Four local businesses give to Extension support group

Four local area businesses, Five Points Implement, Merchants National Bank, NCB Bank, and Sherwood Auto & Camper Sales, have donated $10,000 to the fundraising campaign for the Highland County Extension Support Group.  

Highland County Extension Support Group is a non profit organization dedicated to raising funds through donations to keep the Extension Programs alive in Highland County.  These businesses have strong commitment to their community and would like to show support by starting the campaign fundraising.

When asked why these businesses had stepped forward to make this donation, Jeff Parry spoke on behalf of the donors. “Highland County Extension provides programming in 4-H Youth Development, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Community/Economic Development.  

"The Extension Program has been an integral part of Highland County since the early 1900’s with a mission to strengthen our lives and communities through research-based educational programs.  These programs have brought new practices and technologies to our farms, strengthened our families, and developed a lifetime of skills, memories, and friendships through 4-H.  At this time Extension in Highland County needs our help.” 

Like many organizations, Extension is faced with budget cuts that put our county at risk of losing critical Extension programs.  In 2010, County funding for these programs was cut from $200,000 to $50,000.  Reductions in staff and operations have already occurred.

A committee of local citizens, along with our local Extension Advisory and 4-H Committees, have proposed raising $50,000 or more in additional funds.  

These funds would be combined with the $50,000 from the County General Fund to enable the Extension programs most critical to Highland County to continue on a reduced-cost basis.  All of the existing resources of the OSU Extension system, including State and regional specialists, research-based educational materials, and Educators from other counties, would still be available through the Highland County Extension Office.

Donations have already started to come in from local businesses, citizens, 4-H members, and families.  More information and donation forms will be available during the Highland County Fair, or interested persons may contact the Highland County Extension office (393-1918), Jeff Parry, Committee Chair (393-4020), Bart Evans at Merchants Bank (937-393-7993), or Ken Davis (603-3134 or kendavis@bright.net).

Four local area businesses, Five Points Implement, Merchants National Bank, NCB Bank, and Sherwood Auto & Camper Sales, have donated $10,000 to the fundraising campaign for the Highland County Extension Support Group.  

Highland County Extension Support Group is a non profit organization dedicated to raising funds through donations to keep the Extension Programs alive in Highland County.  These businesses have strong commitment to their community and would like to show support by starting the campaign fundraising.

When asked why these businesses had stepped forward to make this donation, Jeff Parry spoke on behalf of the donors. “Highland County Extension provides programming in 4-H Youth Development, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Community/Economic Development.  

"The Extension Program has been an integral part of Highland County since the early 1900’s with a mission to strengthen our lives and communities through research-based educational programs.  These programs have brought new practices and technologies to our farms, strengthened our families, and developed a lifetime of skills, memories, and friendships through 4-H.  At this time Extension in Highland County needs our help.” 

Like many organizations, Extension is faced with budget cuts that put our county at risk of losing critical Extension programs. In 2010, County funding for these programs was cut from $200,000 to $50,000. Reductions in staff and operations have already occurred.

A committee of local citizens, along with our local Extension Advisory and 4-H Committees, have proposed raising $50,000 or more in additional funds.  

These funds would be combined with the $50,000 from the County General Fund to enable the Extension programs most critical to Highland County to continue on a reduced-cost basis. All of the existing resources of the OSU Extension system, including State and regional specialists, research-based educational materials, and Educators from other counties, would still be available through the Highland County Extension Office.

Donations have already started to come in from local businesses, citizens, 4-H members, and families. More information and donation forms will be available during the Highland County Fair, or interested persons may contact the Highland County Extension office (393-1918), Jeff Parry, Committee Chair (393-4020), Bart Evans at Merchants Bank (937-393-7993), or Ken Davis (603-3134 or kendavis@bright.net).