from the Whitley County line to US 27 as “McCreary County Veterans Memorial Highway.”

    May 21, 2013 1 Photo

Local Sports
Obituaries
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
AP Video
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God' Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
Facebook
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide