University News
Annual Rural Community Development Conference Set for March 5-6 in Peoria
February 14, 2008
MACOMB, IL -- Never before have rural leaders found themselves in a more complex and rapidly changing environment. Competition for business, residents and investment come, not just from neighboring towns, but from across the globe. Innovative solutions are required to ensure continued prosperity for all Illinois citizens, especially those living in rural areas.
Innovative solutions will be the focus of the 19th annual Rural Community Economic Development Conference, sponsored by the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA) at Western Illinois University, in cooperation with Governor's Rural Affairs Council and Rural Partners, Wednesday and Thursday, March 5-6 at the Holiday Inn City Centre, Peoria (IL).
"For many years, rural areas nationwide have lagged behind their metro counterparts in economic growth and prosperity," explained IIRA Director Chris Merrett. "In recent years, however, many rural policymakers have taken stock of the assets in rural areas and have marketed them effectively to help rebuild local economies. New and novel approaches are being tried; resources are being redirected; and businesses are investing in local economic development."
According to Merrett, entrepreneurial approaches have become the mainstay of rural community and economic development. Policymakers are re-evaluating some initiatives that no longer seem to work, and they are working more intensively to identify entrepreneurs and help build their capacity.
"Development practitioners are looking to new types of industries especially suited to rural economies. Ethanol, biodiesel and biotech are just a few examples of approaches that seem to have worked well," he added. "Local culture, the arts and ecosystems also have served as the basis for economic expansion."
Workshop sessions will highlight successful practices from across the U.S. The conference will include sessions on Vermont's Creative Communities initiative, workforce issues and small businesses in the 2000s.
Innovative economic development strategies will also be discussed, including successful efforts at Purdue University Extension and the University of Missouri's Regional Cuisines Project.
Several sessions will also address innovative initiatives that involve entrepreneurship; financing small business startups in rural areas; resident-owned housing; Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and schools; broadband wireless communication systems; and the role of librarians in economic development.
The conference will begin March 5 with a panel discussion, "Rural Illinois in the Future," from 9 - 10:15 a.m. Panelists include Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, Helen Labun Jordon of the Vermont Council on Rural Development and Scott Hutcheson of the Purdue University Extension. Norm Walzer of the IIRA will serve as moderator.
In addition to the March 5-6 conference, a special pre-conference workshop, "Community Housing Needs Assessment," will be held from 1:15-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 4.
Registration, $150 by Monday, Feb. 18 ($160 after Feb. 18 and at the door), should be sent to: Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs, Stipes Hall 518, Western Illinois University, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455-1390, by Wednesday, Feb. 27. Registration can also be made online at www.IIRA.org/news/events.asp, which includes a link to the conference brochure. The pre-conference workshop fee is $25.
For more information, contact Carol Harper, 309/298-2637 or 800/526-9943 or e-mail
CS-Harper@wiu.edu.
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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