Blogs

I recently reviewed the 2016 Forbes' rankings of "Best Countries For Business" and pondered America's slide from the top spot in 2006 to number 24. The respected ...

Data for Decision Makers Resource Guide by Zach Kennedy, Extension Specialist Community and Economic Development Data, when used properly, can improve the effectiveness of your organization or local government. The ability to tell a "data story" is important to understanding the context in which...

One of the pressing issues for rural communities today is the loss of young residents. Many rural communities are currently working on ways to attract and retain youth in rural areas. One of the main strategies thought to attract & retain youth is "actively engaging and consulting youth in...

Canton recently participated in a North Central Regional Center for Rural Development study exploring factors related to a community's success in creating a resilient and vibrant downtown. The Resilient Downtowns Case Study Series was designed to highlight best practices regarding small-town...

Are you interested in learning the how-tos & possibilities of developing a creative economy in your community? On March 5th, Pam Schallhorn, University of Illinois Extension, Community & Economic Development Educator was interviewed in a podcast on Creekside with Don &...

Those who follow economic trends frequently look at entrepreneurial activity as an indicator of economic health. While opinions vary on the current health of entrepreneurship in the U.S. and around the world, there is agreement on the importance of this business sector. Economists applaud the job...

Can arts drive rural economic development? This is a question that I continue to ask myself as I expand Developing the Creative Economy (DCE) that will be presented next in Greenville, IL on February 2, 2017. As some of you are aware, the DCE program is based in part on the work...

Recently Norman Walzer and Jessica Sandoval from the Center for Government Studies at Northern Illinois University in consultation with David Ivan from Michigan State University and Greg Wise from the University of Wisconsin-Extension published a paper on the Emergence and Growth of Community...

Farmington recently participated in a North Central Regional Center for Rural Development study exploring factors related to a community's success in creating a resilient and vibrant downtown. This project will provide local economic development and business leaders with information to support...