There is something happening in Garrard County that isn't going on in a lot of places in this economy; it's growing, thriving and prospering.  Look at some of the statistics:  Garrard County is the eighth fastest growing County in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  It is the third fastest growing County in the Bluegrass Region.  There have been twenty new businesses open in the County in 2009. 

There are dozens of economic development projects underway or planned in the County.  There are revitalization projects and expansion plans.  Garrard County is growing in a shrinking economy.  How is that happening?


Some of the credit goes to Nathan Mick, who is the County's first-ever Economic Development Director.  "In a down economy, it's an opportunity for lower labor costs, lower supply costs, lower real estate costs and we have low tax rates.  That's the time to invest and people are doing that in this county and we're benefiting from those opportunities," Mick said.  

Mick has spearheaded an aggressive economic development and marketing plan that's working.  Examples of growth in the County include the opening of one of the largest Godfather's Pizza's in the country that is a $2 million investment.  A family from Versailles opened Antonio's Pizza and Spaghetti House.  The historic Grand Theatre in downtown Lancaster is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation to become a regional performing arts center.  A new $35 million high school is scheduled to open next Fall.  There is an Ephraim McDowell Urgent Care Treatment Center development.  A $13 million judicial center is being built.  Highway  52 and 27 are being expanded, which already feed 10,000-to-15,000 vehicles a day through Lancaster, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.  The Lancaster Higher Education Center is being expanded.  There is a $5 million development of the Pattie A. Clay Regional Medical Center Primary Care Center.  

Local leaders point to cooperation and communication as keys to the County's growth and success.  "For the first time in many decades, we've seen a unity in the leadership between the city, county and state.  We all get along well and that's how we've been able to get things done," said Garrard County Judge-Executive John Wilson.  Lancaster Mayor Don Rinthen agreed.  "That kind of cooperation and communication isn't something that I see in a lot of small towns I visit.  People don't always talk to each other or get along.  Here, we make sure everyone is on the same page, informed and involved.  We don't always agree, but we work through our disagreements to make this a better community," said Mayor Rinthen.  

Leaders also formed the Garrard County Community Committee.  Each month the committee puts together a report where every event, project and organization is represented and informed with the latest plans, projects and happenings.  The committee meets in person twice a year.  The County has added an Arts Council and Tourism Committee to go along with an active and effective Chamber of Commerce.  More than one city and county leader said everyone having a common goal, working together, looking forward and communicating openly and honestly are all keys to the present and future growth of the city and county.  

For more information about Garrard County, including its economic development opportunities, visit www.garrardcounty.ky.gov.   

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