"Every good idea, every invention, every good opportunity has been birthed in someone's mind. That is what Lawrence County needs - good, creative ideas."

Since he is on the front lines of economic development and commerce in the county, few would dispute that Dr. Bill Dingus knows what he is talking about.

The executive director of the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation and the county's chamber of commerce wants the community to bring those ideas to the forefront this week.

The LEDC will host the second of two public meetings Thursday designed to solicit feedback on what the future should look like for the rural parts of Lawrence County. The session will be held at 7 p.m. in the Ohio University Southern's Bowman Auditorium.

In August, the LEDC, in conjunction with the Governor's Office of Appalachia and the Foundation for the Tri-State, began a study of economic opportunities in rural Lawrence County. The Lawrence County/Wayne National Forest Potential Enhancement Study will ultimately recommend strategies for the best uses for the county's available resources

At the meeting, residents will be invited to provide their feedback on the preliminary draft recommendations that will be presented at the beginning of the meeting.

The study will recommend economic enhancement strategies based on the county's existing resources and successful practices used in other rural communities.

"I think that people should come because it is an opportunity for them to bring their ideas to the meeting so that they can be put to work in the future," Dingus said.

The potential enhancements study is being prepared by Cincinnati-based consultants Edwards and Kelcey. The plan is also being guided by a steering committee that includes representatives from a variety of Lawrence County organizations.

A final report will be presented later this spring.

The previous meeting held at Symmes Valley High School generated much discussion and debate over where the county is at and where it is going.