BEDFORD — Dan Bortner of the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council presented an updated Quality of Place and Workforce Attraction Plan to the Lawrence County Commissioners on Tuesday morning, outlining a strategic roadmap designed to strengthen regional talent recruitment and elevate local community life.
Developed with grant support from Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI), the comprehensive plan details actionable projects and initiatives aimed at building local capacity, fostering business growth, and enhancing overall resident quality of life.
The updated strategy builds on a foundation first established six years ago. According to Bortner, an initial plan was developed in 2019 with input from more than 250 local stakeholders and officially put into place in 2020—just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted long-term planning across the region. In early 2025, new ROI grant funding enabled the Growth Council, in partnership with the Lawrence County Community Foundation, to re-engage the community and modernize the strategy for the next generation.
Addressing the commissioners directly, Bortner acknowledged the economic headwinds facing local government leaders as they navigate upcoming fiscal decisions.
“Things are tough,” Bortner said. “This is a tool for you to use and look at while working on the budget. It’s tough for everyone, but this plan eliminates some of the guesswork. You have a tough job ahead of you and will have to make some tough decisions. We are here to help in any way we can.”
The roadmap is designed to serve as a practical decision-making guide for county leadership, helping prioritize strategic investments that drive sustainable economic momentum and workforce growth across Lawrence County.
