Columbus County
State ESP County Performance Award

We view the Columbus County program as just that, a county program. Working together as a team is very much valued. We realize that each staff member has subject matter expertise to contribute to county program efforts. The real strength of the county program is combining the skills and expertise of the individuals of the staff to make the total program stronger. Staff members give full support to program efforts such as: the Annual Livestock Show and Sale, Festivals (Yam, Strawberry, Cucumber, etc.); commodity meetings; tours; demonstrations; community farmers market planning committee, 4-H Summer Fun; County Fair; Beekeepers Association; Child Care Providers Training; JobReady; Pesticide Education; field days, etc. Several teams members are/were involved in all of the above - from planning to implementation.

One example of team effort is the staff's commitment to effectively marketing Extension. At a staff retreat, staff members worked to identify areas in which the staff could improve its marketing strategies. The staff formed subcommittees and volunteered to serve on them. Committees include: Marketing Supplies; Website; TV-Cable; Staff Tours; Fairs, Festivals, Tours and Exhibits; Print Media; Awards; County Outreach; Stakeholders and Commissioners. Subcommittees meet and bring their ideas back to the group for revisions and implementation. Effectively marketing Extension is our team priority.

As extension programming is implemented we share with clientele information about all components of the Extension program. Staff members also attend various functions where another team member provides leadership. We provide support by whatever means we can to enhance program efforts - it may be helping to deliver equipment or meals, presenting, introducing, or just being there for support.

The County Director gives leadership to the total program. However, each staff member (professional, paraprofessional, support staff) gives leadership to staff conferences on a rotational basis. At least one staff member attends each County Commissioners' meeting, on a rotational basis.

II.Resource Utilization: State evidence how your staff uses the resources of the University for training and program support. Identify ways the staff uses community resources to the extent needed to do an outstanding job.

Extension specialists are involved in planning and providing resources at various Extension functions. These include: Parent Education Training; Child Care Provider Training; Nutrition Education Classes; Landscape Seminars; Commodity Meetings, Volunteer Training and Field Days. Agents from other counties are also involved in programming efforts/delivery in several program areas. The staff collaborates with other agencies and groups in the county relative to program implementation. NCSU Director of County Operations, NCA&T Extension Director and NCSU specialist assisted the Columbus County staff in helping a group of 10 Moldavian International exchange participants understand how NCCES operates. This is a collaborative effort with NCCES, Southeastern Community College and Columbus County staff. Other partners and collaborators are: Department of Social Services; Health Department; Forestry Services; Farm Service Agency; Natural Resource and Conservation Service; County Commissioners; Department of Aging; Four County Community Services; Columbus County Partnership for Children; Family CHAMPIONS; Columbus County YMCA; NCDA; Litter Patrol; Local Emergency Planning Council and Columbus County Volunteer Center.

Approximately $160, 000.00 in grants, contributions and donations have been secured by staff members to support Extension Program efforts. In addition, community facilities and equipment have been utilized at no cost to Extension.

III.Program Impact: List evidence that your programs are resulting in significant changes in the lives and actions of your clientele.

The Bogue Community Citizens Association, a local nonprofit working to provide opportunities in Economic Development, Youth Development, Community Enhancement and Senior Citizen Care, have partnered with Extension to promote self-determination within the community. Community leaders, working with staff have secured over $20,000.00 in grants to improve the community. Fifteen community members attended a two-day workshop, conducted by staff, on Leadership Development and have made a commitment to participate in train-the-trainer program. In addition, several have volunteered their services, skills and talents to other programs.

Partnering and networking took place among the CES, SCC Small Business Center, N C Food Policy Council and NCDA. Teamwork concentrated on a daylong Alternative Crops School to address the need for transitioning tobacco producers to alternative crop enterprises such as raspberries and greenhouse vegetables. As a result of attending the school 6 growers are planning to implement new crops. Based on the results from the survey and evaluation, a second Collaborative School will be conducted.

Obesity is a major risk factor for several chronic diseases. To help address this problem, Cooperative Extension and a local church partnered to offer the "Fit for Life" Program. Nutrition education and weight loss information was covered during the 12 weekly sessions. The eighteen participants had loss an average of 11 1/2lbs. One walked 107 miles and several lowered their blood pressure and cholesterol levels. A participant said, "His physician reduced his diabetic and blood pressure medications."