Illinois Ag Connection - Rural Community Economic Development Conference Set

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Rural Community Economic Development Conference Set
Illinois Ag Connection - 02/11/2016

In the present rural economic climate, creativity is essential to planning for future success. The 27th annual Rural Community Economic Development Conference, "Creative Strategies for the Future of Rural Illinois," features presenters advancing tested strategies designed to address rural economic development issues. Sponsored 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 conference is set for March 9-10 at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield.

According to IIRA Director Christopher Merrett, the conference provides many opportunities to those interested in learning how to further promote economic development and growth in their own communities.

"This unique event appeals to a broad audience, including elected officials, economic development practitioners and community leaders," Merret said. "Presenters discuss trends affecting rural Illinois, discuss new approaches specifically designed to revitalize communities, and demonstrate ways to identify and accentuate the attributes that enhance the quality of rural living."

The conference opens at 7 p.m., March 8 with a welcome reception, to provide attendees an opportunity to network and socialize with colleagues from across the state. The March 9 plenary session features, "Leaving Home, Exploring, Settling Down: How Young-Adult Migration Shapes Rural Communities," presented by John Cromartie of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service. The opening session will also feature "A New Crowdfunding Tool for Rural Communities" presented by Diane Wolverton, co-founder of The Local Crowd, a company devoted to bringing capital resources to rural America. Wolverton will discuss the method used to support rural fundraising needs for businesses and nonprofits.

Breakout sessions include presentations on tourism, downtown revitalization, community health access and assessment, and the importance of arts and the creative economy to rural regions. Greg Jane, of Telepharm Headquarters in Iowa City, IA, will discuss "Telepharmacy and Economic Development," and David Boulay, (Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center) will present "Working with Manufacturers in Rural Areas." Other sessions will cover rural strategies for incorporating health issues into local policies, building an entrepreneurial ecosystem and developing successful events on a shoestring budget.

Merrett said state agencies, including the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Department of Human Services (DHS) will discuss services and resources available to communities, as well as providing attendees networking opportunities with representatives from state and federal agencies serving rural communities. The conference gives rural entities affordable access to leaders and experts offering practical and useful economic development strategies and techniques.

Registration and information is available online at iira.org. To learn more about the conference, contact Sandy Wittig toll free at (800) 526-9943 FREE.

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