University News
IIRA's 26th Annual Rural Community Economic Development Conference March 5-6
February 9, 2015
MACOMB, IL — The 26th annual Rural Community Economic Development Conference, "Designing and Creating Economic Recovery in Rural Illinois," is set for Thursday-Friday March 5-6 at the Marriott Pere Marquette in Peoria (IL). Presented by the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA) at Western Illinois University, in conjunction with the Governor's Rural Affairs Council and Rural Partners, the annual event features presenters from throughout the country who offer tested strategies specifically designed to address rural economic development issues.
The conference opens at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, with a welcome reception to provide attendees an opportunity to network and socialize. The March 5 plenary session features, "Rewriting the Rural Narrative," presented by Ben Winchester of the University of Minnesota Extension Center for Community Vitality. The opening session will also feature "Rural Economic Development Toolbox" presented by Janet Ady of AdyVoltedge. She will discuss the three megatrends impacting economic development and site selection, as well as what they mean for smaller, rural communities in Illinois.
According to IIRA Director Christopher Merrett, the conference offers many opportunities to those interested in learning how to further promote economic development and growth in their own communities.
"Even though the economy is showing signs of recovery, it remains more difficult for rural communities to rebound economically. Participants will have the opportunity to hear speakers discuss business models specifically tailored to address these challenges," Merritt said.
Scheduled speakers include Chris Beck, USDA-RD, who will explore examples of communities investing in arts and culture to revitalize their towns and local economies, as well as Amy Clinton, from Accion Chicago, part of the largest micro-lending network in the US. Accion provides the credit and training necessary to help small business owners increase their incomes, create new jobs and strengthen their communities.
Other sessions will cover such topics as: rural strategies for financing businesses, development through entrepreneurship, tourism as a development strategy and the in-migration trend of young adults who are starting businesses and seeking places to live that better suit their tastes.
Merrett said attendees will also have important networking opportunities to meet colleagues from across the state, as well as representatives from state and federal agencies serving rural communities.
Cost and registration information are available online at www.iira.org. Register by Friday, Feb. 20 to qualify for the early bird conference rate.
For more information about the conference, contact Karen Poncin at the IIRA at (800) 526-9943, at (309) 298-2622 or visit the IIRA at www.iira.org.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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