-Community Vision Statement-

The outward appearance of Winchester suggests a warm, quiet community. Houses and businesses are neat and well-maintained. New subdivisions blend with the older homes to present a picture of a healthy, family-oriented community. Well-maintained streets and sidewalks show a community committed to its future. School facilities, both old and new, suggest excellence inside. Church buildings seem to flourish throughout the community.

Evidence of a solid economy can be seen as one enters the business district. The charm of the past is preserved in the Court House and the older buildings of the central business district that define the picturesque square. Storefronts indicate a thriving and varied mix of goods and services offered to and supported by the community.

Unseen, but certainly felt, is a united, focused, and confident people that through hard work, dedication, innovation and determination guide their community and prepare it for successfully meet future challenges and to welcome new opportunities. The willingness of the people to invest in the future allows Winchester to preserve its proud heritage for generations to come; to be proudly called "home" by its citizens, no matter where life's journey takes them.

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The above was developed and adopted as Winchester's official Community Vision Statement during a series of meetings entitled "Mapping the Future of Winchester." The meetings were sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and utilized resources provided by the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs. The participants involved in the 'mapping' process are community leaders and represent various civic, social and commercial organizations in Winchester. Since the project began, in early 1997, the participants have worked together to identify goals for community improvement and to plan a course of action to accomplish those goals.