Areas of Focus

Our Board Members and the Citizens know – Bertie is beautiful and while there are some obstacles to tackle, we have the assets and personal commitment to create new opportunities and promise.

Youth

Our Youth are the future of Bertie. By enveloping youth in projects and initiatives that focus on community, assets and new locally-based career paths we’re visioning a bright and productive future.

Education

Our Youth need a diverse education network for them to envision a future full of opportunities and options. They also may need resources to help them take that step – POB initiates and supports projects that provide additional skills; builds relationships with higher learning institutions to add career education for rural job potential beyond the traditional career choices; and can assist with post high school education choices.

Environmental Stewardship

Bertie’s natural surroundings are treasures - waterways, miles of woods and wetlands, geological formations, and fields busy with agriculture. Stewardship means taking care of our assets, so we don’t become like everyone else - where change has ruined the treasures.

Vibrant Communities

Restoring our rural hometowns is critical for Bertie’s future and our citizens emotional, mental, and physical health.

Cultural & Historical Preservation

Restoring our rural hometowns is critical for Bertie’s future and our citizens emotional, mental, and physical health. Driving past vacant, crumbling structures doesn’t provide hope, encourage small business start-ups, welcome a traveler to stop and spend money. Potential new residents don’t desire to put down roots, and our youth leave for greener pastures.

Civic Engagement

It’s all about communication. From celebrating our successes, large and small, to engaging with one another on issues that affect us all is necessary. Let’s work together to share, inspire, and tackle obstacles by focusing on our path forward – productive conversation is key.

Asset-Based Economic Diversity

By responsibly promoting our assets, we can build a more diverse local economy that isn’t dependent solely upon large corporations, government, or chain stores for employment. Rural America is waking up to learn that their often taken-for-granted natural surroundings have become treasured destinations and sought-after experiences.

Capacity Building

Rural communities have the potential to thrive. The “assets” are there to create a sustainable future without changing “who we are”. The key element missing is capacity building – knowledge of and ability to put action-oriented steps into place. Pride is that connector.