Editor’s note: Although the local economy has mirrored the national economy over the past year, the people of the Tri-State have taken a united stand in order to overcome these trying times. This story reflects a bit of that effort. Inside this Middlesboro Daily News, you will find our annual Progress Edition. We feel that in this special section, called “United We Stand”, we’ve looked beyond the failed businesses and the weary economic climate to find the prosperity and progress of 2008, on every level. We hope that this section inspires you to persevere through this recession with optimism, just as we were inspired while speaking to our many hometown heroes.

PINEVILLE — “The future is yours to choose,” opened facilitator and University of Kentucky’s national award winning community development representative Lori Garkovich as the 2008 Bell County Economic Summit on the Future began.

Garkovich has carried the hopes and dreams of several Bell Countians since she spoke at the Summit in mid-December. Garkovich is still busily preparing leaders, business owners, politicians and residents for the future of this county. She has returned three times since her first visit, each time discussing an important issue, including local business development, tourism and downtown revitalization.

“You all will struggle with the lack of a bypass and its impact,” said Garkovich during the downtown revitalization meeting. “But you still hold the keys to change.”

Garkovich is present to motivate the leaders and future leaders of the county, often dividing meeting attendees into “thinking teams”. Garkovich insists that, “in groups, brainstorms surge.” The economy, industry and tourism are always hot topics when Bell Countians gather into these small “thinking teams”.

This concerned group of Bell County leaders and residents doesn’t fail to recognize the county’s unique natural assets. It’s often said that the region is uniquely positioned in the center of Appalachia, that there is a national and a state park already here, and that the area has a lot to offer in terms of tourism. This includes access (just within Bell County) to two golf courses — the Country Club in Middlesboro and Wasiota Winds in Pineville. Area residents have ample access to post-secondary education facilities, and developing industrial parks provide the promise of a better economic climate in the future.

“This is an amazing effort in terms of consistency and honesty,” said Garkovich.

Notable problems discussed during the course of summit meetings are the county’s drug problem, the lack of educational attainment (43 percent of the county’s population is without a high school diploma or GED equivalent) and promotion of enthusiasm amongst Bell County residents. Speakers pointed out that although Bell County is facing a rampant prescription drug abuse problem; although the problem is not unique to just this region. Prescription drug abuse is a problem across the nation, but it is an issue that can be dealt with over time and officials feel we’re heading in a better direction.

“We have to change in order to get where we want to be,” remarked SKCTCS’s Ron Mason.

Regional rivalries present obstacles with residents, visitors and most importantly — elected officials. Unfortunately, most recognize Middlesboro, Pineville and Bell County as separated entities — not as a whole, but this group is actively attempting to bring down those walls. The group’s resonating sentiment is that unity across the region is key to accomplishing something prosperous for the county’s future.

Garkovich said she is always overwhelmed with an energetic crowd of people, like those in Bell County. She is anxious to pursue a positive change for this county.

“No matter what I do, this will depend on you to say we’re going to move forward,” remarked Garkovich.

Sarah Miracle is a staff writer for the Daily News She can be reached via e-mail at smiracle@middlesborodailynews.com.