Recommendation 1

7.2 RECOMMENDATION 1

FORMALIZE A STEERING COMMITTEE TO GUIDE THE HERITAGE TRAIL AS IT ENTERS THE NEXT PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT

Description The Steering Committee formed for this project was comprised of one designated individual from each of the canal partner communities. Continuing this format is an excellent vehicle for ongoing communication among the partners; as a brainstorming group to look at opportunities for future collaboration and funding; managing the Southern Descent brand.

Implementation Items Branding: The branding of the heritage trail is what connects all of the communities and is the public-facing identity that will guide people through the trail experience. Guidelines for use of the branding are included in this report, but it will be important to guide and manage the brand as new opportunities appear. One example could be developing criteria, an application and orientation process for inclusion of non-profit organizations, private businesses, and local events that want to be branded as part of the heritage trail experience. These organizations and businesses can become ambassadors to promote the trail and also to provide a high-quality and unique trail experience. In return, they are able to display the brand in their business, on their websites and in advertising.

Communication: Communication is the key to keeping up momentum among partners within individual communities and among the multiple communities along the trail. This can be accomplished through periodic meetings, sharing of updates, bringing opportunities to the entire group for discussion, or sharing ideas about future funding sources and projects.

Future Funding: There are a number of areas where joint funding can magnify the impact of a project. As demonstrated by the funding from the Ohio Humanities and the Canal Society of Ohio in this project, multi-jurisdictional cooperation can present a compelling case to potential funders. Possible areas of future funding could include: Ҍ Educational programs or materials, such as a school curriculum Ҍ Joint events planning/promotion Ҍ Trail connections between communities Ҍ Regional heritage tourism economic development activities, such as workshops or mini-grants Ҍ Public art projects, such as murals, sculpture, interactive features Ҍ Designation of an Ohio Scenic Byway driving route along the trail