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Economic Development

Events

Blog Posts

people sitting around a table
Read article: Extension helps train community development professionals through national organization
Extension helps train community development professionals through national organization
The hallmark of any Extension program is the information shared be research-based and communicated in a manner that helps to drive change in a...
vegetables at a farmers market
Read article: Everything Local conference strengthens Illinois food supply chain
Everything Local conference strengthens Illinois food supply chain
Illinois producers and agribusiness leaders are increasingly seeking new opportunities to boost local food systems. Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB),...
Photo of Main Street in Havana, IL
Read article: Havana benefits from Illinois Rural Tourism research
Havana benefits from Illinois Rural Tourism research
Many small rural towns in Illinois are experiencing an economic downturn due to reasons beyond their control. One town,...
Profile picture of Richard Proffer, new Extension community and economic development educator
Read article: Richard Proffer hired as new Extension community and economic development educator
Richard Proffer hired as new Extension community and economic development educator
University of Illinois Extension, Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit is pleased to announce...

News Releases

mural in downtown Cuba, Illinois
New webinar series launched for small business owners
Small businesses form the backbone of Illinois’ economy, especially in smaller cities and rural areas.  With this in mind, a team from University of Illinois Extension, together with the Illinois...
A pair of hands stirring a pot as a pan of sausages fries in the foreground.
Local high schools face off in Regional 4-H Food Challenge
URBANA, Ill — Teams from five local high schools gathered in Bevier Hall on the University of Illinois Campus for the Regional 4-H Food Challenge competition on April 12. The 4-H Food Challenge is a competition that promotes teamwork, gives youth experience in public speaking, and promotes...

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
Amanda Cole

Amanda Cole

Strategy, Planning and Implementation Assistant Director