Events

Blog Posts

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Manito Revive & Thrive community meetings makes for village revitalization
What began as a simple phone call from Jerald Schier, Manito village trustee, in Spring 2024 grew...
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How a revived downtown space strengthened community ties and local prosperity
Across many small towns, revitalization often begins with one simple but powerful spark: someone deciding to reinvest in a long-neglected space. This...
Support your local grocer
Want to know a secret? Your local, independent grocer loves you. Truly. They love your hometown, your traditions, your Friday-night ballgames, and...
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Take advantage of living in a small pond
For young adults or their parents, small towns may not seem like the most exciting places to live compared to the big city. However, they offer...
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News Releases

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Small Business Growth series offered locally
Many small business owners start their business believing their hard work will make it successful. Then over time, they realize the need for other pieces of information to help them make better and more profitable decisions.  That other information is the basis of the upcoming “Small...
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Small Businesses can gain valuable lessons at OSHA Basics 101 workshop
PEKIN, Ill. – Small business owners take on a lot of different roles and responsibilities. It can become overwhelming at times to manage it all. The safety and well-being of their employees is an essential aspect of any business owner. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration...
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Videos

Transitioning Energy Economies: Rural Clean Energy (2023)

Co-hosts: University of Illinois Extension, Prairie Rivers Network, Just Transition Fund, USDA Rural Development

This webinar series will explore state and federal opportunities related to the energy transition, including clean energy programs, transportation electrification, and other...

Staff

Susan Odum

Susan Odum

Community and Economic Development Specialist
Zachary Kennedy

Zachary Kennedy

Extension State Specialist, Community and Economic Development
Mark White

Mark White

Interim Assistant Dean and Program Leader, Community and Economic Development
Amanda Cole

Amanda Cole

Strategy, Planning and Implementation Assistant Director
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