Washington, D.C. (Dec. 10, 2024)—The Purchase Area Development District (PADD) based in Mayfield, Kentucky, has received a 2024 Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) for the Fulton County Rural Partners Network (RPN).
PADD facilitates the RPN, which promotes collaboration among small rural communities, helping them access larger funding sources, develop innovative solutions, and improve infrastructure by pooling resources and expertise. It provides hands-on technical assistance to RPN Community Networks facing significant resource gaps. These networks consist of local leaders and stakeholders who work together to identify and address high-priority community needs, supported by additional technical and financial resources.
Funded through the USDA Rural Partners Network program, the RPN Community Liaison role is key in connecting these communities with support. The project's success in Fulton County has led the USDA to replicate its efforts, expanding the Fulton County RPN to include neighboring Hickman, Carlisle, and Ballard counties, with plans to incorporate Lake County, Tennessee.
Project partners include Fulton County, the City of Fulton, the City of Hickman, the City of South Fulton, Tennessee, Hickman County, Carlisle County, Ballard County, and the USDA Kentucky Rural Development state office.
"We are honored to receive the Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Award from NADO for the Fulton County Rural Partners Network," said PADD Executive Director Jeremy Buchanan. "This recognition highlights the dedication of local leaders and stakeholders in our rural communities who work tirelessly to drive positive change. By fostering collaboration and connecting communities with vital resources, the RPN program has not only strengthened Fulton County but has also paved the way for regional expansion into neighboring counties. We look forward to continuing our efforts to improve infrastructure, boost economic opportunities and enhance the quality of life for all residents."
NADO is a Washington, DC-based membership association of regional development organizations that promotes programs and policies that strengthen local governments, communities and economies through regional cooperation, program delivery and comprehensive strategies. The Impact Awards program recognizes regional development organizations and their partners for improving the economic and community competitiveness of our nation's regions and local communities.
Award-winning projects were recognized during NADO's 2024 Annual Training Conference held in New Orleans Oct. 21-24. The 2024 class of award recipients consists of 98 projects from 64 organizations spanning 21 states. The NADO Impact Awards are presented in honor of the late Aliceann Wohlbruck who served as NADO's first executive director for 24 years as a tireless champion for regional approaches to economic development in rural communities.
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