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IIRA's 26th Annual Rural Community Economic Development Conference March 5-6

February 23, 2015

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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, "Rewriting the Rural Narrative," will be 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, who will discuss the three megatrends impacting economic development and site selection, and 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.

"The IIRA focuses primarily on revitalizing rural Illinois communities, and we strive to bring a broad spectrum of topical information together for this unique event," Merritt said. "Ours is the only conference of this type within the state providing a level of expertise to communities that often do not have the resources to contract with consulting firms. By offering this venue, we can provide the representation needed to communities seeking fresh ideas that can be learned relatively quickly and implemented in their own communities."

Scheduled speakers include Chris Beck, USDA-RD, who will explore examples of communities that are 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 iira.org. For more information about the conference, contact Karen Poncin at the IIRA at (800) 526-9943 or visit the IIRA online at iira.org.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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