Concerned citizens from all around Benton County came to Lincoln’s City Hall to learn the results from a perception study done on the county this past year.
Earlier in 2024, Jo Ann Lane from Benton County Economic Development and Lynette Stokes from Benton County Tourism worked together with MU Trulaske School of Business to facilitate a tourism and economic development study.
The study surveyed people from Benton County and beyond to find out what is needed in our area and what is working in the locale regarding tourism and investors to invest in Benton County. The research team gathered the data by compiling feedback from a detailed survey, going out to residents and visitors to the county.
Some of the key takeaways from the study included, the area is known for its beauty and outdoor offerings. The proximity to lakes, outdoor recreation and the affordability, plus safe environment.
Some weaknesses of the county was listed as lack of indoor activities, new experiences every time I visit, variety for each member of the family, clean hotels and convenient locations and the lack of a variety of restaurants. Benton County did out Truman Lake and Pomme De Terre but trailed Lake of the Ozarks and Table Rock.
Other findings concluded that Benton County has less family households per capita than the national average. Families that do live here are mostly lower middle class and the county needs to find ways to attract upper middle class. 30% of the residents are aged 65 and older, which is much higher than the national average.
The study suggested that the county needs the establishment of more homeowners associations to attract both families and seniors. Most of the current Benton County associations cover seasonal lakeside properties and campgrounds but the county needs more full-time residential associations.
The reports on the study done were lengthy and covered many aspects of need in-depth. The goal of the project was to find ways to attract more visitors and residents alike to Benton County. The members of Benton County Tourism and Recreation understand the county’s potential and want to make sure they are maximizing its current offerings while finding ways for more opportunities to attract more people. It is crucial to research new potential endeavors as a stagnation of offerings could lead to tourism decline over periods of time.
By the end of the evening it was concluded that meetings need to be held similar to those that brought about the forming of a Benton County Economic Development group and the hiring of Jo Ann Lane to spearhead the group. The meeting should be residents from all over the county gathered in groups to kick around ideas and solutions to arrive at what forward path the county could/should take to improve housing, job opportunities and what will enhance the overall image to bring more tourism dollars to the Benton County area.
