Posted: Dec 11, 2007  11:03

A large-scale project launched nearly a year ago aimed at turning Boundary County into a thriving rural community fostering new economic opportunities is suddenly gaining momentum.

Still in its infancy, the Horizons Project has mushroomed into a community-driven undertaking determined to reduce the grip of poverty in Idaho's northernmost county by building on existing economic strengths while collaborating with local organizations towards creating a more sustainable future.

Bolstered by a vision more than 65 Horizon volunteers believe can turn Boundary County into a model community, the ambitious project is already on a fast track towards creating a bankable future for its youth and prospective businesses.

"We're trying to put all the community's pieces together and move forward cohesively by building a foundation we can work off of," said Sarah Howe, Horizon's community coach. "Already we're seeing bridges being built that will hopefully expand and sustain this project. This community has a lot going for it, and we're anxious to put the pedal to metal."

Shored up by three action teams focused on creating a climate of community pride, the project is also determined to provide an economically feasible environment by creating 55 new full-time jobs per year.

"This isn't about getting instant gratification overnight," said Sandy Ashworth, who co-chairs one of Horizon's action teams. "It's for the long haul of the community's future, however long it takes."

While one action team is gearing up to promote greater collaboration among volunteer organizations and develop a broader range of community center-based activities, another is spearheading ways to stimulate more economic development in Bonners Ferry.

"Together we believe we can make this community a better place," said Rex Hoisington, who co-chairs the Building Community Strengths teams. "We want to make the CommUNITY Breakfast into a festival to showcase the community's resources."

Additionally, the team has helped start a youth advisory committee for Horizons it hopes will generate a wealth of new ideas and bring a younger generation into the mix. It is also looking into creating a multi-purpose community center.

"It's extremely exciting watching this all evolve, especially the participation of youth involvement in Horizons," said Howe. "We're moving forward."

So is Horizon's Communications & Connections team, which is zeroing in on ways to utilize media and technology to inform people what resources, events and services are available. It also wants to create a community-based organization and business directory.

"We want to increase the capacity of connecting people and opportunities," said team co-chair Erika Thiel. "We want to provide opportunities for individuals that were not available before."

The team has already created a Bonners Ferry Horizons google/group page Click Here.

Backed by two subcommittees targeting education and business development, Horizon's Invest in the Future action team is taking on a journeyman's load: Identifying ways to attract more business to the area and fostering a more positive attitude towards education.

"Positive change can happen if there is the commitment and the investment to make things better," said Ashworth. "We have the vision, now we need the collective will to make it happen through our partnerships and collaborations. If our action teams don't make that happen, then shame on us."

For more information on the Horizons Project, contact Sarah Howe at 267-3235.