University News

IIRA Presents 33rd Annual Economic Development Conference Feb. 23

February 14, 2022

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MACOMB, IL – The Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA) at Western Illinois University, in partnership with the Governor's Rural Affairs Council and Rural Partners, will host the 33rd annual (virtual) Rural Community Economic Development Conference, "Repositioning Rural for Economies of the Future," Wednesday, Feb. 23.

Registration, which is $50 per person, can be completed at iira.org/event-registration/?ee=58.
According to IIRA Director Chris Merrett, recent census data show that while there have been rural population declines, there have been numerous technology advances.

"Remote work opportunities, coupled with a preference for living in nonmetro areas, suggest that the future for many rural communities can be bright. However, communities must reshape their workforces to take advantage of these trends, revitalize their downtowns and provide a high quality of life to attract residents," he noted. "This action-oriented, virtual conference will provide steps that communities can take to reshape their economies, implement advances in broadband and telehealth and collaborate with regional centers."

During the opening panel session, which will be moderated by Merrett, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, Deputy Gov. Andy Manar and Neil Linscheid of the University of Minnesota will discuss challenges to overcome in rural Illinois. In addition, WIU President Guiyou Huang will provide a welcome to open this year's conference. Other sessions will focus on main street businesses and healthcare, economic development, partnerships and more. For a complete list of sessions, visit iira.org/annual-rural-economic-development-conference.

For more information, contact IIRA at (309) 298-2637.

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