University News
IIRA's 25th Annual Rural Community Economic Development Conference March 5-6
January 29, 2014
MACOMB, IL -- The 25th annual Rural Community Economic Development Conference, "Revitalization and Development Opportunities," is set for Wednesday-Thursday 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.
A welcome reception opens the conference at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, and will provide attendees the opportunity to network and socialize. The March 5 plenary session, "Revitalizing a Local Economy: Northeast Kingdom, Vermont," will be presented by Sarah Waring of the Center for an Agricultural Economy. In addition, the opening session will feature Jim Crandall of the Nebraska Cooperative Development Center; Crandall will present "Cooperatives as a Rural Business Model." Illinois Lt. Governor Sheila Simon, chair of the Governor's Rural Affairs Council, is also tentatively scheduled to provide updates about her rural development agenda.
According to IIRA Director Christopher Merrett, the conference provides ample opportunities for attendees interested in learning more about efforts to promote economic development and growth.
"Attendees will have the opportunity to hear speakers discuss reinvigorating local economies, increasing access to capital for entrepreneurs, revitalizing manufacturing and creating new business models," Merritt said.
Scheduled speakers include Paul Kuchuris of the Association for Manufacturing Excellence, who will discuss innovative manufacturing practices, as well as Sandy Ehrig, from the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, who represents the "Renew Rural Iowa" initiative.
Other sessions include will cover such topics as: rural strategies for financing businesses, development of downtown areas, tourism as a development strategy and disaster preparedness planning. Merritt 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/devconference/register.asp?conferenceid=144. Register by Thursday, Feb. 20 to qualify for the early bird conference rate.
For more information about the conference, contact Karen Poncin toll free at the IIRA at (800) 526-9943. or visit the IIRA online at www.iira.org.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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