Blog Posts

Scrabble pieces spelling the word Leadership
Read article: Community Leadership for Rural Illinois
Community Leadership for Rural Illinois
In the realm of community development, discussions about creating leadership opportunities in rural American communities abound. Some advocate for...
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Read article: Boost your brand: Marketing for small-business owners
Boost your brand: Marketing for small-business owners
Running a small business is no easy feat. With a never-ending to-do list, promotional planning often takes a backseat. Unfortunately, this lack of...
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Read article: Elmwood gears up for increased tourism with Illinois Extension
Elmwood gears up for increased tourism with Illinois Extension
Elmwood is a small town in west central Peoria County, with a population close to 2,000 people. It has a wealth of cultural arts and natural assets...
Chef Adonis Jackson preps chicken wings
Read article: IL-EATS provides ‘home-cooked’ goodness for Illinois veterans at The Joseph Center
IL-EATS provides ‘home-cooked’ goodness for Illinois veterans at The Joseph Center
The journey home for some military veterans isn’t without its own battles. The Joseph Center...

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...

Videos

From Farm to Community: The Impact of IL-EATS.

Through IL-EATS, Illinois farmers and food access partners came together to strengthen local food systems while feeding their communities. This video shares their experiences and highlights how the program expanded markets, increased access to fresh, local food, and built a more resilient supply...

Community Benefits Program

Your community is not at the whim of renewable energy developers. Companies who want to build in your area are often obligated to partner with you to provide economic and community development benefits. Join this webinar to learn more about these Community Benefits programs and how you can make...

Staff

Susan Odum

Susan Odum

Community and Economic Development Specialist
Zachary Kennedy

Zachary Kennedy

Extension State Specialist, Community and Economic Development
Laura Payne

Laura Payne

Professor, Extension Specialist, Director of the Office of Recreation & Park Resources (ORPR)