Kickstart Sheridan is on the Move

With the theme “This is Our Time,” Kickstart Sheridan is completing its strategic blueprint and action plan, and moving toward a launch event on May 7.  

A collaboration between University of Central Arkansas' Center for Community and Economic Development and the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service's Breakthrough Solutions Program, Kickstart Sheridan was formed after a team of Community Development Institute graduates interacted with Sheridan, Grant County, and the Sheridan School District representatives last summer. 

Following a community survey that surfaced high priorities within the community, action teams formed by Kickstart Sheridan include:

• Downtown Development
• Recreation and Things to do
• Education and Economic Development
• Small Business Development and Entrepreneurship
• Infrastructure

At a public meeting Feb. 19, Adam Starks from First State Bank in Lonoke shared insights from Kickstart Lonoke, last year’s CDI/Breakthrough Solutions community. Starks described how they rebranded Kickstart Lonoke to be Lonoke 2022 as they moved into the implementation phase of their strategic planning process.

Kick Start Sheridan Co-Chairs Brad McGinley and Carrie Smith, and Communications Chairperson Lauren Goins, along with the UCA team led by Amy Whitehead, have been doing a terrific job of engaging the community and developing goals and strategies.  

We are excited about the excellent work taking place in Sheridan /Grant County/Yellow Jacket Nation, and look forward to hearing progress reports moving forward.