We visited Shawnee and the Chesterhill Produce Auction and got to see the strategies and alternative economic models that those communities are utilizing in attempt to stabalize their local economies in ways other than partaking in typical capitalist schemes, like the coal industry which was the original economic model for the region. When coal mining became an unstable form of economy for the region, the locals had to get creative.
In Shawnee, the locals are now utilizing the rich historical past of Southeastern Ohio, also known as the "Little Cities of Black Diamonds". The locals are also using the natural beauty of the region in order to promote economic stimulation through the Buckeye Trail and Tecumseh Lake. There is hope that by preserving their history and natural resources they can use the two initiatives to partake in an alternative economic model. By staying away from typical means of financial income and instead focusing on more sustainable systems, Shawnee is utilizing an alternative economic model.
The Chesterhill Produce Auction is another alternative economic model. Instead of following the typical economic model of the farmers and growers of produce going to farmer's markets or other commerical markets, the Produce Auction prioritizes becoming a "destination" for buyers. By focusing on buyers coming to their marketplace instead of forcing the sellers to go to the buyers, the Chesterhill Produce Auction is an alternative economic model. It's also an alternative economic model because it promotes purchasing produce locally and in Ohio instead of from California, which a poster in the auction place suggested.
Going on the trip to Shawnee and Chesterhill was very eye opening in how small communities can be affected drastically by small and large economic influxes. Shawnee was a very interesting visit, as we got to see the extreme effects of the mining industry leaving, and in turn the employment, economy, and population decrease. Shawnee however was implementing new strategies in the tourism sector to bring a new influx of money and interest to their historic town. Shawnee used their historic claim to fame as one of the "Black Diamonds". Cities and towns that shot up in what seemed like over night, from the coal industry making towns like Shawnee and other "Black Diamonds Cities" economic powerhouses and population centers for the Appalachian area. Shawnee also used the natural beauty of surrounding Wayne Nation Forest to supplement their economy; through a wide range of local attractions available for any tourist looking to explore the natural splendor of the area.
The second half of our trip took us to the community hub of Chesterhill County, The Chesterhill Produce Auction. It was here at the auction one could really see a real since of the community coming together to supplement the local economy. The alternative economic model established there was very useful for the local community, in that a large proportion of the population of Chesterhill County consist of horse and wagon transportation. As our guide put it, when creating the auction they wanted to create a "destination" so that producers from all over the county could bring their goods, and in turn reach a larger market of buyers. These buyers could include anyone from restaurants, business owners, or just individuals from outside of the county. This model was very successful from what I could observe Saturday, even with quite heavy rains the auction had many happy customers. Overall, this trip was quite interesting and fun, It was also very helpful in getting to see alternative forms or economic models out there and ones that seem to be not only viable but good for the local population as a whole.
We visited Shawnee and the Chesterhill Produce Auction and got to see the strategies and alternative economic models that those communities are utilizing in attempt to stabalize their local economies in ways other than partaking in typical capitalist schemes, like the coal industry which was the original economic model for the region. When coal mining became an unstable form of economy for the region, the locals had to get creative.
ReplyDeleteIn Shawnee, the locals are now utilizing the rich historical past of Southeastern Ohio, also known as the "Little Cities of Black Diamonds". The locals are also using the natural beauty of the region in order to promote economic stimulation through the Buckeye Trail and Tecumseh Lake. There is hope that by preserving their history and natural resources they can use the two initiatives to partake in an alternative economic model. By staying away from typical means of financial income and instead focusing on more sustainable systems, Shawnee is utilizing an alternative economic model.
The Chesterhill Produce Auction is another alternative economic model. Instead of following the typical economic model of the farmers and growers of produce going to farmer's markets or other commerical markets, the Produce Auction prioritizes becoming a "destination" for buyers. By focusing on buyers coming to their marketplace instead of forcing the sellers to go to the buyers, the Chesterhill Produce Auction is an alternative economic model. It's also an alternative economic model because it promotes purchasing produce locally and in Ohio instead of from California, which a poster in the auction place suggested.
Going on the trip to Shawnee and Chesterhill was very eye opening in how small communities can be affected drastically by small and large economic influxes. Shawnee was a very interesting visit, as we got to see the extreme effects of the mining industry leaving, and in turn the employment, economy, and population decrease. Shawnee however was implementing new strategies in the tourism sector to bring a new influx of money and interest to their historic town. Shawnee used their historic claim to fame as one of the "Black Diamonds". Cities and towns that shot up in what seemed like over night, from the coal industry making towns like Shawnee and other "Black Diamonds Cities" economic powerhouses and population centers for the Appalachian area. Shawnee also used the natural beauty of surrounding Wayne Nation Forest to supplement their economy; through a wide range of local attractions available for any tourist looking to explore the natural splendor of the area.
ReplyDeleteThe second half of our trip took us to the community hub of Chesterhill County, The Chesterhill Produce Auction. It was here at the auction one could really see a real since of the community coming together to supplement the local economy. The alternative economic model established there was very useful for the local community, in that a large proportion of the population of Chesterhill County consist of horse and wagon transportation. As our guide put it, when creating the auction they wanted to create a "destination" so that producers from all over the county could bring their goods, and in turn reach a larger market of buyers. These buyers could include anyone from restaurants, business owners, or just individuals from outside of the county. This model was very successful from what I could observe Saturday, even with quite heavy rains the auction had many happy customers. Overall, this trip was quite interesting and fun, It was also very helpful in getting to see alternative forms or economic models out there and ones that seem to be not only viable but good for the local population as a whole.